Out of 1,000 registered voters surveyed, approximately 59.6% expressed some level of comfort with an octogenarian serving as president, while 34% indicated discomfort. Another 6.4% remained unsure about the matter.
Interestingly, a majority of respondents expressed discomfort with individuals in their eighties performing various other occupations, such as conducting surgery (62.3%), piloting a flight (60.2%), or driving a school bus (55%).
The upcoming 2024 election, potentially featuring candidates like Donald Trump, aged 77, and Joe Biden, aged 81, has sparked discussions about age and mental acuity. Both candidates would be among the oldest to assume the presidency if elected next January.
When asked about their perspectives, respondents cited various reasons for their belief that someone in their eighties could effectively serve as the nation’s leader while lacking reliability in other professions.
In the eyes of Democrat Katie Netzorg, age is not the primary concern when considering a presidential candidate. At 68 years old, Netzorg expresses confidence in President Joe Biden’s abilities, contrasting them with what she perceives as a decline in Donald Trump’s capabilities. For her, the effectiveness of a leader lies in individual qualities rather than age. However, Netzorg holds reservations about the idea of an 80-year-old surgeon, emphasizing the critical nature of surgical procedures.
Republican Jessie Ambrose, 78, shares a similar sentiment regarding age and the presidency. She believes that the support system surrounding a president differs significantly from that of other professions, like bus driving. Ambrose, a Trump supporter, contends that age is less relevant if a candidate possesses mental and physical fitness for the role, contrasting her views on Trump and Biden.
However, not all agree with the notion of an octogenarian president. Freddie Miller, a 59-year-old self-described liberal Republican, expresses concerns about individuals in their eighties handling critical global issues, citing potential declines in motor skills and reflexes. Miller extends this concern to professions such as surgery and school bus driving, where quick responses are essential.
Dr. Dan Blazer of Duke University attributes the variations in perceptions to the visibility of certain professions and the immediacy of judgment regarding safety. He notes the different demands of roles like surgery and driving, which require swift reactions, compared to the more deliberative nature of presidential decision-making.
The survey also reveals varying comfort levels regarding professionals in their eighties across different occupations. While over 60% are comfortable with individuals in their eighties representing clients in court or teaching school-aged children, over 70% express similar comfort levels for roles like TV political newscasting or cashiering. Miller acknowledges the suitability of teaching children for older individuals but underscores the distinction between such roles and those involving high-stakes decision-making.
