- Biden and Trump to face off
- The debate will provide a unique opportunity for Americans
- They will assess the physical and mental strength of both candidates
On Thursday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first of two debates leading up to the November election.
The debate will provide a unique opportunity for Americans to compare the two candidates, who are nearly tied in national polls. At 81 and 78 years old, respectively, Biden and Trump are the oldest candidates to have sought the presidency, making age a significant issue in the election.
For 90 minutes, the two men will discuss various topics, including the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and democracy.
Their performance will be scrutinized, with any mistakes or verbal slips potentially impacting the tight presidential race.
While both candidates face age-related concerns, the pressure to deliver a strong performance may be higher for President Biden, who has faced questions about his stamina and mental fitness since taking office.
Despite concerns about age, Democratic strategist Jim Messina emphasizes that the election is about policy and character, not age. Polls show that voters are more concerned about Biden’s age than Trump’s, with 73% of registered voters believing Biden is too old to be an effective president.
However, if Trump wins, he would surpass Biden’s record as the oldest president before the end of his term.
While Biden has been declared “fit for duty” by a White House physician, concerns about his age persist. Recent years have seen noticeable signs of aging, including a softer speaking voice, occasional memory lapses, and a stiffened gait.
As president, Biden is under constant scrutiny, with even routine actions like walking up stairs or crossing a stage being closely watched and analyzed.
The debate on Thursday will provide a rare opportunity for Americans to assess the physical and mental strength of both candidates, potentially shaping the outcome of the election.
