Every year, U.S. presidents work tirelessly to craft their State of the Union address into a moment that will captivate the media and the public. It’s a political performance of the highest order, with speechwriters polishing every sentence and the White House curating a guest list designed to underline the president’s message. The State of the Union serves as an annual review, showcasing the past year’s accomplishments and laying out promises for the future. Yet, even the most meticulously planned speeches often miss the mark.

This year, however, the State of the Union may have more eyes on it than usual — not because of Biden’s policies or achievements, but because of the growing media scrutiny around his age and fitness for another term in office. With every misstep, stumble, or gaffe, President Joe Biden inadvertently becomes the subject of more intense criticism, casting a shadow over the upcoming 2024 election, which seems poised to be a rematch between Biden and Donald Trump.

As Biden steps onto the national stage, all eyes will be on him. His every word, every gesture, and every misstep will be scrutinized more intensely than ever, as critics and the public alike question whether a man of 81 is truly up for another four years in the most demanding job in the world. And frankly, it’s fair for the press to be asking these questions. Biden is not only seeking another term; he is asking the American people to entrust him with the future of the nation.

While Biden’s history of stuttering and occasional gaffes have been longstanding features of his political persona, the rapid acceleration of his age-related concerns has made these moments more difficult to ignore. What was once seen as a minor quirk is now, for many, emblematic of a broader concern: Is he physically and mentally capable of leading the country for another term?

The “Biden is too old” criticism has become a central talking point in the campaign, much to the discomfort of media figures like Margaret Sullivan, who lament that the press is reducing the conversation to age. But ultimately, the press is simply doing its job by vetting the candidates, and the voters will decide what weight to give these concerns.

After all, it’s not the first time a politician’s age has been questioned in a presidential race. Bob Dole faced similar criticisms during his 1996 run at the age of 73, and Biden himself used his youthful energy as a point of contrast in his first Senate campaign back in 1972. But in 2024, the stakes are different, and Biden finds himself in the unfamiliar position of having to prove he is still up to the challenge.

Recent polling has shown that even Biden’s 2020 supporters are increasingly questioning his viability. A New York Times poll found that 61% of Biden voters now think he is too old to effectively lead the country. When the vast majority of his own base harbors doubts, Biden must confront this issue head-on and address the concerns of the voters who helped put him in office.

In contrast, voters who support Trump seem far less concerned with his age. Despite being 77, Trump’s supporters are largely unconcerned with his physical or mental capacity to serve another term. This contrast between the two candidates’ perceived vitality presents an interesting dynamic in the lead-up to the election.

Biden’s upcoming State of the Union address will likely be the most scrutinized speech of his presidency, and he must rise to the occasion. With millions of Americans watching, this may be his best opportunity to prove that his years of experience have given him the wisdom, emotional stability, and energy required to lead the country for another four years.

Instead of dismissing the age issue with self-deprecating jokes or nervous laughter, Biden could use the address to flip the narrative. He could embrace his age as a badge of honor, showcasing the value of experience, the knowledge he’s accumulated, and the work ethic that has kept him in the game for decades. A campaign slogan like “Old is the new young” might resonate more than any youthful rhetoric ever could, especially when it rings true.

For Biden, the State of the Union is more than just a speech — it’s a moment to make his case to the nation and quash doubts about his ability to carry out the responsibilities of the presidency. If he can effectively address concerns about his age, this year’s address may be his most important yet.