Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford defended President Biden's record against ongoing concerns over the president's mental fitness ahead of the upcoming November election, attributing some criticism to ageism and ableism.
Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford (D) ignited a heated debate this week by attributing ongoing concerns over President Biden's mental fitness to "ageism" and "ableism." Horsford made the comments on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, where he defended Biden's record against critics who have called for him to step aside following a perceived lackluster debate performance.
Phillip noted that a majority of voters, including Democrats, express doubts about Biden's ability to serve. Horsford countered by stating that the conversation had been "bogged down" by ageism, which he found "interesting."
Ageism and Ableism Bog Down Biden's Conversation, Says Democratic Rep
"I find interesting that the issue is more around ageism, ableism, and not what this president, President Biden, has done," Horsford said. "His age didn't keep him from lifting 50% of children out of poverty. His age did not prevent him from passing a bipartisan infrastructure law. His age didn't prevent him from passing the bipartisan Safer Communities Act in order to keep our community safe from gun violence. It is his experience and his civility, because he actually cares about the American people."
Horsford, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), met with Biden virtually on Monday, where the president sought to reassure members of his party that he is up to the job. Biden reportedly thanked them for their support and pledged loyalty in return. Horsford subsequently endorsed Biden during the CNN segment.
Ageism and Ableism Bog Down Biden's Conversation, Says Democratic Rep
"Clearly, this president is fit to serve. He has been fighting for the American people. I know more than 14 million Americans have already voted for him, including those in my state of Nevada. We need to honor and respect the will of the voters who have selected him as our Democratic nominee," Horsford said.
Despite Horsford's endorsement, other Democratic lawmakers have called for Biden to leave the ticket. Democratic Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), and others have publicly urged Biden to step aside.
Ageism and Ableism Bog Down Biden's Conversation, Says Democratic Rep
The White House Press Corps has defended its coverage of Biden's age, stating that it is a "complicated" issue. However, critics argue that the focus on Biden's age is unnecessary and disrespectful.
The debate over Biden's mental fitness is likely to continue as the November election approaches. Horsford's defense of Biden against accusations of ageism and ableism has added another layer of complexity to the discussion. It remains to be seen whether the electorate will ultimately agree with Horsford's assessment or if concerns about Biden's age and mental acuity will influence the outcome of the election.
