US President Joe Biden, 81, and Former US President Donald Trump, 78, are the oldest candidates to run for US presidential elections which are going to held on 4 November. Both the candidates are ready to appear for the presidential debate scheduled for 27 June. The venue for the debate is in Atlanta, Georgia, with age being a major concern. Voters will observe their physical and mental sharpness closely. The race is extremely close, and even a small misconception could have a major impact on the fate of both the candidates running for the elections.
Democratic strategist Jim Messina suggests that the debate should focus on policy and character, not just age. However, polls indicate more voters are worried about Biden’s age than Trump’s. A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that 73% of voters believe that Biden is too old to be an effective president, while only 42% think the same about Trump.
Joe Biden, the oldest sitting president, faces questions about his energy and mental sharpness. Concerns include his softer voice, memory lapses, and stiff walking due to arthritis. His public actions, like his fall at an Air Force Academy event, are heavily watched. Despite this, a White House doctor recently confirmed he is “fit for duty.”
Some Democrats are concerned about Biden’s age but have also supported him through issues, such as the investigation into his handling of classified documents. His strong State of the Union speech showed he can handle serious moments. Biden’s campaign aims to use the debate to prove his stamina and highlight his differences from Trump in terms of policies and character.
Trump, although less examined for his age, has also faced questions about his mental fitness. At a rally in January, he mistakenly confused his rival Nikki Haley with Nancy Pelosi. Haley has suggested mental competency tests for politicians over 75 of age. Trump’s doctor claimed his cognitive tests were excellent. Trump has argued that the media is unfairly harsher on him compared to Biden.
Both the campaigns use social media to highlight their opponent’s mistakes. Republicans share edited videos to question Biden’s mental fitness, while Biden’s team shares similar content about Trump.
Young voters are mainly essential for Democrats, and they are worried about Biden’s age. Democratic strategist Amanda Litman says the candidates’ ages show a political system favoring older people, leading to young voters feeling disconnected. Many young voters want younger candidates who represent all age groups.
In Georgia, where the debate will be held, Democrats notice young voter’s lack of enthusiasm, with age being a key issue. Titus Nichols, a Cobb County Democratic Party attorney, says young people want action, not just speeches. On the debate night, millions will judge the candidates’ policies and stamina. Litman stresses that Biden must show competence, confidence, and determination to address concerns about his age.