Can Joe Overcome His Age?

In the two weeks since his disastrous debate performance, Joe Biden has been flying around the country, giving speeches and trying to show his vitality.

He sat for a rare network interview and did a press conference to begin his comeback. He did okay in both.
To those who wanted him to withdraw from the race, it was the worse possible outcome.

And then he got Covid.

Let’s face it:  If the main question for him is “Are you fit for the Presidency?” he and America loses.

The American people want to hear how he’ll improve their lives.  He can’t do that when he’s discussing his health.

Given his evident pride in his achievements and his desire to do more, this has to be a very difficult time for him.  It certainly is for Democrats.  Yet no one, not even his strongest supporters, has suggested that the concerns aren’t warranted.

The loyalty of Democratic political officials to him is touching, and deserved.  But the slippage in his party’s support seems inexorable.  Democratic voters will stay with him no matter what. But it’s hard to see how he can reinvent himself completely enough in the coming weeks to give swing voters confidence in his ability to win and to lead.

Whatever he decides, he and Democrats have to work nonstop to o turn those questions of cognition and fitness to Trump.