Joe Biden is not too old
A Letter From Iowans Pat Martin and Sheri Vohs
Letters From Iowans is a part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. We encourage you, our subscribers, to share your perspective in this column. To make your voice heard, use this form to send us your essay:
We need to stop the incessant narrative from the news media that Biden is too old or unelectable because of his age:
1. Biden understands his role as the chief executive officer of the United States government, military and national ethos. Like a corporate CEO or the manager or owner of a small business, he knows he is not an expert in all things and surrounds himself with competent staff who can deliver on plans and policies that he envisions. His 40 years of experience in government have prepared him well for this role.
His success rate in bringing “kitchen-table” solutions to the forefront is impressive by almost any historical standard. In only three years, challenged by a incalcitrant Congress, he has:
Changed the course of the pandemic;
Reduced the unemployment rate to 3.6 percent;
Increased inflation-adjusted wages;
Delivered an historic infrastructure program that will grow America’s economy from the middle up, while providing the IRS with more resources to enforce parity in taxation policy.
Allowed Medicare to negotiate prices of common drugs, lowering the costs;
Expanded benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans;
Passed the largest carbon-reduction investment in U.S. history;
Increased the effective use of “red flag” laws, while strengthening efforts to hold the gun industry accountable,
2. His age has not hindered him in these achievements. There is no mandatory retirement age for a successful CEO or manager of a business. If they hire /appoint good people, stockholders are happy to keep a successful CEO at the helm, regardless of age:
Warren Buffett is 93. He began his tenure as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the age of 57.
Rupert Murdoch is 92. He began as CEO at News Corp. in 2013, at age 82. He moved to be Executive Chairman in 2023.
The lead Republican candidate is THREE years younger. While it’s a clever ploy for the opposing party to make age a false distinction, Americans can clearly see the obvious difference in health status between Biden and Trump.
3. Biden’s significant foreign relations experience has been critical in repairing relationships between the United States and other countries. That experience comes with AGE. He has strengthened the NATO Alliance, supported democracy across the globe, and worked with foreign leaders (and countries) on mutual aid agreements. Trump isn’t interested in foreign affairs. If anything, he’s made a mockery of the United State’s position as the leader of the free world.
4. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Biden has a strong moral compass that is unaffected by his age. He has proven himself to be an empathetic Healer in Chief, targeting programs for those who are swamped with school debt, who have been victimized by gun violence, who don’t have enough income for necessities, who are hungry, or stagnated in low-income jobs.
Leaders of both parties who have witnessed his acumen, when being honest, have attested to Joe Biden’s vigor and his cognitive competence.
We need to reject this false narrative that he is too old to serve another term.
Pat Martin
Johnston, Iowa
Sheri Vohs
Urbandale, Iowa
Letters From Iowans is a part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. We encourage you, our subscribers, to share your perspective in this column. To make your voice heard, use this form to send us your essay:
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative columnists:
I agree! Joe Biden is not too old. He is an experienced president. He has served our United States for 40 years in various capacities. Joe has amazing energy and knowledge of our past and a positive view toward our future. He has been unfairly beaten upon by some Americans. He is honest. He works hard. He has traveled a lot to different parts of the United States to get the feel of the American people. He walked the walk with strikers working for fair wages. He can talk with anyone in a civil voice. He has had family problems like many families do. I am voting for Joe Biden! Please consider various aspects of his presidency and his past experiences in Congress. One learns a lot in many years of public service...Joe and Jill Biden have been exemplary representatives of the United States wherever they happen to be. They are both friendly and make me proud to have both Joe and Jill representing the United States of America. VOTE for JOE BIDEN! Beth Bishop, Clive, Iowa
Thank you!! I hope each reader will pass this on to five younger voters, preferably in one of the crucial swing states.