Why does an aging Biden-Trump run America? Why do so many aging old leaders run America?
Given the age of both the presidential candidates in America, there is talk of retirement from politics in India. Bharatiya Janata Party has made 75 years the retirement age for its leaders.
There has always been a debate around the world about what should be the age of a country’s leader. Till what age can he work with more energy and mental capacity and take decisions. A data from Bloomberg says that in the year 2019, the average age of a world leader is 65 years and in Europe it is around 59 years.
Surprisingly, the average age of world leaders has increased across the world in the last few decades. According to Bloomberg data, the average age of world leaders in the 1950s was 59 years. If we look at the age of the current leaders of the world, 89 year old Raul Castro is the head of state of Cuba. However, now a new wind of young heads of state has started blowing in Europe. In most of the countries, the new heads of state are between 30 and 50 years of age.
Now Americans have two candidates who are divided by ideology, but united. Both white men were born in the 1940s, before the invention of Velcro and the independence of India and Israel and China. Amazingly, each is currently older than any of the last three U.S. presidents.
In such a situation, the question definitely arises whether the people of America now want to see an older and experienced person as the head of the nation. Biden is 81 years old. There is controversy over whether he is absolutely fit on the fitness front or not.
Trump is currently three years younger than Biden. When mppower before President Biden, he was 70 years old, but fitness never came in the way of Trump’s work.
Biden, 81, jokingly said in April 2024, “Of course, the 2024 election is in full swing and yes, age is an issue: I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old.” President Trump, whom he called “Sleepy Don.”
America has seen presidents of different ages in the last three decades. If three decades ago, George W. Bush Sr. had become President after turning 64 and there were reports expressing concern over his fitness. So after him, Bill Clinton, who defeated him in the elections in 1992, was only 46 years old. He had tremendous energy and great charm in his personality.
81 Biden and 77-78 Trump are the two most likely to become the next president. Each will be the oldest president to deliver an inaugural address in American history. But both feel young to run America!!
Right now I’m young (I’m young, I’m young)
I am still young
I am still young
Right now I…
I am still young
Yes, the sun of beauty (It is sunny, it is sunny)
Hmm, I have a sweet look
Yes, the sunshine of beauty
I have a sweet look
I am the swift current of the river
I am desperate for a sweet one
I am from Laila’s heart.
I am the tongue of Heer
Right now I…
Right now I’m young (I’m young, I’m young)
I am still young
I am still young
Right now I…
I am still young
I’m jam full (full, full)
I’m thirsty for lips
yes, i’m jam packed
I’m thirsty for lips
squint and look
i’m around the heart
I am the desire of lovers
I am a statement of love
Right now I…
I am still young
I am still young
I am still young
Right now I…
I am still young
Right now I’m young (I’m young, I’m young)
I am still young
I am still young
Prominent figures in American politics are making headlines because of their age. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her plans to step down as leader of House Democrats. At the age of 82, Pelosi said the time has come for a new generation of leadership. However, she will retain her seat and Congress and has no plans to retire.
Donald Trump made it official, announcing that he is running again to become President of the United States. Trump is 77 years old. If voters give him another chance to go to the White House, he will be 78 years old.
Now what about the man in the White House? Joe Biden too old for the president position again in second term
One possibility is that this is just randomness. You might think this is just an election that Trump and Biden have upset, and young people are waiting. But old age runs deep in modern presidential electoral politics. Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton, the losers of the last two presidential elections, were born a month apart in 1947.
The mystery of America’s oldest presidential candidates is actually two separate questions – one of demand, and one of supply. Derek Thompson has analysed this in one of his articles.
The most obvious reason why America’s presidential candidates are so old may be that Americans are getting older. Voters over the age of 65 regularly go to the polls more often than younger voters, and political-science research has found that voters generally prefer candidates “closest to them in age”.
Perhaps it is about youth being disengaged from politics for decades. According to The Economist, older Americans outnumber younger Americans by a wider margin than in the typical OECD country. This is especially true at the local level. As Timothy Noah writes in Politico, studies have shown that the average age of a voter in America’s municipal elections is 57 – “almost a generation older than the average age of eligible voters.”
