Are Americans’ fears about President Joe Biden’s age warranted? Is Biden’s age hindering his ability to be the best president he could possibly be? As my 92-year-old grandfather, who still plays golf three times a week and cleans his own gutters says, ‘there’s still a lot of gas left in the tank.’ But should age be a contributing factor when considering who would be the next best president of the United States? These are some of the most circulated questions the American people have been asking and speaking about as the country heads into the 2024 presidential election. Though this event is not what set off this list of questions, just over this Thanksgiving weekend, a journalist caught up with Joe Biden while he was shopping in Nantucket and asked him the question that has been on the minds of many Americans recently: “Mr. President, are you too old to be running for re-election?” In response, the leader of the United States shot back: “That’s stupid.”
Some may say that Joe Biden was not upset at the question, but the time in which it was asked. He was out shopping, minding his own business, and followed by reporters during a private outing. On the other hand, no president gets to take the “night off” or a “weekend vacation” when they are the leader of the free world. Any time is an adequate time for the president to answer a question regarding a concern that many of his citizens (and voters) have. Furthermore, as one of the most prominent recipients of media attention, he should have responded respectfully and carefully. After all, it is the reporters and journalists who broadcast him to the population, often guiding many people’s views of him, good or bad.
But whether or not readers believe Joe Biden handled this situation well, they are faced with the question of how old our leaders in government should be. The US Constitution outlines that a president may only be in office for a maximum of two four-year terms and must be above the age of 45. But there is no cap on how old any member of the US government can be. In the 2024 presidential election, both the forerunners for the Republican and Democratic parties are both over the age of 75. Should Americans be concerned about the mental capabilities of their future president?
On November 20th, Joe Biden turned 81. He is already the oldest person to be president. If he were to be in office for a full second term, he would be 86 when he left office. Both sides of America’s political divide hold concern with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats believing that he is too old to be in office and to hold office for a second term. Across America, roughly 75% of the adult population hold the same concern after Joe Biden’s falling, tripping over words, and not being able to answer reporter’s questions during press conferences. The people of America are concerned about how Biden’s age, health, and physicality could affect his ruling and electability in the next few years.
In contrast, Donald Trump, who is currently 77, touted a doctor’s note about his clean bill of health the same week as Biden’s birthday. Recent polls reflect that Republicans are less concerned about Trump’s age than they are about Biden’s when posed with the idea that he could also have a second term.
Brennan Gorman, an American Independent voter, recently shared his views on this topic in an interview with Fox News. While on the broadcast, “Fox and Friends Weekend,” Gorman shared that he is “absolutely concerned. [Biden] exhibits many issues when it comes to physical and cognitive abilities, but also it’s difficult for him to connect with the younger generation. Our electorate is getting younger and younger, and we’re electing people who are older and older.”
Likewise, during the first Republican National Debate for the 2024 presidential election, the question was posed to candidates as to whether there should be a required test for government leaders above a certain age in order to maintain their position in office. This could be a great idea if implemented objectively. Americans will feel better about the mental capabilities of their leaders, and it will force leaders, their party, and their families to evaluate whether they are still the best fit for their position. Though some may view this method as disrespectful to our seniors or feel that it is unwarranted because this is not written in the Constitution, as Americans we are meant to keep the integrity of our country at the forefront of our minds when making important decisions such as who should be in government and who has their finger on the nuclear button. This test could be a good way of ensuring our country is as capable and strong as possible. As we head into the next few years, with elections and world tensions rising, keeping our country as fit and intelligent as possible must be our primary goal. In other words, making sure our leaders have a full tank.
Sarah Lange ‘25, Opinions Editor
25slange@montroseschool.org
