Biden and Trump talk about getting older during debate.

President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, are making history as the two oldest candidates to secure the nominations for the country’s major political parties. CNN’s Dana Bash raised questions about their ages at the end of a potential second term in office during Thursday night’s presidential debate in Atlanta. Biden, who will be 86 after completing a second term, and Trump, who will be 82, were asked if voters should be concerned about having octogenarians in office.

Biden responded by pointing out the irony of his age, mentioning how he was once criticized for being the youngest person in politics. He highlighted his long career in public service and compared his age and competency to Trump’s, stating that despite being older, he has achieved significant accomplishments, including turning around challenging situations left by his predecessor.

Trump, on the other hand, took the opportunity to emphasize his cognitive and physical fitness. He bragged about acing cognitive tests and challenged Biden to take one, claiming that the former vice president had not taken any such tests. However, the creator of the test Trump mentioned contradicted his statements, casting doubt on the accuracy of his claims.

Despite being 78 years old, Trump expressed confidence in his health, stating that he feels as fit as he did 25-30 years ago and may even be lighter. He asserted that he is in very good shape, disputing any concerns about his age affecting his ability to serve as the President of the United States.

The exchange between Biden and Trump regarding their ages and fitness underscored the increasing relevance of age in American politics. As the race for the presidency heats up, the issue of age and its implications on leadership and decision-making is becoming a focal point for voters and commentators alike.

While both candidates have attempted to address concerns about their age and health, the debate has reignited discussions about the impact of advancing age on the presidency. With Biden and Trump poised to become the oldest nominees for their respective parties, the question of whether age should be a determining factor in the election remains a key point of contention.

As the campaign progresses and the candidates continue to make their case to the American public, the issue of age will likely remain a topic of debate. Whether voters ultimately prioritize experience and wisdom or youth and vitality in their decision-making will shape the outcome of the election and potentially redefine the standards for presidential candidates in the future.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2020 presidential election will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the perception of age in politics and pave the way for future generations of candidates to navigate the complex interplay between age, leadership, and public service.