Since 1996, each new President has had less national political experience than the previous Commander-in-Chief when he or she was elected. Bill Clinton was a newer face than George HW Bush, but he had more gubernatorial experience than George W. Bush, who in turn had been governor longer than Barack Obama had been a senator. Then came Trump, who had no political experience.
The perfect “familiar surprise” in politics might be a character like Trump: a celebrity who also represents a shock to the political system. If the future of American politics belongs to seasoned amateurs, the scale might be subtly tilted toward consoling those paternalistic figures who are not steeped in the poison of contemporary politics, either because they are out of the game (Biden Like) or because they’ve consistently rejected its rules (like Sanders).
American leadership has become very old, it has completely fallen down.
The American government is a creaking machine whose most critical parts can generously be described as “outdated.” The average age in Congress is near an all-time high. The Speaker of the House, the House Majority Leader, the House Majority Whip, and the Senate Majority Leader are all over 75.
This phenomenon is bigger than politics. In business, science, and finance, power is concentrated among the elderly. Over the past 40 years, the average age of Nobel Prize winners has increased in almost every discipline, including physics, chemistry, medicine and literature. Among S&P 500 companies, the average age of incoming CEOs has increased by 14 years over the past 14 years. Americans age 55 and older make up less than one-third of the population, but own two-thirds of the nation’s wealth – the highest level of wealth concentration on record.
Why does an aging Biden-Trump run America? Why do so many old people run America?
For those who voted: According to Wikipedia, voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election was highest among those aged 65 to 74 at 76.0%, while turnout was lowest among those aged 18 to 24 at 51.4%.
Older pleaders have the money, political skills, and networks to run, and older people (who are voting for older people) are voting in greater numbers, making the oldest people the holders of the most power.
The peak number of leaders turning 65 in the US will be in 2023, so older people aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2040, the population of American adults age 65 and older will nearly double.
Important point to note is that if young people don’t start voting, the younger generation will not be able to take control of America’s leadership until all the baby boomers die off.
By 2055, it is estimated that there will still be 30 million people in the United States who were born before 1965 – the majority of whom will be boomers.
The younger generation means youth needs to increase their democratic participation and run for office or at least vote. The future of the United States is in their hands.
The concentration of power in the hands of aged people, who are also richer, will predictably lead to policies that benefit the aged and richer at the expense of the less privileged. The federal government already guarantees seniors universal health insurance and universal basic income, even as Republicans beat drum of socialism when young people request versions of the same policies. It is unlikely that young people will achieve many policy victories in a government whose average age is over 70.
Further, the old regime may be misgovernance. At the end of the Cold War, a common criticism of the USSR was that the country was collapsing partly because the Soviet Politburo was too old and unable to keep pace with the changing world. Research indicates that cognitive decline typically accelerates in the 70s. Without encouraging voters or employers to be ageist, it seems risky to leave the most important issues of life, death, and well-being in the hands of a group of seventy-year-olds who are biologically on the verge of predictable cognitive decline. Are.
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Young people are lagging behind the elderly in America 24 percent not self-reliant, 35 percent dependent on parents
In America, 2 out of every 5 youth i.e. 40 percent are struggling for economic resources. There are 50 percent youth who are not able to stop unnecessary expenses. At the same time, the number of such elders is only 11 percent, who are struggling the least compared to other generations. A recent One Poll survey has shattered the notion that American youth spend their own money and take up their financial responsibilities quickly.
According to the survey, parents are bearing the entire expenses of 58 percent of American youth. Overall, this survey makes it clear that the situation of American youth is not good in terms of financial responsibility. Youth in America are lagging behind even the elders! 24 percent not self-reliant, 35 percent dependent on parents
In America, 2 out of every 5 youth i.e. 40 percent are struggling for financial resources. There are 50 percent youth who are not able to stop unnecessary expenses. At the same time, the number of such elders is only 11 percent, who are struggling the least compared to other generations. A recent One Poll survey has broken the notion that American youth bear their own expenses and take care of their financial responsibilities quickly.
According to the survey, parents are bearing the entire expenses of 58 percent of American youth. Overall, this survey makes it clear that the situation of American youth is not good from the point of view of financial responsibility.
Writer of this book received few comments:
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Why do old people run the United States? We don’t take them seriously because of their age, so why are they in power? Why are American politicians so old? Why don’t they retire? He is addicted to the power, bribery and corruption that comes with being a respected official. Note that many people are very rich, far beyond their income level.
