Hillary Clinton has said that Joe Biden’s age is a “legitimate issue” - but advised the president to “lean in” to his experience as he bids to win successive elections.
Mr Biden, 81, last week appeared to confuse the leaders of Mexico and Egypt while refuting allegations that he has a bad memory - to add further weight to detractors’ claims he is too frail to be running again for four more years come January.
Former Democratic nominee Ms Clinton spoke on Sunday, as Donald Trump tried to gather support for the Republican nomination by saying he would encourage Russia to strike Nato members to pay too little.
Ms Clinton failed to defeat Mr Trump at the ballot box in 2016 but is hoping her successor will secure successive wins over the Republican party in November.
She told MSNBC host Alex Wagner: “I talked to people in the White House all the time, and you know, they know it’s an issue, but as I like to say, look, it’s a legitimate issue.
“It’s a legitimate issue for [former President] Trump who’s only three years younger. So, it’s an issue.”
“I think Biden also should lean into the fact that he’s experienced and that experience is not just in the political arena. It’s like, the stuff of, you know, human experience,” she added.
“I think he should be willing to really pull that out … and I think he should care more about it.”
In his press conference Mr Biden repeatedly said that there was no problem with his memory although 67 per cent of US voters said in a poll they had concerns.
“I’m for Joe Biden for reelection on the merits because I think he’s done a really good job as president,” Ms Clinton said.
“So, I think he should continue to get out and campaign.”
