Almost 50% of Americans believe that the ideal age for a president is in their 50s, as per a poll.

Age and the 2024 Presidential Race

As the 2024 race for the White House barrels forward, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that 49% of Americans believe the best age for a president is in their 50s.

Pew’s findings highlight the significance of age in the upcoming presidential race, particularly as two of the nation’s oldest candidates prepare to battle it out.

President Joe Biden’s Age

President Joe Biden, currently the oldest president in United States history at 80, is seeking reelection. However, his cognitive abilities as an older person have faced criticisms. If reelected, Biden would be 86 when leaving office in January 2029, a factor that has raised concerns among voters and the Democratic Party.

Donald Trump and the Call for Generational Change

Former President Donald Trump, the current front-runner in the GOP 2024 race, is 77 years old. His Republican rivals are calling for a generational change, as indicated by the Pew survey. Only 3% of Americans prefer a president in their 70s or older, and even among those who are in their 70s and older, only 5% want a president older than 70.

Consistent Findings Across Party Lines

Pew’s findings were consistent among Democrats and Republicans. 51% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents prefer a president in their 50s, while 49% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents share the same preference. Both groups showed only 3% support for a president in their 70s or older.

Rivals Emphasizing Youth

Trump’s 2024 rivals, such as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, have emphasized their relative youth compared to Trump and Biden. DeSantis, at 44 years old, is significantly younger than both candidates. His campaign highlights his youth as a key advantage in challenging Trump’s dominance in the GOP.

Haley, who launched her presidential campaign in February, called for a “new generation” of GOP leadership and mental competency tests for candidates older than 75. At 51 years old, Haley aligns with the age group most Americans prefer for a president.

Trump and Biden’s Leadership

Despite their age, both Trump and Biden remain leaders of their respective parties. Trump consistently polls ahead of his 2024 rivals, while Biden faces at least two other challengers for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Barring any major issues, Biden is likely to be on the ballot in 2024 due to his incumbent status.

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Voters’ Opinions on Age

Voters may be growing skeptical of a potential rematch between Trump and Biden. An ABC News/Washington Post poll released in May revealed that 68% of Americans believe Biden is too old for the presidency, while only 44% said the same about Trump.

Pew Research conducted the survey from June 5-11, surveying 5,115 adults. The questions did not specifically mention Biden or Trump’s age.

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