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Why are so many senior American politicians so old? Some die and no one resigns. Most politicians have worked in politics their entire adult lives. Usually they have been elected to the post several times. They have seniority and lots of facilities. Why would they leave? As a result they grow old in the office. No one is willing to step aside for young people. Or anyone else for that matter: Leonard Roberts
Why are so many American politicians so old and why are they allowed to remain in office past the age of 65? Because the United States Constitution does not have a maximum age limit for elected officials. The Constitution is the structure of our government. It prescribes a lower age limit but no upper age limit. Therefore, there is no upper age limit for politicians. Franklin Vaux
Terry Schur explains why Congress has become so old, and isn’t it time for it to take over government leadership?
John F. Kennedy said, is not even close to happening. The Constitution should be amended to include a maximum age in addition to the minimum.
According to the Constitution, the US President must be at least 35 years of age, be a resident of the US for at least 14 years, be born in the US, or have at least one parent be a US citizen.
At the age of 43, John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected President. Bill Clinton was 46, Barack Obama was 47.
In 2024, Joe Biden is the oldest presidential candidate in US history at the age of 81. Donald Trump is 77, Ronald Reagan was 69, George HW Bush was 64.
America’s two oldest senators are both 87 years old. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has held her California seat for 30 years since 1992, and Chuck Grassley (D-IA) has held his seat for 41 years since 1981.
6 senators are at least 80 years old, and 23 senators are over 70 years old.
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CNBC poll shows most Americans don’t want Biden or Trump back in power in 2024
The poll found that 61% of the public believes Trump should not seek the presidency, while 30% believe he should seek the presidency. And 70% say Biden should not run for a second term, with only 19% supporting the run.
Biden and Trump are both old. So why are voters only paying attention to one of them?
NBC News interviewed dozens of voters about whether they are concerned about Biden’s aging — and whether it’s as big an issue for Trump.
Trump is actually just three years younger than Biden.
“Trump comes across as a very young person who is undecided about 2024,” said Renee King, a two-time Trump voter in Mondamin, Iowa.
“…I feel like Trump has moved with the times and Biden hasn’t,” said Jane Story, 56, a Trump supporter in Ames, Iowa.
Don Brockett of Hampton, New Hampshire, said Trump feels like he is “blessed with the ability, like Mick Jagger, to stay young forever.”
Biden’s doctor declared him healthy and “fit for duty” in February 2023, despite opinion polls showing that a majority of Americans are concerned about Biden’s age.
US Presidents usually say the wrong things at the wrong time, after which their administrations have to issue clarifications.
On November 13, Biden referred to US Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Harris”.
“President Harris is here to make sure we do this right,” Biden said during a sporting event. Biden’s comments have at times put his administration in a difficult position.
“There is no doubt in my mind, I will vote for Biden. But we need age limits in politicians, and I would like to see much younger candidates,” said Tammy, a Democratic voter in Geauga County, Ohio, who declined to give her last name.
Mary Miller, 60, of Novelty, Ohio, has voted Republican most of her life but supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden in 2020. She is pleased with Biden’s performance but says she is concerned about his age.https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-trump-old-voters-age-issue-rcna104316
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The presence of elderly candidates like Joe Biden and Donald Trump running for President of the United States often raises questions and concerns among voters. Here is a point-by-point explanation of why such elderly individuals run for office and why they are still considered viable candidates:
Experience in leadership roles: Both Biden and Trump have held leadership positions before running for president. Biden’s experience as vice president and Trump’s experience as a business executive gave him the leadership skills and insight that he argues qualify him for the presidency despite his age.
Accumulated Experience: Older individuals have typically accumulated decades of experience in various fields, including politics, business, and public service. This depth of experience can be invaluable when making complex decisions.
The primary reason older individuals run for office is their extensive experience in politics and governance. Both Biden and Trump have decades of experience in public life. Biden served several terms as a senator before becoming vice president under Barack Obama, while Trump, though not a career politician, had been involved in various business ventures and public events prior to his presidency.
Established Networks: Over the years, older individuals have had more time to build extensive networks of contacts and allies, which can be crucial for success in politics and leadership roles.
