Pete Buttigieg says the ‘age of a leader’s ideas’ is more important than their actual age as Biden, 81, faces criticism for his fitness for office

Pete Buttigieg insists the age of President Joe Biden’s ‘ideas’ is more important than his age on paper.

The transport secretary defended the 81-year-old president against attacks on his age and fitness for office, arguing that his policies and ideas are in line with younger generations.

Specifically, Buttigieg pointed to Biden’s views on climate issues, protecting LGBTQ rights and restoring access to abortion nationwide.

ABC News This Week host George Stephenopoulos asked Buttigieg how Biden, who would be 82 at the start of a second term, can be the “candidate of change” given his long career in politics.

“What matters most is the age of a leader’s ideas,” assured Buttigieg.

“Similarly, if you look at some of the issues that are particularly important to younger generations like LGBTQ equality,” Buttigieg added, arguing that Biden is more aligned with younger people on this issue.

“And then of course the issue that I think affects the choices of all generations,” he said, referring to access to abortion. ‘Look, the last president, President Trump kept his promise to end freedom of choice in America. It’s one of the few promises he kept.’

Trump, 77, is four years younger than Biden.

When Trump was inaugurated in January 2017, he was the oldest president ever at age 70—beating Ronald Reagan’s record of 69. But then Biden took that title when he was elected at age 78.

“Look at the changes he’s brought about,” Buttigieg said of Biden’s presidency so far.

Biden has come under intense fire for his age — even from Trump’s campaign, despite their closeness in age.

At a rally in Rome, Georgia on Saturday, Trump insisted it was not just about age, but more about the person’s ‘competence’. He claims that Biden is not competent regardless of his age.

Biden’s falls, trips and verbal outbursts have all led to speculation — especially from Republicans — that he is unfit to serve another term.

If elected to a second term in November 2024, Biden would be 86 by the time he leaves office.