Politics

Suozzi questions whether Biden will ‘stick it out’ until November vote: ‘The bottom line is, he’s old’

Ex-New York Rep. and current candidate Tom Suozzi raised doubts Monday about whether elderly fellow Democrat President Biden will last long enough to continue running in November.

“The bottom line is, he’s old. He’s  81 years old. … Let’s see what happens between now and the Democratic convention,” Suozzi, who is running against Long Island Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesday’s special election to replace expelled ex-Rep. George Santos, told Fox 5’s “Good Day New York.”

Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive and three-term Democratic congressman, was asked about a poll released Sunday that found 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve a second term.

“I know 81-year-old people who are in great shape. I know 81-year-olds that are not in great shape. He’s old — no question about it,” Suozzi told hosts Rosanna Scotto and Curt Menefee.

The candidate gave Biden a not-so-ringing endorsement when asked if he supports his re-election.

“If he ends up being the Democratic nominee, I’m likely to support him, yes,” Suozzi said.

Tom Suozzi speaking into microphones at campaign HQ during a rally with volunteers.
Former Rep. Tom Suozzi admitted that President Biden is “old” during an interview. Edmund J Coppa

Suozzi, asked about speculation that Biden might not be the Democratic nominee, acknowledged it’s a legitimate issue and it’s possible the president may not run again.

“There’s all kind of debate as to whether or not he’s going to stick it out or not. I don’t have any inside scoop or anything like that,” Suozzi said.

He added, “Let’s see what happens between now and the Democratic convention.”

Suozzi said he did not seek Biden’s endorsement in the special election in the Third District covering Nassau County and parts of northern Queens.

Suozzi said that he wold likely support Biden if he is the Democratic presidential candidate.
Suozzi said he would likely support Biden if he is the Democratic presidential candidate. REUTERS

Polls show that Biden is unpopular in the district and trails Republican former President Donald Trump in a rematch among voters there.

Polls show a neck-and-neck contest between Pilip, a Nassau County legislator, and Suozzi ahead of Tuesday’s election.