Should presidential candidates have age limits? An expert weighs in
President Joe Biden is the oldest sitting president. If he wins re-election, he will be 86 when he finishes his term in the White House.
On President Joe Biden’s 81st birthday, concerns about his age and reelection campaign persist as he is now the oldest serving U.S. president in history.
Despite not hosting a large celebration, Biden commemorated his birthday by “pardoning” two turkeys, partaking in the longstanding White House tradition before Thanksgiving.
“It’s my birthday today,” Biden remarked as he opened the turkey ceremony at the White House South Lawn. “I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60,” he humorously added.
If re-elected, Biden would complete his second term at the age of 86, increasing concerns about his age in relation to his candidacy.
Biden mentioned that Steve Lykken, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and Lykken’s family sang “Happy Birthday” to him inside the White House before the event.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre disclosed that Biden would celebrate his birthday in Nantucket, Mass., with his family, enjoying some coconut cake, a Biden family favorite, traditionally associated with Thanksgiving.
Biden has often teased about his octogenarian status, trying to diminish the election liabilities it poses, as numerous polls have shown.
A poll by Monmouth University indicated that 76% of voters believe that Biden is too old to serve a second term effectively. Comparatively, 48% expressed similar concerns about Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, who is 77 years old.
When asked about age concerns, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s experience and dismissed age as a significant factor, highlighting the president’s wisdom and stamina in getting things done for the American people.
However, an NBC News poll released on Sunday depicted Biden trailing behind Trump in a hypothetical rematch with young voters ages 18 to 34, a key demographic historically associated with the Democratic base.
The same poll reported a 40% approval rating for Biden, an all-time low. Additionally, despite his legal troubles and numerous indictments, Trump is leading nationally in a hypothetical matchup against Biden.
Jean-Pierre conceded that some Americans harbor hardened views about Biden but reinforced the administration’s stance, emphasizing the importance of the president’s experience.
Biden’s advanced age has prompted a Democratic primary challenge from Rep. Dean Phillips, who advocates for a new generation of Democratic leadership in the White House.
Moreover, some Republican candidates have openly questioned whether Biden will complete a second term if re-elected, warning voters about a potential transition of power to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden has consistently addressed questions concerning his age, having previously stated, “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, and I feel good.”
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
