Should politicians retire at 70? The two oldest candidates in history are competing for one of the toughest jobs in the world: running the United States of America.
Ding ding. Round one. Combined age 158!
Should politicians retire at 70? The two oldest candidates in history are competing for one of the toughest jobs in the world: running the United States of America.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening? </h2>
An old man in a blue suit stands in front of a crowd. His hair is white and his face is wrinkled. "I know it may not look like it," he says, "but I've been around awhile."
Last Thursday, Joe BidenThe president of the USA, elected in 2020. delivered the yearly State of the UnionAn annual message delivered by the president of the United States on the condition of the nation. to American politiciansSomeone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country. . Some were surprised by how much energy the American president had, given his age.
Earlier in the week, several important statesThe USA is made up of 50 different regions, or states. chose Donald TrumpAn American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020, and will become president again in January 2025. as the RepublicanSomebody who supports the idea of a country having an elected head of state, such as a president, rather than a hereditary king or queen. candidate for president. If Trump competes against Biden, they will be 77 and 81 at the time of the electionA vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people. .
Running for president is a tiring job. So is actually being the president! According to surveys, 59% of Americans think that both men are too old to be president.
But Biden is not the oldest serving world leader. Paul Biya, the president of CameroonA West African country with a population of over 100 ethnic groups. Its president, Paul Biya, has held power for 40 years., is 91. The oldest ever was Prem Tinsulanonda, who ruled ThailandA country in South East Asia whose neighbours include Malaysia and Cambodia. aged 96 years and 97 days.
If Joe Biden wins the election and serves a full term, he will retire at 86. This is why some people have suggested the job should carry an age limit.
As people age, their brains begin to shrink. This slows the speed that they process information. But age can also bring experience and wisdomBeing wise, having lots of experience, knowledge and good decision-making skills. . Both Trump and Biden have been president before. Does this not make them the best people for the job?
Should politicians retire at 70?
Yes! Age matters. Most Americans think Trump and Biden are too old to run their country. It is time to let somebody younger take charge.
No! Age is just a number. It is less important than personality and experience. Biden and Trump will not be good or bad leaders because of their age.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more </h2>
Joe Biden - The president of the USA, elected in 2020.
State of the Union - An annual message delivered by the president of the United States on the condition of the nation.
Politicians - Someone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country.
States - The USA is made up of 50 different regions, or states.
Donald Trump - An American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020, and will become president again in January 2025.
Republican - Somebody who supports the idea of a country having an elected head of state, such as a president, rather than a hereditary king or queen.
Election - A vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people.
Cameroon - A West African country with a population of over 100 ethnic groups. Its president, Paul Biya, has held power for 40 years.
Thailand - A country in South East Asia whose neighbours include Malaysia and Cambodia.
Wisdom - Being wise, having lots of experience, knowledge and good decision-making skills.
Ding ding. Round one. Combined age 158!
Glossary
Joe Biden - The president of the USA, elected in 2020.
State of the Union - An annual message delivered by the president of the United States on the condition of the nation.
Politicians - Someone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country.
States - The USA is made up of 50 different regions, or states.
Donald Trump - An American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020, and will become president again in January 2025.
Republican - Somebody who supports the idea of a country having an elected head of state, such as a president, rather than a hereditary king or queen.
Election - A vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people.
Cameroon - A West African country with a population of over 100 ethnic groups. Its president, Paul Biya, has held power for 40 years.
Thailand - A country in South East Asia whose neighbours include Malaysia and Cambodia.
Wisdom - Being wise, having lots of experience, knowledge and good decision-making skills.