The American political stage saw its oldest performer, Joe Biden, as he garbed the cloak of the presidency. Known for playing the card of age-related jokes, Biden completed his 82nd year on Earth, but his physical stamina has often raised qualms among his fellow Americans. Born on November 20, 1942, in Pennsylvania’s Scranton, he was the oldest child of Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden and Joseph Robinette Biden, Sr. The family later relocated to Claymont, Delaware where Biden spent his formative years.
Following his education from the University of Delaware and Syracuse Law School, Biden initiated his political career from the New Castle County Council. Against all odds, he gained an entry into the Senate at the tender age of 29, setting himself up for a lifelong political sojourn. The joy of this victory was marred by a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi and severely injured his sons Hunter and Beau. Amidst such unparalleled personal grief, Biden took his Senate oath by his sons’ hospital bedsides.
In 1977, Biden attempted to rescue his personal life from the shadow of bereavement as he tied the knot with Jill Biden. Three years later, they were blessed with a daughter, Ashley. Meanwhile, his professional life witnessed a significant advancement when he served as the senator of Delaware for 36 years, later ascending to the vice-president’s office under the leadership of President Barack Obama.
Despite his turbulent life, Biden decided to toss his hat into the 2020 presidential race, resulting in his election as the 46th President of the United States at 77. However, embracing a striking anti-climax, Biden renounced his run for the 2024 presidential race after a debate with Donald Trump. Interestingly, following his debate flub, Biden exhibited a confident demeanor and forceful speech at a North Carolina rally, with many wondering about the inconsistency in his performances.
As Biden decided to step down from the race, he passed the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her for the presidency. Although Harris’ attempt to keep the Democratic flame alive was robust, she faced a bitter defeat at the hands of President-elect Donald Trump. Thus, the political legacy that Biden propelled through Harris faced an abrupt termination.
Before Biden’s tenure, the flag of age record was held by Trump, who was inaugurated as U.S. president at 70 years old in January 2017 and concluded his first term at 74. With the turn of events leading to his re-election, Trump, now 78, will surpass Biden’s record by approximately five months. As if age were an accolade, he will become the oldest American president to ever step foot in the Oval Office.
By the time Trump throws in the towel post his second term, he would be 82 years and seven months old, thereby sealing the history as the oldest president ever to serve in the office. Yet, it’s worth noting that the U.S. has always had a history of ‘elderly’ presidents. President Ronald Reagan won his second term at the age of 73 in 1984 and vacated the seat in 1989 at the age of 77.
Similarly, President Dwight D. Eisenhower waved his goodbye from the White House in 1961 at 70. On the other end of the spectrum, President Jimmy Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year, concluded his presidency at the age of 56 in 1981. One can’t help but ponder how these figures managed to pull off their demanding roles despite their advanced age.
Biden’s meteoric rise in U.S. politics remains tarnished by persistent health concerns, making his leadership abilities a subject of dubious speculation. While some view his age-related jokes as a light-hearted deflection of such criticisms, they hardly contribute to cementing the public’s faith in his capabilities.
A circulating identity of Biden in some circles has been that of a laughable older man attempting to dance to the Whitman’s sampler that is American politics. His public blunders during debates and speeches have pulled him into controversies, denting his image further.
Although Biden’s political journey has been a rollercoaster of events, it took a downward plunge during the 2024 presidential race. His premature withdrawal post a debate debacle with Trump marked a pathetic episode in his political career.
While Biden’s endorsement for Kamala Harris was meant to secure a future for the Democrats, it ended up being a futile exercise. Harris’s defeat reinforces the notion that the Democrats’ decision to ‘inherit the legacy’ rather than ‘rejuvenate the strategy’ was a misstep.
The pendulum of power swung back into the court of Donald Trump, proving yet again that age is never a barrier when it comes to American politics. Biden’s retreat and Harris’s defeat painted a clear picture of the tumultuous state that the Democratic Party found itself in.
Ephemeral as it might have been, Biden’s presidency is a glaring testimony to the pitfalls of emphasizing age over efficiency. As Trump, the one-time oldest president himself, regained power, it seemed as if the citizens favored leadership and vision over the frailty of age.
The news of Biden turning 82, made public spectacles of his age and health-related issues yet again. However, it also nudged the nation to reflect on the age of its leaders and question whether the presidency should be about demonstrated leadership or merely about age and experience derived from longevity in politics.
Looking back, Biden’s trajectory in politics was anything but smooth. From personal tragedies to public controversies, his journey served as a vivid reminder of the porous line between age and leadership potential. As Trump preps to step into the presidency once again, one can’t help but speculate the future of American politics and its enduring romance with senior statesmanship.