To secure his reelection, President Joe Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, needs to win the hearts of young voters. Will his age be a stumbling block?

58

For Alberto Rodriguez, a 24-year-old, the age of the president, who is in his 80s, is less significant compared to his achievements. The cook from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas perceives that President Biden has positively affected the lives of young people like himself. He specifically appreciates the president’s efforts in providing federal COVID-19 relief payments and increased government spending on infrastructure and other social programs.

Biden’s victory in 2020 relied heavily on the support of young voters like Rodriguez, along with college graduates, women, urban and suburban voters, and Black Americans. Their continued backing will be crucial in tightly contested states like Nevada, where even small changes in voter preference could impact Biden’s prospects of re-election.

In the weeks leading up to the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act in mid-August, Biden’s 2024 campaign is set to highlight messages appealing to young voters. The Act includes measures that Biden’s administration will leverage to claim his unparalleled efforts in fighting climate change.

In 2020, Biden garnered support from 61% of voters under 30 and 55% of voters aged 30 to 44, according to AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of voters. Republicans, including early front-runner and former President Donald Trump, are targeting this age group.

Kevin Munoz, a spokesman for Biden’s campaign, believes that young people are deeply affected by issues like climate change, gun violence, and student debt, which are high on the election agenda. The Biden campaign aims to engage young Americans and translate their concerns into action.

However, Biden’s age, along with that of Trump, might still raise questions. Young voters express fatigue over the potential rematch, revealing a deeper issue with a system that continuously brings forward familiar faces, according to Terrance Woodbury, co-founder & CEO of Democratic polling firm HIT Strategies.

A poll from The Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed a disparity in Biden’s support between younger and older Democrats. His campaign is relying on the Democratic National Committee, which has been working hard to reach out to young voters, recognizing them as crucial for the 2024 election.

On the other hand, the Republican National Committee is attempting to use Biden’s age as a disadvantage, publishing online videos highlighting his frailty or verbal blunders.

Biden’s age also contrasts starkly with younger Democrats like California Rep. Ro Khanna and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, both of whom have endorsed Biden’s re-election.

A broad spectrum of younger Democrats has come forward to support Biden. They believe his policies, particularly on climate justice, address not just their generation, but future ones as well.

However, Biden’s age and the rigors of the presidency are concerns for some supporters. American Federation of Teachers’ President, Randi Weingarten, acknowledges the apprehension, comparing it to the worry one would feel for an elderly family member.

Despite these concerns, Biden contends that his age and experience are strengths rather than weaknesses. Santiago Mayer, founder of Voters of Tomorrow, supports this view, arguing that Biden is fulfilling his earlier promise to act as a “bridge” to younger Democrats by running for re-election.

However, the recent Supreme Court ruling against student debt relief, a policy dear to young voters, could dampen their enthusiasm for Biden. Despite this setback, the administration is working on a new plan that could take longer to implement.

The disappointing decision could also motivate young voters to show their support for Biden’s alternative approach. The battle itself is as important as the outcome, believes Weingarten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joe Biden’s reelection strategy

More about Joe Biden’s reelection strategy

• Joe Biden’s Achievements in Office
• Biden’s 2024 Election Campaign Strategy
• Inflation Reduction Act
• Age as a factor in US Presidential Elections
• Supreme Court’s ruling on student debt relief