As the Democratic Party considers its options for the November election, one particular challenge from a prominent politician has been taking center stage: Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, has publicly questioned the ability of 77-year-old Joe Biden to be an effective President.
Phillips’ bold statement has sparked heated controversy and debate among both Democrats and Republicans. On one side, many have responded positively, suggesting that Phillips was trying to spark an important conversation about the physical and mental decline associated with age. On the other side, many Democrats were quick to attack Phillips – asking whether an 80-year-old politician would be viable for the more strenuous demands of the office of President.
These questions are rooted in contemporary political challenges, not least of which is a breakdown in trust in the political establishment. Many Americans are looking to find a leader who will genuinely putting their needs first. With Biden’s age becoming an increasingly prominent factor in the decision making process, Phillips’ challenge attracted a great deal of attention – with commentators suggesting that an 80-year-old man might not be able to keep up with a fast-paced and demanding role.
Phillips has since clarified his statement – publicly announcing that his challenge is intended to spark an honest discussion among the Democratic Party, and not necessarily an attack on Biden’s candidacy. Lip service to this discussion was paid by Biden himself. Although, the former Vice President was careful not to explicitly support or condemn Phillips’ statement, indicating that the decision to pick him is ultimately up to the voters.
With the election season swiftly approaching, the fate of the presidential hopeful remains uncertain. While the vast majority of Americans over the age of 65 are highly capable individuals, with the ability to contribute and lead in numerous ways, in terms of the presidency, the reality is that age can become a barrier – both to serving as an effective president and being seen as a viable choice by voters. As Phillips’ statement has revealed the current somewhat uncomfortable reality of the Democratic candidates, this is a point of debate that is likely to rumble on for some time yet.