Opinion Biden earned another term despite ageist calls for him to step aside

The Case for President Biden’s Re-Election

The calls for President Biden not to run again in 2024 continue. On that score, I am exactly where I was last November, when I welcomed him to the ranks of America’s octogenarians.

I would love to have a President Biden continue in the White House handling the country’s business and an elder-statesman Biden on the back porch telling stories and occasionally doling out advice to the rising generation of leaders behind him. But I can’t have it both ways. And it’s Biden’s call to make.

In my book, whether it’s restoring the business of governing after the helter-skelter, unethical Trump era or dealing with tough economic realities or restoring this country’s role in the world, Biden has earned another term in office. It would be a shame if Biden were forced to capitulate to the insidious blandishments of ageism, which the American Psychological Association calls one of the last socially acceptable prejudices in the United States. It certainly is among the most intentionally vocalized prejudices.

The essential ageist-tinged argument is that Biden would begin his next term at 82, and that’s too old. The subtext is that he probably won’t live another four years.

Biden’s Health and Fitness

That view is reflected in polls that say many Americans believe he doesn’t have the mental sharpness or physical health to serve effectively as president. Where does that belief come from? Certainly not from those who best know the state of Biden’s physical and mental health.

Biden’s doctor, