Most Americans believe that both age and health limit Joe Biden's (age 80, born 1942) ability to serve as president. Forty-five percent say the current White House occupant is "severely" constrained in performing his duties, while 34% see at least these variables as making it "a little" more difficult for him to do his job. Approval of the head of the Administration's management continues to be at a low ebb (42%), especially among Hispanics (37%), and 64% believe that the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to a survey by The Economist/YouGov conducted after Biden's fall, the president is considered the most affected by his health and age challenges among older politicians. Even Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein (89 years old), who has been away from the Upper House for an extended period of time due to illness, is seen as less constrained by these parameters to exercise her function. Although it outperforms the president among those who see it as "severely" constrained (50%), only 14% believe it is "somewhat" constrained. That is, 64% of Americans note that Feinstein is affected by her age or health, compared to 79% who point to the chief executive.
Sanders and McConnell's age, less of a concern
The poll indicates that the health and condition of independent Senator Bernie Sanders (81 years old, born in 1941) and Republican House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (81 years old, born in 1942), both older than Biden, constrain them notably less. In the case of the socialist legislator, only 26% believe he is "severely" limited, while the congressional legislator is seen as such by 28%. In Sanders' case, 38% point to being "somewhat" affected, compared to 35% for the GOP member.
Hispanics, the most critical of Biden's administration
Nor does Biden receive much relief in terms of approval of his administration. Although it increases slightly (42%, compared to 40% on May 31), it continues to be much lower than those who disapprove of his work at the head of the Executive (53%). Hispanics (37%) are the least satisfied with the work of the Administration, close behind whites (38%). The black community, however, mostly views the president favorably (63%).
The majority is not satisfied with the country's progress, with 24% considering that it is going in the right direction, while 64% believe it is going in the wrong direction. Once again, economic management, immigration policy and the crisis at the southern border are the administration's major black spots.
