Months of scrutinizing President Joe Biden over age-related errors and questions of mental acuity have now drastically swung toward former President Donald Trump. Facing a significantly younger adversary in Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s own age and health potentially take center stage. Sitting at 78, Trump stands as the eldest presidential candidate in the annals of U.S. history. If he manages to secure a second term, he would establish the record for the oldest president. While Biden has stepped back, almost assuredly paving the way for Harris, a spirited 59-year-old with no disclosed health complications.
Thus far, Harris herself has delicately sidestepped alluding to Trump’s advanced age. Yet, several Democrats have commenced stirring the pot on this matter during interviews. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg suggested on a “Fox News Sunday” interview that the lingering doubts over Biden’s cognitive capabilities, which purportedly dissuaded him from continuing the race, have gravitated toward the former President.
Buttigieg’s assertion that voters are disturbed about the age and mental sharpness of President Trump in comparison to Kamala Harris appears to be poorly veiled projection. Many people might wonder how anyone could overlook his confusing speeches and not feel a twinge of worry.
Evidently, this approach may not resonate as potently if delivered directly from Harris. Considering her previous efforts to shield Biden from the same line of attack, Harris inviting a discussion on Trump’s age or capable governance could easily backfire. She still faces the conundrum of justifying Biden’s viability as president.
According to Chris Devine, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Dayton, any time Harris questions Trump’s age or suggests his incapability, someone will inevitably throw the same questions back at her. This inevitable retaliation begs the question: How can she justify Biden’s failed presidential bid or his continued presidency?
Trump’s engagement with the same tactics he now faces is notable; his gaffes, verbal missteps, and inaccurate characterization of events make Biden’s blunders seem modest by comparison. He recently faltered when attempting to recall the name of his own physician. While challenging Biden to undertake a cognitive test, Trump mistakenly referred to Rep. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as the White House doctor for Trump prior to being elected to Congress.
Secrecy surrounds Trump’s medical record; his only public health-related document is a vague letter from his main healthcare provider praising good physical and mental health. The lack of disclosure even extends to a rather significant incident: the attempt on his life during a Pennsylvania rally. About a week afterward, however, his campaign published a letter by Jackson detailing treatment of a wound on Trump’s right ear.
The release of medical records is not legally mandated for presidential candidates; doctors could only disclose such information if the candidate waived their privacy rights. Despite this, Trump’s foibles and the foggy state of his health give plenty of ammunition for opponents.
However, Trump’s followers, particularly the ardent supporters from his ‘Make America Great Again’ movement, appear less likely to be moved by concerns of his age or health. Even attempts by Nikki Haley, former United Nations Ambassador, to criticize Trump on these fronts appeared futile during the GOP primary.
With Trump approaching 80, Democrats are tempted to spotlight his age as a significant issue. While these tactics might seem reasonable, it remains uncertain how voters will react. Devine advises that Harris’s campaign could benefit more from focusing on a narrowed set of concerns that have already been raised about Trump, rather than emphasizing his age.
A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll highlights this approach; Trump was dealt a blow with over half of polled individuals considering him too old for government work. Around 56% stated Harris as mentally sharp and capable, while just 49% conferred the same assessment to Trump. Biden received even lower regards, with a mere 22% expressing confidence in his mental acuity.
Despite a general sentiment that Trump’s age is a barrier to his presidency, this opinion doesn’t resonate universally among Republicans. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll held before the Republican convention indicated that while 60% of Americans considered Trump too old, only 29% of Republicans shared this outlook.
The relentless emphasis on age and mental acuity reflects a new dimension of modern political campaigning. Yet, without considering leadership skills, integrity, and policy-making ability, voters could be left to choose based on shallow assumptions.
The outcome remains to be seen, hindered by partisan views and the subjectivity of public opinion. The acuity debate simply adds another layer to an already contentious and vitriolic political landscape.