President Joe Biden will leave office on Monday, concluding a single term marked by significant legislative achievements but overshadowed by concerns over his age and a narrow loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Biden, who turned 81 during his reelection campaign, faced mounting skepticism from voters despite his administration’s accomplishments.

During his tenure, Biden guided the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic, secured $1 trillion for infrastructure improvements, championed investments in semiconductor manufacturing and clean energy, and united international allies to support Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion.

However, polling and focus groups consistently revealed that concerns about his age overshadowed these achievements.

“His age became an issue the second people realized he was running again,” said Sarah Longwell, a Republican consultant who has conducted extensive voter research. “They couldn’t believe it, based on how he seemed.”

An ABC News poll in February 2024 found that 86% of Americans, including 73% of Democrats, believed Biden was too old to serve another term.

His performance at a June debate against Trump reinforced that perception, leading to calls from Democratic leaders for him to step aside.

By July, Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who narrowly lost to Trump in the November election.

“Even in focus groups, folks would sometimes acknowledge accomplishments, then go back to age,” said Steve Schale, a Democratic strategist and former leader of a pro-Biden super PAC.

Biden’s decision to seek reelection surprised many, given his earlier suggestion that he would serve as a transitional president.

His declining physical vigor became a recurring theme during his presidency. Injuries, such as a fractured foot in late 2020, contributed to a stiffer gait, while verbal gaffes became more frequent, fueling public doubts about his ability to serve another term.

“People assumed he was a one-term president,” Longwell said. “Everyone brought up his age regardless of politics. Democrats would talk about how nervous he made them when he walked and talked.”

Biden leaves office with an approval rating in the mid-30s. His accomplishments, including economic recovery measures and legislative victories, are overshadowed in the short term by the return of Trump, who was convicted of criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump’s victory is seen by many as a result of Biden’s decision to run for a second term.

“He started sunsetting at some point in that first year, and it’s been downhill ever since,” said David Kochel, a Republican consultant critical of Trump. “He owns the Trump victory himself.”

The challenges Biden faced as the oldest president in U.S. history underscored how modern campaigns demand a candidate who not only governs effectively but also projects vitality on the public stage.

Despite Trump’s own age—just four years younger than Biden—voters appeared less concerned about his physical and mental fitness.

Biden’s initial victory over Trump in 2020 was driven by a coalition of Democrats, independents, and disillusioned Republicans who saw him as a stable alternative to the chaos of Trump’s presidency.

His campaign gained momentum after a decisive South Carolina primary win, where strong support from Black voters solidified his position as the Democratic nominee.

However, Biden’s presidency faced challenges beyond age-related perceptions.

Inflation, fueled by pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and federal stimulus spending, became a significant issue in 2022 and 2023, with many voters blaming his administration.

Though Biden accurately noted that much of the stimulus spending occurred under Trump, his arguments failed to resonate with the public.

Mike Murphy, a Republican consultant and Trump critic, likened Biden’s age-related challenges to “a person suddenly sprouting antlers” that overshadowed any message or accomplishments.

In a farewell address from the Oval Office, Biden highlighted his administration’s successes, including new infrastructure projects, investments in manufacturing, and lower prescription drug prices for seniors.

He emphasized that many of these accomplishments would take years to fully materialize.

As Biden steps down, his presidency will likely be remembered as a period of significant achievements that struggled to gain traction with voters.

The 2024 election underscored how deeply age and perceptions of capability influence modern presidential campaigns, shaping not only Biden’s legacy but also the broader political landscape.