President Joe Biden celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday with a subdued family gathering, looking ahead to a challenging election year. While the occasion was marked by low-key celebrations, it brought to the forefront a significant issue – Biden’s age and the perceptions of his physical and mental fitness among voters.

On the morning of his birthday, while presiding over the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon, Biden seemingly confused pop stars Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, humorously alluding to the challenges of turning 60. This incident added fuel to the ongoing debate about his age and cognitive abilities.

Age as a Campaign Liability

Officials in the White House and the Biden campaign privately acknowledge that age is a vulnerability. They are actively working to minimize potential gaffes and project vigor. Biden has recently been prescribed custom orthotics for his feet and has adopted measures like using a shorter set of stairs to board Air Force One. Additionally, he is known for occasionally stopping to take questions from reporters during bike rides.

Despite these efforts, concerns about Biden’s age persist. Recent polls, including one by CNN, indicate that this is a chronic issue with voters. Critics, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have not shied away from raising concerns about Biden’s age, painting it as a significant issue.

Joe Biden already holds the distinction of being the oldest president in U.S. history, surpassing Ronald Reagan. If re-elected in 2024, he would serve until the age of 86, further cementing his status as the oldest president. His advisers argue that there’s a double standard in media coverage, with more attention on Biden’s age than on Trump’s. However, they maintain that voters are more interested in a candidate’s track record and future plans.

Biden’s Birthday Celebration

Despite the age-related concerns, Biden’s 81st birthday was celebrated with relative quiet. The day included the time-honored pre-Thanksgiving tradition of the annual turkey pardon and briefings from national security advisers on global crises. The Democratic National Committee also planned to commemorate the occasion on social media, as it has done in previous years.

Comparing Biden and Trump on Age

Former President Trump, known for his criticism of Biden on various fronts, has shown restraint when it comes to directly attacking Biden’s age. Instead, he focuses on labeling Biden as incompetent. Biden’s campaign, however, has not hesitated to highlight Trump’s gaffes and question his fitness.

Biden often downplays his age with humor but frames it as a source of wisdom and experience. Officials within the Biden administration and campaign argue that his extensive foreign policy experience is an asset during turbulent times.

Polling Concerns and Public Perception

Polls consistently indicate that age is a topic of concern among voters. Many respondents believe that Biden is too old to effectively serve another four-year term, mirroring similar concerns about Trump’s age.

Despite these concerns, Biden’s campaign remains optimistic, focusing on his experience and track record. They maintain that age should not be a primary factor in the election.

The View from Younger Voters

Younger voters express mixed views on the significance of Biden’s age. While some see it as a potential deterrent, others believe it’s more about policy alignment and understanding the concerns of a younger generation. Progressive groups working to mobilize young voters downplay age as a significant factor in their voting decisions.

As Joe Biden marks his 81st birthday, the debate about his age and fitness for office continues. While concerns about his age persist, his campaign remains focused on emphasizing his experience and track record. In the end, voters will determine whether age plays a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election.