In response to criticism that he is too elderly to serve a second term as president, the 81-year-old spoke on Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
“Age is a factor, indeed—I’m a mature individual competing against a six-year-old,” he remarked, making reference to his 77-year-old Republican rival.
However, the president addressed the assembled media in a more serious manner, saying, “I’m honestly not asking you to pick sides.
“I’m requesting that you acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
“Ignore the horse race results, the dramatic incidents, the diversions, the sideshows that have come to dominate and sensationalize our politics, and concentrate on what’s really important.”