Age Concerns Weigh on Biden and Trump as Potential 2024 Rematch Looms

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Donald Trump often describes President Joe Biden as an individual so mentally compromised that he barely knows his whereabouts, while also insinuating that others are the actual decision-makers behind the scenes in his administration.

However, Trump himself has had conspicuous lapses. In a recent campaign event, he confused the name of the city and state where he was speaking, requiring correction by a local official. He incorrectly referred to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as Turkey’s leader and has consistently mispronounced the name of the militant group, Hamas, calling it “hummus.”

At 80, Biden is slightly older than the 77-year-old Trump. Both men have broken records for being the oldest individuals ever elected to a first presidential term. As speculation mounts about a 2024 rematch between the two, age has become a critical factor under scrutiny.

Nevertheless, public opinion appears skewed against Biden on this issue. According to an August survey by The Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 77% of American adults—including 69% of Democrats—believe Biden is too old to serve another term effectively. In contrast, only 51% of adults, and a mere 28% of Republicans, expressed the same sentiment about Trump.

Public perceptions seem to be influenced by different expectations for the two men. Melody Crowder-Meyer, a political science professor at Davidson College, suggests that Biden is judged on his capacity for governance, whereas Trump’s supporters appear more forgiving of his flaws, including legal indictments and false claims about election fraud.

Trump often projects a youthful energy during his campaigns. For instance, he was seen handing out Blizzard ice cream treats in Iowa and engaging with the crowd in a manner reminiscent of a younger politician. Biden, on the other hand, has adopted a more reserved approach, limiting the number of campaign events while fulfilling his official duties both domestically and internationally.

Moreover, the two men differ in their speaking engagements. Biden typically keeps his speeches succinct, clocking around 30 minutes, whereas Trump often engages in freeform discussions that last over 90 minutes. This extended speaking time has sometimes led to errors, such as his recent mistake of misidentifying the location of a rally in Iowa.

While Trump’s lapses have not prevented him from criticizing Biden, they could potentially undermine his attempts to portray Biden as unfit for office due to age. Both candidates have employed different strategies to deflect age-related criticisms. While Biden aims to defuse concerns with humor, Trump asserts that the problem is not age but mental acuity, citing examples of individuals who have remained mentally sharp into their 80s and 90s.

Age has also become a subject of discussion among other political figures. For example, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, another 2024 contender, has proposed cognitive testing for politicians over 75—a criterion that would include both Biden and Trump.

As the prospect of a 2024 rematch becomes increasingly likely, age will remain a focal point in public discussions, influenced by the candidates’ actions and the public’s perceptions of their capabilities.

Reporters: Colvin covered events in Epping and Derry, New Hampshire, and Summerville, South Carolina.

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