80-Year-Old Biden Once Criticized 63-Year-Old Opponent as Too Old for Office

President Biden Criticized Opponent for Being Too Old in 1972 Senate Race

Despite being 80 years old, President Joe Biden believes he is fit for another four-year term in office. However, it’s interesting to note that over five decades ago, Biden criticized his opponent in the 1972 Senate race for being too old at the age of 63.

Back then, Biden was only 29 years old and played the age card extensively during his campaign. He claimed that his opponent, Republican Cale Boggs, was too old to understand modern issues and even referred to him as “dear old dad.” According to a CNN report, one of Biden’s campaign ads read, “To Cale Boggs, an unfair tax was the 1948 poll tax. To Joe Biden, an unfair tax is the 1972 income tax.” Biden won the election and turned 30, the required age to serve in the Senate, just days later.

Concerns About Biden’s Age

CNN recently revealed that Biden criticized Boggs, who was almost 20 years younger than Biden is now. This revelation comes as the president faces concerns from his base about his age. Staunch Democrats who were interviewed by the Washington Post in recent weeks expressed worries about his status as an octogenarian.

According to an average of polls conducted throughout his term and published by the Post on Monday, Biden has the lowest support from within his own party for reelection among recent presidents. Only 38 percent of Democrats said the party should nominate Biden for reelection, while 57 percent want to find another candidate. In contrast, former President Donald Trump commands more than 70 percent support among Republicans.

Lessons Learned

• Don’t criticize others for something you may become. Biden’s criticism of his opponent’s age in 1972 has come back to haunt him as he faces similar concerns about his own age.
• Age is just a number. While age can be a concern for some voters, it’s important to remember that experience and ability are also important factors in choosing a leader.
• Listen to your base. Biden’s low support from within his own party for reelection should be a wake-up call for him to address their concerns and work to gain their support.