Commonwealth Policy Center

Last Monday marked President Joe Biden’s 81st birthday. Biden is America’s oldest president ever, and he’s not alone; many of America’s highest elected officials are entering old age. And their signs of decline have led some to argue that there should be an age limit for holding political office. But it’s important to remember that the American Founders put a safeguard in place against incapable leaders. It’s called the ballot box. On Election Day, voters have the opportunity to decide whether age or any number of factors disqualify a candidate. There are signs that this may be happening with Biden, whose approval numbers are at record lows. Age limits won’t be put in place anytime soon but American voters will have the final say next year as to who’s a qualified and competent leader.