Pete Buttigieg says the 'age of a leader's ideas' is more important than their actual age as Biden, 81, faces criticism for his fitness for office

Pete Buttigieg insists that the age of President Joe Biden's 'ideas' are more important than his age on paper.

The Transportation Secretary defended the 81-year-old president against attacks against his age and fitness for office by claiming his policies and ideas are in line with the younger generations.

Specifically, Buttigieg pointed to Biden's view on climate issues, protecting LGBTQ rights and restoring abortion access nationwide.

ABC News This Week host George Stephenopoulos asked Buttigieg how Biden, who would be 82 at the start of a second term, can be the 'candidate of change' considering his long career in politics.

'What matters most is the age of a leader's ideas,' Buttigieg assured.

Pete Buttigieg insists Joe Biden's 'ideas' are more important than his age and claims the president's stances are more in line with younger generations than that of four-years-younger Donald Trump

'Similarly, if you look at some of the issues that are especially important to younger generations like LGBTQ equality,' Buttigieg added, claiming that Biden is more in line with younger people on that issue.

'And then of course the issue which I think affects all generations of choice,' be said in reference to abortion access. 'Look, the last president, President Trump kept his promise to end the freedom to choose in America. That's one of the few promises he did keep.'

Trump, at 77, is four years younger than Biden.

When Trump was inaugurated in January 2017, he was the oldest ever president at age 70 – breaking Ronald Reagan's record of 69. But then Biden took that title when he was elected at the age of 78.

'Look at the changes that he's brought about,' Buttigieg said of Biden's presidency so far.

Biden, 81, continues to face criticism over his age and fitness for office 

Biden has come under intense fire for his age – even from Trump's campaign despite their closeness in age.

At a rally in Rome, Georgia on Saturday, Trump insisted that it wasn't just about age, but more about the 'competency' of the person. He claims that Biden is not competent regardless of his age.

Biden's falls, trips and verbal gaffes have all led to speculation – especially from Republicans – that he is not fit to serve another term in office.

If elected for a second term in November 2024, Biden would be 86 at the time he leaves office.