OP-ED: Yes, Joe Biden is Old

But President Biden's age is the least noteworthy aspect of this election cycle

Joe Biden is old.

Donald Trump is also old. 

In fact, they were born three years and 147 days apart. They could have gone to high school at the same time.

Much of the discourse surrounding the 2024 election cycle has centered around the age and alleged cognitive decline of both Trump and Biden. And yet somehow, this remains the least important aspect of the presidential race. 

In the last week alone, Donald Trump has been engulfed in a shower of scandals. From claims of presidential immunity in a hush money case involving Stormy Daniels to allegations of mishandling classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, the litany of controversies is staggering. Add to that Trump's reported promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war by abandoning support for Ukraine, fresh defamation accusations, and a purge of RNC staff to make way for MAGA loyalists.

These revelations aren't just tabloid fodder; they raise serious questions about ethical conduct, national security, and the integrity of our democratic institutions. The spectacle unfolding within the Trump orbit stands in stark contrast to the measured, albeit imperfect, leadership offered by the Biden administration.

Critics may argue that all politicians are cut from the same cloth, but such a narrative overlooks the glaring disparities in character, competence, integrity, and achievements. The idea that Trump and Biden are interchangeable is a dangerous oversimplification that belies the gravity of the choices before us.

Consider the implications: while Biden's age may be a topic of discussion, the real issue at hand is the future direction of our country. Are we willing to tolerate a political landscape where scandal reigns supreme, or do we aspire to something greater?

The events of the past week serve as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. As Trump loyalists consolidate power within the GOP and legal troubles mount for key figures in his inner circle, the choice facing Americans becomes clearer by the day.

In the face of such blatant disregard for the rule of law and the norms of democracy, it's imperative that we reject the false equivalencies and hold our leaders to account. Yes, Joe Biden is old. But the contrast between Biden's age and Trump's scandals is not just a matter of optics; it's a reflection of the values we hold dear as a nation.

A common refrain on the right is that Joe Biden is old. And not only that, he’s demented, befuddled, and can barely complete a sentence. He doesn’t know what day it is -- heck, he might not know that he’s the President.

The claim that Joe Biden's age disqualifies him from office oversimplifies a complex political landscape. Both Biden and Trump are elderly, but age alone should not dictate their suitability for the presidency.

We should focus on the substance of their leadership. Critiquing Biden solely on age overlooks the broader issues at stake in the upcoming election. We must prioritize substantive discussions over superficial attacks.

Another claim Trump supporters make is that Joe Biden is a feckless and incompetent leader who has barely accomplished anything.

This is on its face untrue, as Joe Biden has had one of the most productive presidential terms in recent memory. Biden passed The Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered costs and invested money in addressing the climate crisis. He signed The Chips and Science Act, which invested $300 billion in manufacturing semiconductors in the United States. Joe Biden brought us The American Rescue Plan, which jumpstarted America’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. He passed The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which represents the largest investment in infrastructure since the New Deal era. Finally, Biden passed The Respect for Marriage Act, The Pact Act, The Safer Communities Act, and he has pardoned all federal offenses for marijuana possession and initiated a review of how marijuana is scheduled. 

Perhaps most importantly, Joe Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. By January 20th, 2025, four of the Supreme Court justices will be over the age of 70 years old. Even if you don’t think that any of Biden’s accomplishments go far enough, his re-election could potentially save America from more Trump SCOTUS picks, which will have far-reaching consequences for generations to come. 

It’s totally valid to criticize Biden or argue that he has not gone far enough in fulfilling his campaign promises, but to suggest that he literally has not accomplished anything just doesn’t match up with reality. 

It's essential to recognize the tangible progress Joe Biden has made for the country as even Republicans are having a difficult time arguing against it. That is why so much of their attention lately has been on Biden’s age and fitness as they know that focusing on the policies and the ethics would put them at a strategic disadvantage.