Entry #3: Slanted Journalism

 80-year-old Biden says concerns over his age are 'totally legitimate' as he weighs 2024 bid (msn.com) 

This article from Fox News is an example of a slanted article. This article is about the concerns some have of President Biden's age. This is not an opinion piece and although it's not specifically stated in the article it is clear the journalist who wrote believes the President is too old to run for reelection. This article appears simply reporting on the concerns some have about the President's age, but language choice makes it clear that the author shares that concern.

The headline of the article uses a quote from the President himself where he states that people's concerns over his age are "totally legitimate". The author uses this quote as the "gotcha" moment the entire article's premise is based around. If someone had just read the headline, they would probably interpret the President's quote as a concession he agrees he is too old to run for reelection. But this is not the case. The article gives Biden full quote in which he is asked if concerns over his age will be a factor as he decides whether or not to run for reelection in 2024. President Biden states "No, but it's legitimate for people to raise issues about my age. It’s totally legitimate to do that. And the only thing I can say is watch me." This quote makes it clear Biden does not see his age a reason why he shouldn't run again when the headline makes it appear otherwise. 

The article states Biden's age many times throughout in places where it doesn't appear to be relevant. The article uses this image of the President with text below that simply reads "President Biden is currently 80 years old." The image used also pushes the narrative that the president is not fit to continue serving as the image appears to make the President looked confused or disoriented. The article gives of the point of view of a journalist and Doctor that believe Biden's age is cause for concern. The only point of view that it gives to the contrary is from the perspective of First Lady Doctor Jill Biden. Most democratic officials have stated they support Biden’s reelection campaign but the only opposing view they give is from the perspective of a person who is clearly biased. This furthers the argument that Joe Biden is too old to run for president again but using a rubble that makes the case for Biden seem illegitimate because of Doctor Biden’s obvious favoritism toward her husband. 

There are no legitimate health reasons that pose a threat to a Biden 2024 campaign. Which the article even admits by stating the President passed physical exam where he was deemed fit to serve. It is simply an opinion to say Joe Biden is too old to run for re-election. An opinion anyone is entitled but one that should be labeled as such and not disguised as straight reporting of facts from a major news outlet.