Debate Over President Biden's Age Heats Up as He Celebrates 81st Birthday
As President Joe Biden celebrates his 81st birthday, questions and debates about his age have come to the forefront of national discourse. His birthday, marked by a subdued family celebration, underscores a significant campaign concern: the perception among voters of his potentially diminishing physical and mental fitness.
During a recent public appearance for the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon, President Biden appeared to mix up pop stars Britney Spears and Taylor Swift. While pardoning the turkey, he referenced Spears instead of Swift, who is currently touring in South America. This slip-up, alongside other age-related jokes Biden himself made, has added fuel to ongoing discussions about his age.
The White House and Biden's campaign team are reportedly aware of the concerns surrounding his age. Efforts have been made to minimize gaffes and display the President's vigor. This year, after his annual physical, Biden was fitted with custom orthotics to assist with a "stiff gait." Moreover, adjustments like using smaller stairs for Air Force One boarding have been noted.
Biden's age has become a frequent talking point for his critics. Former President Donald Trump, a likely candidate for the GOP nomination, recently referred to Biden as "a stupid person" who struggles physically, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the inevitability of aging affecting both Biden and Trump.
If re-elected in 2024, Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term, surpassing Ronald Reagan as the oldest president in U.S. history. This aspect of Biden's candidacy has led to debates over whether age should be a critical factor in presidential elections.
Despite the focus on his age, Biden's advisers argue that there is a media bias, with more attention paid to Biden’s age than Trump's. They maintain that voters are more concerned with other issues and that Biden's age won't be a decisive factor in the next election.
To commemorate his birthday, the Democratic National Committee plans a social media post, continuing a tradition since 2011. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also encouraging supporters to sign a virtual birthday card for Biden.
As the President's 81st birthday passes, it highlights the ongoing conversation about age in American politics, particularly as the nation prepares for another election cycle with potentially the oldest candidates in its history.