President Joe Biden is running against Donald Trump, a former president with 34 felony convictions, two impeachments, and a failed pandemic response. Trump’s refusal to accept election results sets a dangerous precedent. Surprisingly, despite these issues, Biden was trailing in polls before the first Trump-Biden debate, where his performance was lackluster, raising concerns about his age and capability.
For democracy’s sake, preventing Trump’s reelection is crucial. This requires either Biden overcoming his pride and stepping aside or Americans overcoming ageism. Both scenarios seem unlikely, highlighting the current issues in American politics. Biden’s insistence on running reflects a broader trend of leaders clinging to power, which has had significant consequences.
Historically, many presidents have chosen not to seek reelection when facing unpopularity or poor health. However, recent decades have seen fewer examples of this humility. Modern presidents and leaders, including those impeached, often refuse to step down, causing further political turmoil.
The reluctance to retire is partly psychological. Many individuals, especially Baby Boomers, enjoy their work and fear retirement’s associated boredom and loss of purpose. This desire to stay relevant is one reason Biden continues to run, despite concerns about his age.
Donald Trump
Experts like Dr. S. Jay Olshansky note that many in power are reluctant to retire because they enjoy their work and the sense of importance it brings. This phenomenon is not new, but it clashes with the Founding Fathers’ vision of political leaders returning to private life to stay connected with ordinary citizens.
Ageism also plays a role in the perception of older politicians. Despite advances in healthcare making older ages more manageable, many still view aging negatively. This bias contributes to the narrative that Biden is too old, even though experience and wisdom come with age.
The practical concerns about Biden’s age remain. Even if ageism is at play, it’s risky to challenge deeply ingrained prejudices when the stakes are so high. Some argue that Biden should resign, allowing Kamala Harris to step in and avoid further issues.
Ultimately, the problem extends beyond the 2024 election. America must address the underlying issues of leaders refusing to retire and the public’s age-related biases to prevent future political crises similar to the current Trump-Biden situation.
