President Joe Biden, 81, and former president Donald Trump, 78, are set to face off in a highly anticipated debate in Atlanta, Georgia. As the two oldest major party candidates for the US presidency, age has become a central issue in the upcoming election.
The debate, scheduled for Thursday, will provide Americans with a rare opportunity to compare the physical and mental strength of the two candidates. With both Biden and Trump nearly tied in national opinion polls, every moment of the 90-minute debate will be crucial in shaping voters’ perceptions.
While concerns about Biden’s age have been a topic of discussion since he took office, recent polls have shown that voters are more worried about his ability to serve as president than they are about Trump’s age. Despite being only three-and-a-half years apart in age, Biden faces more scrutiny due to visible signs of aging, such as a softer speaking voice and occasional memory lapses.
Both campaigns have been actively shaping the narrative around their candidate’s age through social media, with Republicans intensifying attacks on Biden’s mental competence and Democrats responding with similar criticisms of Trump. Younger voters, in particular, are paying close attention to the debate, as they feel disengaged from a political system that has long been dominated by older generations.
As the debate approaches, the stakes are high for both candidates. Biden must demonstrate his competency and confidence to quell fears about his age, while Trump aims to show that he is a worthy debater despite his own advanced years. The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on the already tight presidential race, as voters begin to focus on the candidates’ policies and character.
