Trump’s Age Called Into Question
Ladies and gentlemen, what a wild turn of events we’ve had in the political arena! After years of downplaying concerns about Joe Biden’s age and health, Democrats have flipped the script now that Biden has bowed out of the 2024 race. The new target? Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who is suddenly being painted as “too old” to serve as President.
Let’s break it down. Until recently, Biden’s supporters brushed aside any discussions about the age of presidential candidates, knowing it would backfire given Biden’s own senior status. But now, with Biden stepping aside, it’s open season on Trump’s age. Micah Erfan of the Texas Democrats’ State Democratic Executive Committee took to social media, declaring, “It’s time to talk about age. Donald Trump is TOO old to be President.” This sentiment was echoed by Brianne Wu, executive director of a progressive super PAC, and Annie Wu, a Gen Z digital strategist and former communications consultant for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
It’s time to talk about age.
Donald Trump is TOO old to be President. pic.twitter.com/WXzsbyQ5nQ
— Micah Erfan (@micah_erfan) July 21, 2024
Yet, here’s the kicker: knocking Trump on mental acuity isn’t quite sticking. Trump, known for his sharp comebacks and boundless energy, appears to be thriving on the campaign trail. His physical resilience was dramatically showcased when he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Just days later, he was back in action at the Republican National Convention and a massive rally in Michigan, showing no signs of slowing down.
Contrast this with Biden’s recent struggles, which have included a series of public stumbles and a much-criticized debate performance against Trump. Biden’s handlers have often had to adjust his schedule to accommodate his need for rest, cutting debate preparations short and ensuring he has plenty of downtime. This inability to keep up with the rigors of campaigning ultimately led to a crisis of confidence within his party, pushing him to end his reelection bid.
OMG TRUMP IS SOOOOO OLD!
WE CANNOT HAVE A PRESIDENT THIS OLD.
78 IS WAYYYYY TOO OLD TO BE PRESIDENT.
HE’S THE OLDEST PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE IN HISTORY!!!! pic.twitter.com/42cv9F0SXE
— Annie Wu🥥🌴 (all socials: @annie_wu_22) (@Annie_Wu_22) July 21, 2024
The debate debacle was the tipping point. Biden’s explanation for his poor performance was fatigue, citing the need to “pace” himself better and go to bed earlier. Reports from his debate preparations at Camp David highlighted a late start time and ample napping sessions, underscoring concerns about his stamina.
The irony hasn’t been lost on the public, with some betting on whether a head of lettuce would outlast Biden’s campaign. Polymarket, a prediction market, humorously livestreamed an iceberg lettuce, dressed as Trump, next to a framed photo of Biden. The lettuce, meant to symbolize Trump’s resilience, became a quirky symbol of the election’s unexpected twists.
THE LETTUCE WON
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) July 21, 2024
As Democrats pivot to attack Trump’s age, the irony is palpable. They now wield the same weapon they once dismissed against their own candidate. This strategy may prove challenging, given Trump’s apparent vitality and the recent spotlight on Biden’s own vulnerabilities.