In the face of attacks from Republicans suggesting that President Joe Biden's age may make him unfit for a second term, the White House has issued a strong response. The backlash was triggered after footage from a White House Juneteenth event seemed to show Biden freezing momentarily, fueling renewed claims about his ability to lead at 81 years old.

Responding to the criticism, White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates accused Republicans of making false claims and highlighted that other individuals in the video were also not dancing. He insisted that Biden's brief pause was a result of not joining in the dance rather than any cognitive issue.

During the event, as gospel singer Kirk Franklin performed, Biden stood still while Vice President Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff, and others danced and clapped to the music. Biden turned slightly, and Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, placed an arm around the president's shoulder, prompting a fist bump and a smile. Between this interaction, Biden remained still for around 30 seconds.

Republicans seized upon the incident, with Donald Trump's campaign posting on social media, "Lights are on but no one's home." Senator Mike Lee of Utah criticized Biden for not addressing immigration policies, equating it to Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned. The Republican National Committee also shared footage depicting Biden as having "cognitive deficiency" and claimed he "shuffled off into the night" after the event.

Bates pushed back against these attacks, pointing out that the RNC has been repeatedly fact-checked and expressing hope that they receive the support they need. He emphasized that Biden has long battled a stutter, which had led to slurring of words during his subsequent remarks.

The issue of Biden's age and fitness for office has been a topic of discussion, with The Wall Street Journal recently publishing a controversial report on the subject. Democrats and Biden allies have criticized how the issue has been handled by the White House and the Biden campaign. Former aide to first lady Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa, commented that constantly complaining and attacking the legacy media might not be an effective strategy.

Polls have shown that a majority of Americans believe Biden is too old for a second term. However, similar age-related concerns have also surrounded former President Donald Trump, who is turning 78 this week.

Biden's freezing episode also drew comparisons to incidents involving Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has appeared to freeze in front of reporters. McConnell, who is 82 years old, has dismissed concerns about his fitness for office but has announced that he will step down as leader at the end of the year. Biden issued supportive remarks towards McConnell, highlighting their long-term rivalry and more than 20 years of serving together in the Senate.

As the debates continue, the question of age and its impact on leadership remains divisive among politicians and the American public.