In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a prominent Republican candidate, has voiced his opinion on the age factor in presidential candidates.
DeSantis, 45, emphasized that both incumbent US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are too advanced in age for another term in the White House.
Biden, currently 81, made history as the oldest US President at 78 when he assumed office in January 2021. Conversely, Trump, known for being the first President without prior public office or military experience, started his term at 71 in 2017. DeSantis, addressing CNN, asserted that the presidency is not suitable for individuals pushing 80, citing Biden as an example and highlighting the undefeated nature of Father Time.
The Governor underlined that he is in the "prime of my life" and drew attention to the fact that Trump, if elected in 2025, would surpass Biden's age at the beginning of his term. Age has become a focal point in the 2024 election, with Trump questioning Biden's mental fitness, but DeSantis's campaign has also launched an "accident tracker" highlighting apparent verbal slip-ups by Trump.
DeSantis suggested that these "accidents" reveal a change in Trump compared to his 2016 presidential run. When queried about Trump's mental acuity and electability against Biden, DeSantis expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating that he wouldn't run if he believed Democrats could beat Trump.
He anticipated a contentious election, predicting a focus on Trump's past and positioning Biden as a candidate who can avoid scrutiny. DeSantis asserted his commitment to serving two terms, delivering significant results, and revitalizing the country—an agenda aligned with the desires of Republican voters, according to him.
Despite facing declining poll numbers, DeSantis has maintained an active presence on the campaign trail, recently participating in eight public events over two days. In contrast to Biden and Trump, he frequently appears at campaign events accompanied by his wife, Casey, and their three children.
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, DeSantis aims to carve out a distinctive position, emphasizing vitality and a forward-looking vision for the nation.
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