Age is more than just a number for Trump, Biden

This november, vice president candidates may be more important than ever

A new poll casts an unsettling pallor over the November elections.

A significant share of U.S. adults doubt the mental capabilities of both President Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 77, the Associated Press reports.

The poll was done by the Associated PRESS-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

More than 6 in 10 (63%) say they are not very or not at all confident in Biden’s mental capability to serve effectively as president, the AP reports.

Meanwhile, 57% say that Trump lacks the memory and acuity for the job, AP reports.

When you break it down by political party, 40% of Democrats are extremely confident in Biden, while 59% say they are extremely confident in Trump.

But then there are the independents. Only 6% say they are extremely confident in Biden, and just 20% in Trump.

Independents are expected to be a major factor in the November elections, so for both candidates, that number is one to keep an eye on.

But looking at these numbers from a general, overall perspective, it’s troubling.

Where are we headed as a country if the mental capability of both candidates is in question?

And how in the world did we get to this point?

In the case of the Democratic candidate, there hasn’t been another candidate to step forward and challenge Biden. The party’s organizers seem united behind him. We appreciate the unity, but it’s surprising that someone else hasn’t tried more vocally to step into that spotlight. .

And in the Republican Party, there were a lot of challengers to Trump, but only one – Nikki Haley – stayed for any distance. Were there too many challengers out front at the start, or was there simply not a challenger with enough power to face Trump?

Both Trump and Biden have had serious missteps over the last few months.

Trump at one point confused Nikki Haley with Nancy Pelosi, and referred to Barack Obama as the current president. He often makes nonsensical comments.

Biden, meanwhile, has his own share of gaffes and nonsensical comments – but was zinged by a recent special counsel report that called his memory “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations.”

Let’s be clear, readers. The goal here isn’t to slam two men over their ages. But we do have serious questions about both men, given their own recent gaffes and missteps – and those concerns are echoed by this recent poll.

And, playing devil’s advocate, let’s play this thing out. One of the two is elected in November to be the next president of the United States.

However, what happens if age becomes too much of a factor, and that president is forced to step aside? The next person in line is the vice president.

It seems too often, we don’t pay much attention to the vice president, but in this election, that person is truly a pivotal player.

Ultimately, what we need are two candidates who can move this country forward in a positive, cohesive direction.

What do you think, readers? How big is the age issue this November?

Let us know. Share your thoughts with a Letter to the Editor at letters@yumasun.com.