President Joe Biden seems to have achieved an unexpected feat of uniting the nation in a unique way, though not necessarily according to his intentions. A recent poll released by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals a widespread public belief that Biden’s age makes him too old to effectively serve a second term.
The poll, conducted from August 10 to 14, 2023, surveyed 1,165 adults and highlighted a significant trend. A staggering 77 percent of respondents, regardless of their party affiliation, expressed the sentiment that Biden’s age would hinder his effectiveness over the course of another four years in office. This viewpoint extends across different age groups, not solely among younger citizens. Even within the Democratic Party, 69 percent agreed that his age is a concern, indicating a broad consensus on this matter.
Interestingly, a comparison was made with former President Donald Trump’s age. Roughly half of the surveyed adults believed Trump was also too old for the presidential role. However, Democrats were notably more likely to disqualify Trump based on age compared to Republicans.
Biden’s age, a topic of discussion among both the general public and potential voters, continues to attract attention. At 80 years old, he currently holds the distinction of being the oldest president in U.S. history. Should he secure re-election in 2024 and serve a full term, he would leave office at the age of 86.
Another poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies in August, commissioned by Newsweek, found that a majority of Democrats expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to perform his duties due to his advanced age. However, there was greater division among Biden voters regarding whether his age should preclude him from seeking another term.
Even an Economist-YouGov poll from June indicated that a significant portion of the American population, around 45 percent, believes Biden’s age and health severely limit his capacity to fulfill his presidential duties.
In essence, these polls highlight a prevalent sentiment that Biden’s age might impact his effectiveness, bringing the public discourse to the forefront of American political conversations.