In a recent op-ed for The Guardian, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, 76, who served under Bill Clinton, says Joe Biden shouldn’t seek a second term in 2024 —and it’s not the dying we should be worried about.
“It’s not death that’s the worrying thing about a second Biden term,” Reich says about the 79-year-old commander-in-chief. “It’s the dwindling capacities that go with aging.”
Biden would be 82 years old at the start of his second term —the oldest POTUS ever.
“I often can’t remember where I put my wallet and keys. Certain proper nouns have disappeared altogether. Even when rediscovered, they have a diabolical way of disappearing again,” Reich says.
“Biden’s secret service detail can worry about his wallet, and he’s got a teleprompter for wayward nouns, but I’m sure he’s experiencing some diminution in the memory department,” Reich continues. “I’m also noticing less patience, perhaps because of an unconscious ‘use by’ timer now clicking away. I’m less tolerant of long waiting lines, automated phone menus, and Republicans.”
“How the hell does Biden maintain tact or patience when he has to deal with Joe Manchin?” Reich says.
“Joe, please don’t run,” Reich pleads.
Continue reading over at The Guardian:
“I once asked Ted Kennedy how he recalled names and he advised that if a man is over 50, just ask ‘How’s the back?’ and he’ll think you know him.” https://t.co/vp7HIVW2JT
— Robert Kahn (@RobertKahn) July 18, 2022