Stephen King, the renowned horror author and vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, recently made headlines with a post about Trump’s age. On X, formerly Twitter, King responded to a MAGA supporter’s query about Trump’s potential return to the presidency by humorously highlighting Trump’s age. King’s comment, “But he’s so OLD! :-)”, was interpreted as a light-hearted jab at the 78-year-old Trump’s suitability for office.
King’s remark appears to be a nod to the criticisms that have been leveled at President Joe Biden, who is 81. Biden’s age was a frequent point of contention during his campaign and ultimately led to his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. King’s comment seems to draw a parallel between the scrutiny faced by Biden and that which Trump might now face.
Donald Trump
The reaction from Trump supporters was mixed, with some failing to grasp the irony in King’s post. Responses on social media included claims that Trump is younger than Biden and criticisms of King’s apparent past support for Biden. These comments reflect a broader confusion among some Trump supporters about the intent behind King’s post.
Others used the opportunity to criticize Trump’s age, echoing concerns similar to those raised about Biden. Comedian Jay Black and social media users expressed dismay at what they perceive as Trump’s declining energy and mental acuity, suggesting that his age makes him unfit for the presidency. Such critiques highlight a growing concern about the age of political leaders among some voters.
A recent Reuters and Ipsos poll indicates that age is becoming a significant issue in the presidential race. The poll revealed that a majority of voters view Trump as too old for government work, while Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as mentally sharp. This sentiment reflects a broader public debate about the age and cognitive capabilities of presidential candidates, especially in light of Trump’s and Biden’s advanced ages.
