Should We Put Age Limits on Politicians?

Most Americans say yes

An 80-year-old American politician — image via MidJourney

Should there be a cap on how old our public officials can be? According to a Pew Research Center survey, the answer for most Americans is yes.

As of this writing, the President of the United States is 81 years old. He is running for reelection. Should President Biden be successful, he will be 82 on Inauguration Day 2025 and (assuming he makes it) 86 when he hands the reins to his successor on Inauguration Day 2029.

Joe Biden’s leading opponent is former President Donald Trump, who appears likely to recapture the Republican Party nomination. Should Trump win in November 2024 and return to the White House, he will be 78 on Inauguration Day 2025.

The U.S. Senate recently lost 90-year-old Dianne Feinstein. She was the oldest at the time of her death, but 14 lawmakers in Congress are 80 years old or older.

It seems that most Americans would prefer that their leaders be younger than that. What do you think? Do you agree?

If indeed there should be an age limit, what should that be?

65?

70?

80?

It’s undeniable that some of our federal officials need to retire. When a person demonstrates clear cognitive decline…