A few weeks before a crucial election for America, the question of age is emerging as a central issue in the race for the White House. Indeed, Donald Trump is 78 years old and Kamala Harris will celebrate her 60th birthday this Sunday. Thus, for several weeks, she has increased attacks on the state of health and mental acuity of her opponent, calling into question his ability to assume the responsibilities of the presidency.
“If he is exhausted during the campaign, it begs the question: Is he fit for the most difficult job in the world? “, launched the Democratic candidate during a meeting in Michigan, evoking disjointed remarks from Donald Trump during recent rallies, notably in Pennsylvania.
The issue of medical records
And in this little game, Kamala Harris, who seeks to embody a new generation of leaders, took the lead by publishing her own medical report on October 12, affirming that she is in “excellent health”, with the exception of minor seasonal allergies. “What is Donald Trump trying to hide? », she asked about X. Conversely, Donald Trump refuses to publish his. Enough to fuel all the debates, especially among Democrats who seek to destabilize the Republican candidate.
The question about the age and health of candidates is not new. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan was also attacked over his age. But today, it echoes the previous months of the campaign, where Republicans took pleasure in pointing out every error or gaffe of Joe Biden, aged 81 and running for his own re-election. Now, attention turns to Donald Trump, who, if he wins in November, will become the oldest president to take the oath of office.
What do the polls say?
Recent polls show that perceptions of Donald Trump are starting to change. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 52% of voters still consider him “sharp-minded,” compared to 58% in July. In another register, 49% of respondents believe that Donald Trump’s age could harm his candidacy, while 46% think that that of Kamala Harris could work in his favor.
However, this debate on age also masks deep prejudices. According to Nancy Hirschmann, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, older women are more exposed to sexism. “There is an added layer of sexism against women over 50,” she says. Moreover, J.-D. Vance did not hesitate to call Kamala Harris a “cat lady,” a stereotype often used against single women without children. In short, anything goes, as is often the case here in the United States.
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