Staff ReportsPresident Joe Biden marked his 82nd birthday with all the excitement of a cardboard box—celebrating alone at home after a remarkably uneventful jaunt to South America, reminiscent of a stroll through an empty park. As Biden reached the milestone, the absence of public festivities was glaring. One might say it’s fitting for a man who has perfected the art of avoiding questions, especially during what was meant to be a diplomatic trip.
Throughout his Latin American adventure, which boasted stops in the cultural hotspots of Peru and Brazil, Biden had more important matters on his mind than entertaining the press. Instead of engaging with reporters eager to ask questions, he left them to play their version of “Guess What the President is Thinking,” a game that, to no one’s surprise, ended in silence. It seems the gift he bestowed on the traveling press corps was a hearty dose of radio silence, leaving them with the same perplexed expressions typically reserved for those watching grass grow on a dry summer day.
Reporters scream at Biden during his trip: "For your birthday, will you talk to us, sir? As a gift to the press, will you please talk to us?"
"We haven't heard from you all trip, Mr. President." pic.twitter.com/Iegl3BXp43
— TFTC (@TFTC21) November 19, 2024
As he was preparing to return home, a journalist desperately attempted to engage Biden in conversation, pleading for a birthday gift in the form of dialogue—an overture mysteriously ignored by the President. It’s almost poetic how Biden can bring such a profound sense of mystery to being in the public eye. Where other leaders might bask in the glow of media attention, Biden seems to favor the cloistered comfort of his thoughts, drifting through his presidency like an outdated email.
Biden’s record-breaking age doesn’t just stand out in his birthday celebrations; it’s a focal point of his presidency as he becomes the first sitting president to hit the big 8-2 while still in office. At the start of his presidency, he was already older than Ronald Reagan, who was wrapping up his presidential term. Now, with his electoral clumsiness, Biden must confront the fact that Donald Trump is primed to make history once more, taking office again at an age that brings his age differential with Biden into sharp focus. Maybe Biden should look into the “ageless wonder” routine that fared better for Reagan and the actors he has shadowed.
It’s worth noting Biden’s recent performance in the political arena, which seemed more like a comedy of errors than a presidential campaign. His lackluster showing during the first debate ended his re-election aspirations earlier than even a chaotic family holiday would. The vice-presidential podium has gotten cozy with Kamala Harris, who at least has decades of life experience ahead of her—yet one can only wonder how long she’ll remain the torchbearer while the Biden legacy flickers uncertainly.
The possibility of him serving until the tender age of 86 is abruptly dashed by the reality of his current standing. Biden’s age is a recurring theme, raising more eyebrows than applause in the political landscape. As many conservatives would say, perhaps 82 was a milestone better spent reminiscing than running the country, especially with the pressing issues at hand. The political stage could use a bit more action, even if it comes with a few birthdays along the way.