Older candidates often have well-established networks within their respective political parties and donors. These networks can provide vital assistance in terms of fundraising, campaign infrastructure and support, making it easier for them to run a successful campaign.
Recognition and name recognition: Both Biden and Trump are widely recognized figures in American politics. Their names are familiar to most voters, which may give them an advantage in terms of gaining attention and support, especially during primary elections where name recognition plays an important role.
Historical Context: Older individuals may have a better understanding of historical events and how they have shaped the current socio-political landscape. This historical perspective can inform decision-making and strategy.
Perceived Wisdom: In many cultures, there is a stereotype that equates age with wisdom. As a result, older individuals may be perceived as more capable and trustworthy leaders by the general public.
Stability and Consistency: Older leaders may be seen as more stable and consistent in their decision-making compared to younger counterparts who might be perceived as more impulsive or prone to change.
Life Expectancy and Health: While age is often a concern for older candidates, advances in health care and increased life expectancy mean that individuals can live active and productive lives even in their 70s and 80s. Both Biden and Trump were required to undergo rigorous medical evaluations during their campaigns to assure voters of their suitability for office.
Representation and Democracy: In a democracy, any person who meets the constitutional requirements for the office can run for president. Age is not explicitly a disqualifier, and voters ultimately have the power to decide whether a candidate’s age is of concern to them. Older candidates argue that their age brings wisdom and experience, which they believe are important qualities for effective leadership.
Financial Security: Older individuals who have had successful careers often have greater financial resources, which can provide them with the means to pursue and maintain positions of power.
Legacy Building: Many older individuals are concerned with their legacy and how they will be remembered. This can motivate them to seek out leadership positions and leave a lasting impact on society.
Cultural Norms: American culture tends to value experience and seniority, which can contribute to older individuals holding prominent positions in various sectors, including politics.
Electoral Preferences: Older individuals may be more likely to vote and participate in the political process, giving them greater influence in elections and candidate selection.
Institutional Knowledge: Older individuals who have been involved in politics for many years often possess invaluable institutional knowledge about how government operates, which can be essential for effective governance.
Leadership Development: Many older leaders have had opportunities for leadership development throughout their careers, which have prepared them for higher positions of responsibility.
Role Models: Older leaders can serve as role models for younger generations, inspiring them to pursue careers in public service and leadership.
Political Patronage: In some cases, older individuals may benefit from political patronage networks that support their ascent to power and help them maintain their positions.
Political Ideology: Despite their ages, both Biden and Trump represent different political ideologies within their respective parties. Biden is considered a moderate Democrat, while Trump’s presidency marked a shift within the Republican Party toward a more populist and nationalist agenda. Their ideological stances resonate with certain sections of the electorate, which contributes to their appeal as candidates.
Cultural Attitudes toward Age: American culture often respects and reveres older individuals, viewing them as repositories of knowledge and experience worthy of leadership positions.
Risk Aversion: Older leaders may be more risk-averse, preferring stability and incremental change over radical reforms or upheavals.
Power Structures: Existing power structures within organizations and institutions may favor older individuals, making it easier for them to rise to the top.
Access to Resources: Older individuals who have been in leadership positions for a long time may have accumulated significant resources and influence, further cementing their power.
Political Traditions: In many cases, political traditions and norms favor older individuals, with age often seen as synonymous with authority and legitimacy.
Respect for Elders: Many cultures, including American culture, place a high value on respecting elders, which can contribute to older individuals holding positions of influence and power.
Continuity and Stability: Older leaders may be seen as providing continuity and stability in times of uncertainty or crisis, which can be reassuring to the public and other stakeholders.
These points provide a broad overview of some of the reasons why older individuals often hold significant positions of power in America. Depending on the focus of your essay, you may choose to explore some of these points in more detail or add additional factors to further support your argument.
In short, the candidacy of Biden and Trump is based on their experience, name recognition, political ideology, and perception of their fitness for office, regardless of age. Although concerns about age and health are legitimate considerations for voters, they are not necessarily prohibitive factors in a candidate’s ability to run for and hold the highest office in the United States. Ultimately, voters weigh a candidate’s age along with other factors such as policies, character, and leadership abilities when making their decision at the ballot box.
Mark Mather and Paola Scommegna explains: The aging of the American population brings both challenges and opportunities for the economy, infrastructure, and institutions.
