WASHINGTON, April 26 (AFP) - Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 26) addressed the elephant in the room of his 2024 re-election bid: The fact that he is already the oldest ever president and would be 86 when he stepped down if he wins.

The veteran Democrat rarely talks about his age.

But polls show it is a matter of overwhelming concern for voters - and one his Republican opponent will weaponize.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the day after the low-key launch of his campaign via video, the 80-year-old president said it was normal for people to ask questions.

He admitted he had thought hard about the issue himself.

"I respect them taking a hard look at it. I'd take a hard look at it as well - I took a hard look at it before I decided to run," he said.

Biden, speaking alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in the White House Rose Garden, said he was confident about what is likely to be a gruelling election battle, all while working in one of the world's most demanding jobs.

"I feel good, I feel excited about the prospects," he said. "People are going to find out. They are going to see a race and they are going to judge whether I have it or don't have it."

Biden tried joking, saying "I can't even say I guess how old I am. I can't even say the number - it doesn't register."