Biden’s age is cause of low approval rating
The unspoken concern blunts recognition of Biden’s major achievements
President Biden’s persistently low approval ratings belie significant achievements in his first term. Politicos attribute his low ratings to voters’ lack of knowledge about his achievements. More likely, low ratings reflect unspoken concerns about Biden’s age.
Biden’s approval rating hit a low of 36 percent in mid-2022. It now stands at 41 percent, precariously low for someone seeking re-election. FiveThirtyEight compiled a comparison of recent presidential approval ratings. On day 945 in their terms, Biden’s approval rating was lower than every President since Richard Nixon except for two – Jimmy Carter (31.9%) and Donald Trump. (40.8%), both of whom lost re-election bids.
By objective measures, Biden’s presidency has been a success. His pandemic spending plan helped millions of Americans navigate rough economic waters and lift millions of children out of poverty. He has championed landmark climate change legislation to invest in infrastructure and the semiconductor industry. Job growth continues, including in the manufacturing sector, and unemployment remains historically low. He has tried to ease college student debt.
On foreign policy, Biden has solidified the NATO alliance, spearheaded defense of Ukraine, prioritized Pacific Rim partnerships and taken measured steps to address China as an economic competitor and potential military threat.
There have been stumbles. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was clumsy and embarrassing. Under his watch, the Centers for Disease Control shared confusing and sometimes contradictory information about Covid-19. Always prone to gaffes, Biden added to his list by confusing Ukrainians and Iranians, reading teleprompter instructions aloud and walking in front of King Charles III on a military inspection. There also have been actual stumbles on stairs, a stage and a bicycle.
Then there is the daily spectacle of Hunter Biden that includes “bombshell” information uncovered by congressional Republicans, echoes from his forsaken laptop and photos of his private parts. Biden, the dad, has chosen to stand by his only remaining son, apparently for better or worse. And there could be the spectacle of a House impeachment proceeding.
However, the indisputable elephant in the room for Biden backers is his age. If re-elected, he would be 86 years old by the end of his second term. Biden already holds the record as the oldest American at 78 to step into the White House as the nation’s chief executive. Before him, Trump held the record at 70. Before him, the record-holder was Ronald Reagan at 69. Reagan left office at age 77.
In his presidential campaign, Biden leaned into his age as a sign of experience and wisdom. It wasn’t quite as witty as Reagan’s line in a debate with Walter Mondale – “I want you to know that I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”
There is a presidential ghost related to age. William Henry Harrison, who was 68 when he was inaugurated President in 1841, died 32 days later of pneumonia after delivering his inaugural address in a snowstorm without wearing a heavy coat.
There also is a degree of unease about Vice President Kamala Harris becoming President in the event of Biden’s death or incapacitation. Her approval ratings are slightly lower than Biden’s.
Despite unspoken concerns, no credible Democrat has chosen to challenge his re-election bid. Robert Kennedy Jr. is in the race, but his anti-vaccination and distrust of scientists appeals more to right-wing Republicans than Democrats.
When California Governor Gavin Newsom started making national headlines, it was assumed he was waging a stealth candidacy to challenge Biden. Instead, Newsom has become a reliable and credible Biden surrogate. Former and would-be challengers have shown Biden deference. There is a quietly whispered view that Biden may be the only Democrat who can defeat Trump.
Biden has embarked on an effort to tout his record at campaign stops in swing states to shore up his support. So far, he hasn’t pushed up is approval rating. Meanwhile, Trump has seen his Republican poll numbers go up after each of his four criminal indictments. Surveys now show a Biden-Trump presidential election rematch would be a toss-up.
There are reports that a significant percentage of Black Democrats are disappointed with Biden. So are many young voters. Latino registration is growing but new voters aren’t all Democrats. Add all that to sagging approval ratings and you get nervous Democratic leaders who foresee Trump winning and Republicans seizing control of both houses of Congress.
The solace for Democrats is that it is August 2023, not August 2024. Concern is warranted but it’s too soon to panic. A lot can and will happen before next August, including at least one of Trump’s criminal trials and three civil lawsuit trials. Nothing apparently can faze MAGA voters but GOP anti-Trumpers and independent voters could decide a tight contest.
Election results show abortion rights highly motivates Democratic turnout. Heat waves, hurricanes and wildfires are persuading people on the fence about climate change that scientists may not be making it up after all. There also is evidence inflation is coming down without a recession, which could accrue Biden some political credit. In a Biden-Trump redux election, age would be an awkward topic for either candidate to raise.
In the end, Democrats, independents and never-Trumpers will vote for Biden without holding their nose. They will be holding their breath.
Gary Conkling has been a newsman, congressional aide and public affairs professional for more than 50 years.