There are reported frustrations within President Joe Biden’s inner circle regarding his rigorous schedule and insistence on pushing himself to the limits despite his age, according to a detailed report by Axios’s Alex Thompson. The report highlights concerns that Biden, at 81 years old, may not fully realize how his actions can be perceived and how they contribute to concerns about his age.
While Biden is described as extraordinarily energetic for his age, some aides believe he underestimates the impact of his demanding schedule on his public image. The president’s tendency to wear himself out and appear fatigued during public events can exacerbate concerns about his age.
The report notes that First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has actively played a role in encouraging her husband to scale back his schedule, adopt healthier habits, and prioritize rest. This effort to rein in Biden’s workaholic tendencies is not new, as Biden mentioned in his 2017 memoir, “Promise Me, Dad,” that Jill Biden had previously expressed concerns about his exhausting workload.
During an appearance on CNN This Morning, Thompson explained that the tension arises from the desire to maintain Biden’s vigor and appearance while recognizing that he cannot sustain the same level of activity as he did a decade or more ago. Staff members are reportedly attempting to strike a balance, encouraging the president to do less and prioritize adequate rest to present a more vigorous image during the limited events he undertakes.
Despite the tensions, Thompson emphasized that many on Biden’s team are impressed by the president’s extraordinary level of activity at his age. The challenge lies in managing Biden’s expectations and helping him recognize the need for adjustments in his schedule.
Current and former aides say Biden is extraordinarily energetic for his age. But his repeated insistence that he feels so young can draw eye rolls: Some current and former aides believe Biden doesn’t realize how old he can come across. …
Biden pushing up against his limits sometimes creates a cycle in which he wears himself out, then appears fatigued during public events — which can increase concerns about his age, even when he’s taking on a rigorous schedule.
“He is his own worst enemy when it comes to his schedule,” a former Biden aide said.
