A common MAGA claim is that Joseph Biden was too old to become President in 2021. Biden was born on November 20, 1942. So when he was sworn in as President he was 78 years and 2 months old.
Trump was born on June 14, 1946. If he is elected in 2024, he will be 78 years and 7 months old when he is sworn in.
So how is it that Biden was too old to be President but Trump will not be too old in 2025?
Biden is unusually healthy for an 80 year old man. He does not smoke or drink alcohol. He can still ride a bicycle, which is very unusual for someone who is 80.
In contrast, Trump is not particularly healthy for his age. He too does not smoke or drink alcohol. But he is clearly overweight. His exercise seems to consist of riding around in a golf cart and playing golf. If he walked and carried his own golf clubs, it would be different. But still not equivalent to riding a bicycle. And Stephen Colbert called Trump "The Count of Mostly Cristo" which, given Trump's obvious physical condition, is a pretty good description.
Signs of Biden's "dementia" are not particularly strong. Forgetting a congresswoman had recently died? There are over 400 members of congress. She might have been someone he didn't know that well. With a lot going on in his life, yes, it's possible for someone to forget the passing of a causal acquittance. The same might happen to someone who is 40. Introducing his sister to a crowd while pointing at his wife? While facing the crowd, it's possible someone might forget whether his sister was off to his right or his left, and is mostly concentrating on making a connection with the audience. Mistakes are bound to be made when one makes a lot of speeches.
For 2024, it's important for the Democrats to have the strongest possible candidate to run. Because, barring a sudden downturn in Trump's health, making it impossible for him to run, the Democratic candidate is going to have to beat Donald Trump. And the survival of democracy depends on Trump losing that election. Because of his age, Biden is not the ideal candidate. It's an issue the Republicans can use. But I'm not certain there is a stronger candidate. Although Gavin Newsom looks pretty good to me.
Biden is a good President and would be a good president for 2025-2029. And he is not Trump. But I want the strongest possible candidate to be running in 2024.