My colleague Alana Goodman has unearthed a radio interview Joe Biden gave in 1975 in which he advanced the bizarre argument that racial integration through school busing was a “rejection of the whole movement of black pride.” For more context, you can listen to the audio or read the transcript here. The revelation underscores the central problem facing Biden’s potential presidential campaign: It isn’t his age per se, but it’s the fact that he’s outdated.
That is, even though Biden would be 78 by the time he theoretically could take the oath of office, that’s a challenge that may be able to be overcome if he’s able to show himself as being healthy and vibrant and otherwise connects with voters. The bigger issue for him is that he was in federal politics since becoming senator in 1973 — nearly a half a century ago. During that time, the country, and especially the Democratic Party, has changed dramatically.
[Related: Joe Biden, 75, says age is ‘legitimate’ issue when considering 2020 candidates]
Decades ago, Democrats had to navigate a much different world, and they often expressed views or displayed behavior that is now viewed as retrograde.
Not even officially a candidate, Biden has already been forced to apologize for supporting the 1994 crime bill, after liberals cited it in attacking him for having a role in ushering in an era of mass incarceration. He’s also been put on the defensive for his handling of the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Any presidential candidacy would probably resurface other old statements, such as his remark that “[y]ou cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent.” His handsy moments in public with younger women are likely to be viewed in a renewed light in the #MeToo era, especially when he’d be running against several female challengers. As a white male seeking to lead the Democrats, these issues will be especially difficult to confront.
Of course, this becomes a double problem for Biden because opponents can attack him for positions he took decades ago and also reinforce the age issue without directly saying he’s too old to serve as president.
