Recently, a new poll from Gallup showed a striking difference in the perceptions American voters have about Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s ages in a hypothetical 2024 presidential matchup. The poll findings revealed that while an overwhelming majority (86%) of voters commented that Joe Biden’s age would be an important factor in their decision-making process, only 34% indicated that Donald Trump’s age would be an important factor.
The discrepancy between the two leaders’ ages is quite striking. Joe Biden is currently 78 and Donald Trump, 74, yet more voters indicated concern about the former’s age than the latter’s. The poll results convey an interesting insight into how different generations of voters view the issue of each candidate’s age in a hypothetical 2024 matchup.
The results shed light on a cultural shift in how older candidates, particularly those over 70, are perceived by the electorate. Biden has proven more relatable and appealing to younger voters, despite the significant age gap between himself and his opponent. While some pundits have argued that the issue of age is overstated when it comes to Biden’s candidacy, the significant gap in the poll results suggests otherwise.
The fact that Joe Biden, a senior statesman with decades of experience in global politics, is more favoured among voters of all generations in comparison to President Trump—who has been polarising since the day he was elected—is telling of the state of the American political landscape.
It is interesting to note the differences between the two candidates in terms of age. While the polls suggest that Joe Biden, in his 80s, is considered ‘younger’ than President Trump, who is in his 70s, the fact remains that both leaders are significantly older than the median age of the US population.
The poll’s results may imply that American voters are willing to look past Biden’s age, provided he displays a greater sense of accessibility and relatability to younger voters. Moreover, it seems that the issue of age is viewed differently when it comes to the candidates’ personal experiences and policies.
Overall, the poll’s results paint a disturbing picture of the perceived disparities in how American voters view the issue of age when it comes to the 2024 presidential election. It is yet too early to come to a conclusion, but one thing is clear—the perception of the top candidates’ age is already creating divisions ahead of the election.