Positive development
The level of education is increasing. In 1965 only 5% of people age 65 and older had completed four years or more of college. This share will increase to 33% by 2023.6
Older adults are working longer hours.
The poverty rate for Americans age 65 and older has fallen rapidly over the past 50 years, from nearly 30% in 1966 to 10% today.
Older adults can meet their daily care needs. Older adults are better able to function on their own, and a higher share are living in nursing homes and assisted living than a decade ago.
Challenges
Gains in life expectancy have stalled recently. US life expectancy at birth has declined by 2.4 years between 2019 and 2021. Besides COVID-19 pandemic, deaths from drug overdoses, heart disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and suicide also played a role. The prevalence of obesity among older Americans has increased at an alarming rate.
Wide economic inequalities are found among different population subgroups.
More older adults are getting divorced than previous generations.
Older women are living alone.
Older Americans face a care gap, especially those with low incomes and dementia.
Due to the larger share of older adults, Social Security and Medicare expenditures will increase from 9.1% of GDP in 2023 to 11.5% by 2035.19
The Age Factor in Politics
1. The Perception of Age
Public perception plays a significant role in evaluating political leaders. In the case of Biden and Trump, their advanced ages have raised concerns among some Americans. According to a survey, 67% of respondents believe that President Joe Biden, at 81 years old, is too old to serve another term. In contrast, only 41% feel the same way about former President Donald Trump, who is 771. This discrepancy highlights the subjective nature of age-related judgments.
2. The Super-Ager Phenomenon
Both Biden and Trump fall into a category known as “super-agers.” These individuals maintain robust mental and physical functioning, often outperforming their peers in terms of longevity. Despite their age, super-agers exhibit resilience and adaptability. Research indicates that both candidates have a higher probability of surviving a four-year term relative to other men their age2.
3. Life Expectancy and Survival Odds
To assess their prospects, we turn to life expectancy data. Demographers use life tables, which provide probabilities of survival based on age-specific death rates. These tables reveal that almost 99% of all people born in the U.S. survive from age 0 to 20, over 95% survive to age 40, and more than 85% reach age 60. Biden and Trump, both non-Hispanic white men, have distinct probabilities of surviving to specific ages. Based on 2021 data, Biden has a 92.9% chance of surviving at least until age 821.
4. The Role of Cognitive Abilities
While concerns about cognitive abilities arise, the life expectancy argument remains compelling. The four-year age difference between Biden and Trump doesn’t significantly impact their odds of completing a presidential term. Both men are likely to survive, given their super-ager status and the statistical probabilities1.
5. Unique Aging Leadership
America’s aging politicians raise questions about leadership continuity. Unlike countries with term limits, the U.S. lacks such constraints. Some leaders cling to power due to personal reasons, perpetuating an aging leadership phenomenon. However, this uniqueness also allows for experience and historical context to shape decision-making3.
In conclusion, while age is a valid consideration, it should not overshadow other critical factors like competence, vision, and policy. Biden and Trump, despite their years, remain formidable contenders, challenging the notion that age alone disqualifies them from running America4. As long as they maintain their super-ager status, their leadership capabilities endure.
“We have people who are in their 80s and running the country, and that is unique.” — Mr. Munger3
Remember, leadership transcends mere numbers; it hinges on wisdom, resilience, and adaptability. America’s elder statesmen continue to shape the nation’s destiny, proving that age need not be a barrier to effective governance5.
Learn more
In the end the Yaksha question again arises. Why are America’s politicians so old – and does age matter in politics? (The proverb Yaksha Prashna is used in the context of a problem or problem for which no solution has been found yet or the problem remains as it is.)
Fellow veteran Senator Dianne Feinstein, 81, of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell made headlines for a series of seemingly geriatric incidents, which began when she returned from a long sick leave and insisted she was not far.
Mr Biden hopes to be re-elected next year at the age of 82, allowing him to remain in the White House until he is 86.
A December 2023 AP-NORC poll showed that 77 percent of respondents believe Mr. Biden is too old to effectively serve another term. For Mr. Trump, the figure is 51 percent.
As Ms Matthews says: “He has the feelings of an old man.”
“The Democrats face likely decimation in this year’s midterm elections in November, which will set up a crushingly depressing 2024 rematch between Biden and Trump.”