Joe Biden Turns 78 Today
Should we be worried about his age?
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It was during the 1984 presidential debate when Ronald Reagan delivered one of the most impressive lines of his political career.
President Reagan, running for reelection at 73 years old, was asked by the moderator whether age was an issue of the campaign. Should Americans be concerned about the advanced age of the president?
In a classic moment of wit, Reagan quipped:
“I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience…”
Reagan ended up winning the 1984 election in a landslide, defeating Walter Mondale in 49 out of 50 states. He would go on to serve another four successful years in the White House, leaving the office at the age of 77 years and 349 days.
And that brings us to Joe Biden, who celebrates his 78th birthday today.
Yes, you read that right. Biden is older before taking office than Reagan was when he left the presidency.
Is that a reason to be concerned? Let’s break it down.
The Numbers
- At 78 years old upon taking office, Joe Biden will be the oldest president in the history of the United States.
- By January of 2021, Donald Trump will be 74 years and 200 days old.
- Donald Trump was just 70 years old when he won the 2016 election.
- The average life expectancy of males in the United States is 78.54 years.
- A person who lives until age 78 can be expected to live for another 9.43 years.
Now that we’ve examined the numbers, it’s important to ask: how do Americans perceive the age of the U.S. President?
Public Perceptions
As a candidate for office, Joe Biden promised complete transparency and truthfulness reagarding his health. In September of 2020, Biden told CNN:
“I guarantee you, I will be totally transparent in terms of my health and all aspects of my health…”
Although Biden has promised transparency, the American public has displayed doubt that elected leaders…
