At 81 years old, Joe Biden predates NATO’s formation by more than six years. Yet even as the alliance rings in its platinum jubilee, marking 75 years of existence with a three-day gathering in Washington, D.C. this week, the president’s own age remains the subject of intense scrutiny.
With his re-election campaign in full-blown crisis mode thanks to an abject debate performance last month, all eyes were on Biden as he delivered the summit’s opening speech—which was intended to serve as proof positive of his mental and physical fitness as much as it was a rallying call to global leaders.
“This moment in history calls for our collective strength,” Biden said.
