At a recent rally in Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris became emotional as supporters serenaded her with a birthday song, celebrating her 60th birthday on October 20. With the upcoming election looming, age has emerged as a pivotal topic, particularly in light of her predecessor’s unexpected exit.
Amid increasing scrutiny of President Joe Biden’s age and mental fitness, he stepped aside from the presidential race in July, allowing Harris to take the Democratic nomination. Throughout his presidency, Biden, the oldest sitting US president, faced doubts about his ability to serve another term, exacerbated by frequent gaffes. The Republican candidate, Donald Trump, who is also nearing 80, seized on Biden’s age as a campaign tactic. Following a disorienting performance in the first presidential debate against Trump, Biden faced mounting pressure to withdraw, leading to his announcement that he would not seek re-election.
Harris has strategically positioned herself as a representative of a new generation of leaders, just shy of being categorized as “Generation X.” With a notable age gap between her and Trump, she aims to connect with younger voters through relatable moments, such as her viral “coconut tree speech” and her candid discussions on everyday topics. However, Harris has also faced mockery from Trump, who has questioned her intelligence and mocked her laughter. In response, her campaign has embraced a youthful approach, branding Trump as “weird” to counter his attacks.
With Biden out of the race, Trump is now the oldest candidate, prompting Harris and the Democrats to pivot their narrative to focus on his age. During her campaign events, Harris has raised concerns about Trump’s fitness for office, asking, “If he can’t handle the rigors of the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?” This sentiment was echoed by former President Barack Obama, who criticized Trump’s behavior at public appearances, suggesting it raised alarm about his leadership abilities.
As the election approaches, Trump finds himself defending his age in a surprising turn of events. He argued that older leaders can be effective, citing examples from history, yet this has led many to question why he did not extend the same consideration to Biden. With the November polls on the horizon, the race will not only test the candidates’ strategies but also determine if the US is ready to embrace a new era of leadership.
