Joe Biden made history when he won the presidency in 2020, becoming the oldest person ever elected to the White House. If he wins a second term in 2024, he would be 86 years old at the end of his potential second term.
This has raised concerns among voters about his age and whether he is up to the demanding job of being president. However, it is important to note that Biden’s age is not the only factor to consider when evaluating his ability to serve as president. In this article, we will take a closer look at Joe Biden’s age, his career, and his health to provide a comprehensive understanding of the oldest president in history.
Joe Biden’s Background and Family
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Claymont, Delaware, with his family. He graduated from the University of Delaware and Syracuse Law School before serving on the New Castle County Council. Biden’s political career began when he was elected to the United States Senate at the age of 29.
Tragedy struck the Biden family shortly after his election when his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident, and his two sons were critically injured. Despite this devastating loss, Biden was sworn into the Senate at his sons’ hospital bedsides and continued to commute between Wilmington and Washington to be with his family.
Biden married Jill Jacobs in 1977, and they have one daughter together named Ashley. Jill is a lifelong educator and holds a doctorate in education. The Biden family has faced personal challenges, including the loss of their eldest son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015. Beau’s fight against cancer has inspired President Biden’s mission to end cancer as we know it.
Biden’s Career in the Senate
During his 36 years in the Senate, Joe Biden established himself as a leader in facing important domestic and international challenges. He served as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for 16 years, where he played a key role in writing and spearheading the Violence Against Women Act.
This landmark legislation strengthened penalties for violence against women, provided resources for survivors of assault, and changed the national dialogue on domestic and sexual assault.
Biden also served as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for 12 years, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He worked on issues related to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, post-Cold War Europe, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and ending apartheid.
Biden’s Vice Presidency and Beyond
As Vice President under Barack Obama, Joe Biden continued his leadership on important issues facing the nation. He played a key role in passing and implementing the Recovery Act, the largest economic recovery plan in U.S. history. Biden also helped secure the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which reduced the number of uninsured Americans and banned insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
After leaving the White House, the Bidens continued their efforts to expand opportunity for every American through various initiatives and organizations. In 2019, Joe Biden announced his candidacy for President of the United States, focusing on the battle for the soul of the nation, rebuilding the middle class, and promoting unity.
Addressing Concerns about Age and Health
Given Joe Biden’s age, concerns have been raised about his ability to serve as president. While there is no evidence of substantial cognitive decline, some have noted a decline in his physical movement and verbal dexterity. Biden’s advisers have taken special measures, such as using note-card reminders and shorter sets of stairs, to address these concerns and counter conservative attacks.
It is important to note that age alone should not be the sole determining factor in evaluating a candidate’s ability to serve as president. Biden’s long career in politics, his experience in the Senate, and his tenure as Vice President demonstrate his ability to handle the demands of the job. Additionally, Biden’s health and well-being are regularly monitored by medical professionals.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s age makes him the oldest president in history, and concerns have been raised about his ability to serve in the demanding role of president. However, it is important to consider his extensive political career, his experience in the Senate, and his tenure as Vice President.
While age is a factor to consider, it should not be the sole determining factor in evaluating a candidate’s ability to serve as president. Ultimately, voters will have to weigh Biden’s age against his experience, policies, and vision for the future when deciding whether to support him in the 2024 election.