The results of a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll have revealed that only 40 percent of voters agree that President Joe Biden is in good health and 46 percent believe he is mentally fit — numbers that suggest a significant drop in confidence in the 78-year-old president.
Biden’s overall approval rating has also taken a hit, falling to 36% according to another recent poll, with one in five registered Democrats not approving of the job he’s doing. These trends are especially concerning given the president’s advanced age — at 78, he is currently the oldest president ever to serve.
The fact that many Americans are questioning Biden’s physical and mental fitness may be linked to his frequent gaffes and misstatements, as well as to his chaotic decision making process. The former vice president has made numerous false statements while on the campaign trail and since taking office, giving rise to questions over whether he has lost his cognitive abilities or simply forgotten key facts. He has also been criticized for flip-flopping on important issues such as immigration and for failing to stick to any particular agenda.
Such behavior by a sitting US President does not bode well for a confident America going forward. Not only does it erode public trust in the office of the President, but it could directly lead to an erosion of our standing abroad as other nations begin to question our leader’s reliability and ability make decisions under pressure.
It remains to be seen what effect these doubts will have on Biden’s ability to effectively fulfill his duties over the next four years, but it is certain that they will continue to dog him throughout his tenure unless drastic changes are made soon. It appears that more scrutiny needs to be placed on the President’s mental acuity if we are truly going to determine whether or not he can handle the duties of Commander-in-Chief with competence. The American people need reassurance that their leader is up for the challenge — if not, then perhaps it’s time for a change at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
