Age Concerns Surround Joe Biden’s 81st Birthday: Impact on Presidency & Young Voters

Joe Biden’s 81st Birthday Raises Concerns About Age

On November 19, 2023, President Joe Biden celebrated his 81st birthday, reigniting concerns about his age and ability to lead as the oldest president in US history. Despite his request for a four-year extension of his term, Biden’s support among voters under the age of 30 has shown signs of weakening, according to recent polls conducted by reputable institutions such as The New York Times/Siena College, YouGov, Morning Consult, and Quinnipiac University.

The demographic of voters under 30 played a crucial role in Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, with a significant 26-point difference between him and his opponent. However, these same polls indicate that young voters are increasingly critical of Biden, particularly regarding his handling of climate change, student debt, and unwavering support for Israel.

The Impact of Age on Biden’s Presidency

Although Biden appears energetic and composed, his age often becomes apparent in his appearance and demeanor. Assuming office at the age of 78, he became the second oldest president, surpassing Ronald Reagan. However, it is worth noting that Reagan did not reach the age of 78 until after his retirement.

The issue of age can be divided into two concerns: whether a candidate is too old to run for office and whether, if elected, they would be too old to effectively carry out their term. Reagan faced similar challenges during his presidency but managed to alleviate concerns through his strong presence, optimism, and resilience.

Reports of Reagan’s inattentiveness and lack of participation in meetings exacerbated concerns about his age. His party suffered a defeat in the midterm elections, and rumors circulated that his wife, Nancy, wanted him to retire.

Despite these challenges, Reagan successfully ran for re-election in 1984. During a debate with his younger opponent, Walter Mondale, Reagan stumbled when it came to recalling past statements and events. Nevertheless, he skillfully deflected the situation with witty responses and secured victory.

However, questions about Reagan’s ability to grasp the flow of events arose during his second term. There were instances where he confused names and displayed a lack of knowledge about specific details, leading to speculation about the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, Reagan won re-election and even secured the support of voters under the age of 30.

The Importance of Young Voters

In recent decades, the Democratic Party has successfully captured the support of young voters. Bill Clinton, with his youthful image and ability to connect with younger generations, easily secured the votes of those under 30 in both his first and second campaigns.

Barack Obama also appealed to young voters, gaining their support in the 2008 election. Notably, young voters accounted for a higher proportion of the overall vote than voters over the age of 65, which is uncommon in US politics.

While Biden may not have the same personal connection with young voters as Obama, recent polls indicate that he still garners more support from young voters than Republican candidates. Young voters are more likely to vote for the Democratic Party, especially on issues related to gender and reproductive rights.

The loyalty of young voters remains fluid as the political landscape evolves. While concerns about Biden’s age persist, history has shown that candidates can overcome these concerns and secure the support of young voters.

As the polling process translates into actual votes, it remains to be seen if Biden can regain the loyalty of young voters and consistently address their concerns throughout his presidency.

Source: NPR