Voters say it isn’t age, it’s issues and experience
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa voters of all ages and backgrounds — faced with three Democratic front-runners who are all in their seventies — said age isn’t a deciding factor for a candidate’s electability.
“Age doesn’t matter, because my mom is his age and still cleans houses,” Anna Campos, 38, of Des Moines, said at a Joe Biden rally at Hiatt Middle School.
Campos stated that she had no age preference when choosing a candidate and that it’s really all about the candidates’ principles and stands on the issues.
Steve Sawicki, 21, said, “A lot of younger progressive Democrats are thinking it’s time for the old guard to get out.”
Sawicki, along with his family, made the 4½-hour drive from Naperville, Ill., for the Biden rally.
“At this point, I think it’s just about the experience,” he said.
But Sawicki said he believes that the 77-year-old Biden would benefit from a younger vice president.
Alex Mendoza, 24, of Des Moines, who backs 78-yearold Bernie Sanders, said, “I think age does matter somewhat, but I think Bernie has shown that he is relatively healthy.” But Mendoza also said she thinks Sanders could counter age concerns by choosing a young vice president.
Age does factor into some voters’ preferences.
“All things being equal, I prefer a younger candidate,” said Trish Staufer, a Washington state resident and volunteer for 38-year-old Pete Buttigieg. She called youth “a plus,” but added that a candidates age ultimately doesn’t matter if the candidate can bring people together on important issues.