In a recent article published by the New York Times, a Democratic official dismissed concerns regarding President Joe Biden's age, underscoring the widening gap between party leaders and voters regarding the oldest President in history's re-election bid. Democratic National Committee member William Owen expressed his astonishment at the public's perception of Biden's age. "I’m looking at all the polling, and I’m amazed that it has so little to do with reality," Owen stated. He further attributed the public's apprehension to ageism, saying, "A big part of it is just pure ageism. The American people are prejudiced against old people." Owen's remarks reflect the Democratic National Committee's stance on Biden, who, despite his frequent missteps and confusion, continues to receive unwavering support from party leadership. [tweet_embed]September 19, 2023[/tweet_embed] However, Democratic strategist James Carville voiced his concerns about the public's disapproval of Biden's potential re-election. "The voters don’t want this, and that’s in poll after poll after poll," Carville said. "You can’t look at what you look at and not feel some apprehension here." A recent CNN poll revealed that 67% of Democratic voters prefer a different nominee for the party, indicating growing dissatisfaction among voters. Other polls suggest voters are apprehensive about Biden's ability to complete a second term. James Collier, a 57-year-old Texan who voted for Biden in 2020, shared his concerns with the Times. "I think he’s a little—not a little—he’s a lot old," Collier said. "I’m hoping he would in his own mind think, ‘I need to sit this out and let someone else do this.’" Despite the public's concerns about Biden's age and declining popularity, Democratic officials maintain a united front, according to the Times. In private discussions and confidential meetings, Democratic officials frequently express their concerns about Biden's age and dwindling approval ratings. However, they publicly assert their complete confidence in his leadership and potential victory. Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey, a Democrat who has set aside his national ambitions to support Biden's re-election bid, acknowledged the situation's paradoxical nature. "It’s definitely got a paradoxical element to it," Murphy said. "This is only a matter of time until the broad party, and broadly speaking, Americans, converge with the opinions of folks like myself."