Has the State of the Union altered voters’ perceptions of Biden?

President Joe Biden delivered a fiery State of the Union address on Thursday, aiming to dispel doubts about his age and ability to lead the country. At 81, Biden is the oldest president in office, and concerns about his age have been a recurring theme in discussions about his re-election bid.

Political pundits and analysts praised Biden’s roughly 60-minute speech as “forceful” and “fiery,” with many noting his quick wit and sharp responses to Republican hecklers. The speech seemed to have an impact on some voters, including members of our US voter panel who had previously expressed concerns about Biden’s age.

Aylon Gipson, a 21-year-old economics student from Alabama, admitted to having reservations about Biden’s age, comparing him to his own grandmother. However, after witnessing Biden’s passionate speech, Gipson expressed newfound confidence in the president and pledged to vote for him in the upcoming election.

On the other hand, Darlene Buhler, a 65-year-old Republican from South Dakota, remained unconvinced by Biden’s performance, describing him as a “grumpy old man” who failed to meet her expectations. Buhler expressed a preference for former President Donald Trump, whom she viewed as the “lesser of two evils.”

Amy Kalokerinos, a 42-year-old Independent from New York, praised Biden’s speech as the best of his career, highlighting his forceful delivery and stern demeanor. Despite her concerns about both candidates’ age, Kalokerinos indicated that she would vote for anyone but Trump in the upcoming election.

Michelle Dunkley, a 60-year-old Democrat from New Jersey, acknowledged Biden’s age as a concern but stated her intention to vote for him again in November. She emphasized the need for younger leadership in the country but expressed a preference for Biden over Trump.

Karen Kemp, a 48-year-old Democrat from Connecticut, admitted to worrying about Biden’s performance at the podium but was ultimately impressed by his energy and experience. Kemp highlighted the clear distinctions drawn by Biden in his speech between his vision for the country and that of his predecessor.

Overall, Biden’s State of the Union address appears to have resonated with some voters, reassuring them of his ability to lead despite his age. As the election approaches, the debate over age and leadership will continue to be a central theme in discussions about the future of the country.