Using actuarial life charts to assess President Joe Biden’s potential longevity in office may not be the most ideal approach, but it remains the most compelling evidence for his supporters that he could serve a second term.
In a recent analysis conducted by former Clinton aides William Galston and Elaine Kamarck at the Brookings Institution, the viability of President Joe Biden completing a second term despite his advanced age was examined. To support their argument, they referenced the Actuarial Life Table, a publication by the Social Security Administration, which reveals that an average male at the age of 82 has a 67% chance of reaching the age of 86. This statistic aligns with Biden’s hypothetical scenario as he would be concluding his second term at that age.
Galston and Kamarck’s use of the life table helps highlight a sentiment that some Democrats have been quietly expressing for months: Biden needs to increase his public appearances to demonstrate his vitality to skeptical voters.
To alter public perception, the duo suggests that Biden must prove himself to the American people through both his words and actions. This entails spending more time in the public eye, including engaging in additional press conferences, participating in more public events, embarking on more trips, and providing visual demonstrations that showcase the president’s control and competence.
The report’s publication preceded Biden’s recent stumble at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony, where he tripped over sandbags. While the incident was embarrassing, he fortunately appeared unhurt.
This stumble is likely to contribute to the narrative that Biden is too old to pursue another term, despite the fact that his potential opponent, former President Donald Trump, is five years younger but appears more energetic.
Galston and Kamarck acknowledge that, for the public, Biden’s age seems to be a more significant concern compared to Trump. Although the underlying reasons for this perception remain uncertain, it cannot be disregarded. In politics, appearances often shape reality or, at the very least, play a vital role in it. Physical and mental fitness serve as threshold qualifications for the presidency, much like moral fitness did in the past.
As the discussions surrounding Biden’s age continue, the president must navigate these perceptions and address concerns about his vitality and capability. Demonstrating his energy and competence through sustained public engagement will be crucial in winning over skeptical voters and dispelling doubts about his ability to fulfill the demands of the presidency.