ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has stirred controversy by claiming President Joe Biden is too old to run for re-election in 2024. The talking head cited the responsibilities of the presidency as too extensive for someone in their 80s. Smith said he wasn’t suggesting Biden was feeble, but the presidency required focus, energy and the ability to think on one’s feet that older people might lack. Smith even suggested ex-First Lady Michelle Obama would be a “slam dunk” candidate for the Democratic Party, with the charisma, intelligence and youthfulness to succeed. Smith’s comments have been called ageist, while some on the right have been accused of using them as evidence of Joe Biden’s qualifications for office.
