Did the State of the Union address change voters' perception of Biden?

President Joe Biden delivered a powerful State of the Union address Thursday, working to counter the narrative haunting his re-election bid — that he is too old for the job.

American pundits and political analysts described his nearly 60-minute speech as “fiery” and “powerful.”

Biden, at 81 years old, is the oldest president to hold office, and opinion polls often show that his age is on the minds of American voters.

We asked members of the American Voters Committee, many of whom supported Biden but expressed concerns about his age, whether his speech affected their view of him.

Aylon, a 21-year-old economics student at Morehouse College, a historically black university, voted for the first time in the last election.

I have concerns about his age. He's about my grandmother's age, and I know how my grandmother is.

But I think we saw a fiery speech from him yesterday, and it made me more confident. He showed us that he can still move quickly on his feet. He took some excellent shots at Republican hecklers.

I will definitely vote for Joe Biden, even though he has issues and age issues.

Biden went on to extradite a Black woman to the Supreme Court. He fought against losing protections with the overturn of Roe v. Wade. He did his best to cancel his student loan debt.

Darlene, 65, voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and couldn't be persuaded to vote differently this time.

“Fiery” is a polite word to say he was rambling. He looked like he was crazy, like a grumpy old man.

For me, expectations and boundaries were very low. It was like, 'Let's just hope he gets through this and doesn't stumble off the stage.' It was more cohesive than I've heard it in the past.

So the question is, do I think he can handle another four years? i don't think so. It is unfortunate that we do not have an age limit.

If I had to choose between him and Donald Trump, I would choose Trump, the lesser of two evils. I don't feel like President Biden or the Democratic Party has done enough for Black people. They automatically expect our votes. They have to earn it.

Amy, 42, has voted Democratic and Republican in her life.

I think this is the best speech President Biden has ever given in his entire career. Before yesterday, I had my doubts. But I don't doubt his competence after last night's speech.

He pounds the podium, he speaks tougher and he shouts — these are all things Trump does that the American people respond to. It's presented differently, and I think that resonates.

I am my age, right or wrong. I think both candidates are very great.

I voted for Biden in 2020 and will vote for anyone but Trump in November. Overturning Roe v. Wade was the answer for me.

Michelle, 60, voted for the Democratic Party in the last presidential election. She's not happy with the age of either candidate, but she would vote for Biden again.

The State of the Union address sounded like a campaign speech, designed to enhance his mental acuity.

He diplomatically rebuked his predecessor for his language and actions that deepened political divisions in this country.

As much as I like Biden, I think he is too old to continue leading the country. But if Trump wins, his age will be similar during his term.

This country needs young people to lead it.

Karen, 48, voted for Joe Biden in 2020. She was concerned about how he would perform on stage.

I had concerns that Joe Biden would not be able to combat the perceptions that often follow older people, and things like that they are not good for society.

I thought he might stutter and lose his train of thought. But he showed energy and experience.

His State of the Union address summed up the choice Americans will face in November, drawing a clear distinction between a party and a man who wants good things for this country, and a former president who holds a very different and largely unfavorable view.

I don't need to like my boss, but I don't need to feel ashamed of who they are.