A recent New York Times article sheds light on President Biden's efforts to counter perceptions about his age and fitness for office, and how those efforts sometimes backfired. The report reveals that President Biden, sensitive to criticisms regarding his age, actively sought to demonstrate his physical vigor. However, these attempts, driven by a combination of pride and an old-school belief in showcasing physical strength, occasionally had the opposite effect.

According to the Times, Biden's strategist, Mike Donlon, had warned the president in 2022 that public perception of his age was a significant challenge. While Biden acknowledged the concern, it seemingly fueled his determination to defy expectations, contributing to his decision to seek re-election despite earlier indications to the contrary. His successful legislative achievements and the Democratic Party's performance in the 2022 midterm elections further solidified his resolve.

The president's desire to project an image of vitality led to several incidents that inadvertently highlighted his age. For instance, following a foot fracture sustained while playing with his dog shortly before his inauguration, Biden opted against wearing an orthopedic boot, choosing instead to wear regular shoes to avoid appearing frail. According to the Times, this decision hindered proper healing and contributed to a persistent gait issue.

Another example cited in the report is Biden's bicycle incident in the summer of 2022. While biking near his Delaware home, he stopped to interact with onlookers and reporters, but his feet became entangled in the pedal toe cages, causing him to fall. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral and provided ammunition for his critics. The Times even mentioned that the fall was subsequently featured on political attack T-shirts.

Perhaps the most notable incident, as described by the Times, was Biden's stumble over a sandbag during the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony. The length of time it took Secret Service agents to help him up further amplified the impression of frailty, particularly on television.