Is Joe Biden, 77, too old to be president? Trump, only three years younger, spends millions on ‘ageist’ attacks
- President has spent more money on TV ad claiming that Democratic rival lacks ‘strength, stamina and mental fortitude’ to lead than any other single ad this year
- Approach is risky for Trump, who has faced questions about his own physical and mental health
US President Donald Trump has accused his Democratic rival Joe Biden of having connections to the “radical left” and has pilloried his relationship with China, his record on criminal justice, his plans for the pandemic and even his son’s business dealings.
But in a kitchen-sink offensive backed by a mountain of campaign cash, the 74-year-old Trump has so far invested in one line of attack above all: the charge that his 77-year-old opponent is too old and mentally weak to be an effective president.
The attack has drawn cries of ageism, and there is evidence it may be ineffective. Shrugging off the risks, Trump’s team is pumping millions of dollars into the broadside and vowed this week not to back off.
With Election Day less than four months away, Trump has spent more money on one television ad claiming that Biden lacks “the strength, the stamina and the mental fortitude to lead this country” than any other single ad this year.
If the tables were turned and Joe Biden were to weaponise age against Donald Trump, he would have a whole lot of material to work with
The 30-second spot and its Spanish equivalent have been running across 12 states, including retirement havens like Florida and Arizona, since mid-June at a cost of US$6.5 million, according to data compiled by the media tracking firm Advertising Analytics.