Why America’s Aging Politicians Cling to Power

Two polls released on July 3, 2024, following the recent presidential debate, indicate a shift in voter support towards former President Donald Trump over current President Joe Biden. This development comes amid increasing media scrutiny and Democratic concerns regarding Biden’s age and stamina. At 81, Biden is the first octogenarian President, while Trump, his main rival, is 78.

Concerns about the presidential candidates’ ages have been a topic of discussion since the fall of 2023. In February, special counsel Robert Hur chose not to charge Biden with mishandling classified documents, citing his advanced age and poor memory. This decision sparked outrage among some Democrats. A Gallup Poll in June 2024 revealed that 67% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve as President, compared to 37% who feel the same about Trump.

The issue of presidential age is not new. Historical polling data shows that less than a third of Americans are willing to vote for a candidate over 80. Former President George H.W. Bush opted not to challenge Bill Clinton in 1996 after losing to him in 1992; he chose a post-presidential life focused on humanitarian work and family. This raises questions about why Biden and Trump, far beyond the average retirement age, aspire to the presidency again.

Both Trump and Biden are among the oldest men to serve as President. William Henry Harrison, the oldest elected until Ronald Reagan, was 68 when he took office in 1841. Reagan was 69 at his first inauguration in 1981 and left office at 77. Trump, who left office at 74, is the third-oldest President behind Reagan and Biden.

The median age in America is 38.9 years, but the average ages in Congress are significantly higher—58 in the House and 64 in the Senate. This disparity has led to the term “gerontocracy,” a system of governance by older individuals, becoming more prevalent. Such systems are common in religious and communist leadership but less so in democracies.

The aging trend extends beyond Biden and Trump. Key political figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (72) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (81) demonstrate bipartisan participation. Senator Chuck Grassley, 90, was recently reelected, and Senator Bernie Sanders, 81, shows no signs of retirement. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, is running for her 19th term. Other elderly politicians in Congress exhibit similar longevity, with some even on medications for conditions like Alzheimer’s.

What drives these elderly politicians to remain in office? Financial necessity doesn’t appear to be a factor, given their significant wealth and guaranteed pensions. Some speculate that denial of aging and a fear of mortality play roles, as seen with Senator Dianne Feinstein and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who both died in office. For many, their identity and life’s work are inseparable from their political roles, leaving little room for post-retirement activities. Ego and a sense of indispensability also contribute to their prolonged tenures.

Discussions on age limits for elected officials have gained traction. While federal law mandates retirement for law enforcement officers at 57, no such limits exist for the presidency. Republican candidate Nikki Haley has proposed mental competency tests for leaders over 75, a notion supported by the public. This would help assess both cognitive sharpness and suitability for office.

The debate continues on whether current elderly leaders should step aside, invoking the vision of Kennedy’s “passing the torch to a new generation.” Professor Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia encapsulated the sentiment in 2023 by expressing the need to elect younger leaders: “We’ve got to get back to electing people in their 50s and early 60s.” Most Americans seem to agree with this perspective.