A Positive Turn of Events
President Biden recently celebrated his 81st birthday, and he did so with a sense of humor that has been lacking in American politics for far too long. Not only did he jovially pardon Thanksgiving turkeys on the White House lawn, but he also took to social media to make light of his age. Posting a photo of himself with a blazing cake on Threads, he quipped, “To the workers at the birthday candle factory, I hope your union got you overtime.”
This public display of lightheartedness is a significant departure from the primary line of attack against Biden by his opponents: that he is too old and feeble to be an effective leader. By embracing his status as America’s oldest president, Biden has effectively defanged this criticism.
Unfair Criticisms
Unsurprisingly, not everyone was in a congratulatory mood for the birthday boy. The Wall Street Journal, in particular, has been fixated on Biden’s age, despite its own retired chairman, Rupert Murdoch, stepping down at the age of 92. The Journal’s birthday gift to Biden was a slap in the face, with an op-ed stating that “Running for re-election in his condition is an act of profound selfishness.”
However, the notion that Biden is too old or infirm to succeed in a second term is laughable. Throughout his presidency, he has achieved an enviable record of accomplishment, particularly in guiding the nation through the devastating pandemic. However, negative news seems to overshadow the good, and many voters believe that his age is an issue.
Americans Thriving in Their Later Years
It is interesting to note that age-related hysteria is rampant in politics, while other fields celebrate the achievements of older individuals. In the entertainment industry, for example, elder achievers like 80-year-old director Michael Mann and 85-year-old icon Jane Fonda are still thriving in their careers. No one questions their ability to continue working at their age.
The same can be said for figures like Clint Eastwood, Warren Buffet, Ridley Scott, and Vanessa Redgrave, who continue to excel in their respective fields well into their 80s and 90s. So why is it that American politics is so consumed with panic and doom when it comes to the advanced age of our leaders?
80 is the New 60
In response to questions about Biden’s age and capacity, his press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, recently jokingly remarked that “80 is the new 40.” While her comment was made in jest, recent commentary and research support the idea that age is just a number. Many individuals in their 80s are living active and fulfilling lives, defying the notion that they are too old to be effective.
So, happy birthday, Mr. President. You may be an oldie, but you’re still a goodie.