Trump’s Age Becomes a Campaign Issue as Biden Steps Down
Donald Trump, who once criticized Joe Biden over his age and fitness, now faces similar scrutiny after the president ended his reelection bid. With Vice President Kamala Harris likely to become the Democratic nominee, Trump’s own age becomes a focal point.
“The dynamics have drastically changed,” says Matthew Foster, a political scientist at American University.
Despite Biden’s withdrawal, Trump continued to mock him, suggesting on social media that Biden might forget he dropped out. This rhetoric highlights Trump’s own advanced age, making him the oldest candidate if he wins the November election.
Trump, at 78, has had his share of gaffes and erratic speeches. Whether these indicate cognitive decline or not remains debatable. His recent nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, shortly after surviving an assassination attempt, showcased his stamina according to supporters. Yet, some saw a fatigued candidate delivering a lackluster performance.
An ABC poll from mid-July revealed that 60 percent of Americans believe Trump is too old for a second term. Following Biden’s withdrawal, concerns about Trump’s age intensified, but he dismisses these worries. In January, he claimed to have passed a cognitive test with flying colors, promising to inform his supporters if he ever felt his mental sharpness declining.
Unlike his time in the White House, Trump isn’t obliged to disclose his medical records. Information about his health has been sparse, with only a brief letter from his doctor last November stating he was in good health and had lost weight, without specifics.
Kamala Harris, now gearing up her campaign, is expected to target Trump’s age. Harris’s spokesperson, James Singer, emphasized this point, calling Trump a “78-year-old convicted criminal” who has failed working people.
Harris brings a different energy to her campaign, characterized as younger and more aggressive. Her initial presidential run in 2020 didn’t succeed, but she stood out in televised debates. Now, she steps up to carry the Democratic torch, having been chosen by Biden for this role.
