President Biden’s Age Problem

Article by Ravin Bhatia, TPT Staff Writer

At the age of 17, I find myself amongst a demographic where enthusiasm for Biden appears to be waning. The disquiet is for several reasons: skepticism about his age, concerns regarding his perceived lack of progressivism, and a general unawareness of his White House achievements loom large. As we approach the critical juncture of the 2024 elections, with young voters poised to shape the political landscape, Democrats and those close to the president must reckon with this dilemma. Here’s why.

First, let’s establish that the dispassion many young individuals harbor towards Biden should not be misconstrued as a retreat from political engagement. Young people, in fact, have been heading to the polls in large numbers, justly irate at several of the Republican Party’s positions and actions. From curtailing abortion rights to censoring literature and impeding the voting rights of the youth, the political energy among young people has surged in response to these restrictive measures. Demonstrations in states like Tennessee, highlighting Republican inaction on gun violence, and the historic voter turnout (in the wake of Roe v. Wade) during the 2022 midterms attest to the resonance of young voices across the nation.

Drawing parallels to the formidable Bernie Sanders and the unexpected Gen Z icon in Ed Markey suggests a potential path for Biden to emerge as a beacon for my generation. Both Sanders and Markey garnered youth support not merely through alignment with progressive ideals but through active engagement and collaboration with young people. Their refusal to compromise on principles, coupled with an avuncular warmth, endeared them to Gen Z. The prospect of Biden embodying a similar resonance with the youth hinges on his willingness to traverse this path, becoming a figurehead who not only champions our causes but authentically connects with our aspirations.

Now, young voters seek something to rally behind, not merely something to oppose. Despite a palpable disconnection between Biden's accomplishments and young people's sentiments, a careful examination of his record unveils substantial contributions. Initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act, channeling $369 billion into combating climate change, and the cancellation of oil drilling in Alaska signify tangible victories for the climate movement. Even in the face of a (hyper) conservative Supreme Court, Biden has persisted in finding alternatives to alleviate the burden on student loan borrowers and enacted the Safer Communities Act, the first major gun reform legislation in 30 years.

Paradoxically, despite these accomplishments, a recent New York Times poll unveils a mere 48 percent approval rating among individuals aged 18 to 25. Biden's support, though elevated from the previous year, remains a far cry from the necessary threshold. The White House acknowledges this reality, yet bridging the gap between accomplishment and perception necessitates a concerted effort to resonate with the youth.

If President Biden seeks a win in 2024, he must begin to promote his record to young people actively. Using social media, and hosting influencers and celebrities popular amongst my generation, are a start. We already vote in massive numbers; with our support, 2024 could very well become a layup for the president—the layup that could save democracy as we know it.