Joe Biden turns 80, but no public celebration planned by White House

Washington:

For the first time in history, a sitting president turned 80 at the White House on Sunday but did not celebrate publicly.

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that First Lady Jill Biden posted a loving message, with two photos of the couple dancing in tuxedos and gala attire.

“There’s no one else I’d rather dance with than you. Happy Birthday Joe! Love you,” Jill Biden tweeted.

There’s no one else I’d rather dance with than you.

Happy birthday, Joe! I love you.💕 pic.twitter.com/7GmgE5vbqy

— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) November 20, 2022

It was the only mention of the White House’s birthday, and with no public event planned, no indication emerged of how, or even if, the president would celebrate his birthday.

Just a day earlier, the Biden family had hosted a large-scale celebration at the White House — the wedding of Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi, which was closed to the press.

Biden has an important question to discuss with his family in the coming days – whether he will seek re-election in 2024.

He told a Nov. 9 press conference that he “intended” to show up, and said he and his wife would “get away” for a week sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. to decide with his family.

He promised to make his decision public in early 2023.

Various recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans do not want Biden to run again.

While influential figures over the age of 70 or even 75 are numerous in the American political landscape, the midterm elections have brought a first generational change within the Democratic Party.

Representative Nancy Pelosi, 82, announced her decision on Thursday not to seek another term as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Biden underwent a thorough medical about a year ago, and the results concluded he was “a healthy, vigorous man” who is fit to serve as president.

But the rigors of the Oval Office have also scarred Biden, who now walks with a stiffer gait and suffers moments of confusion.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)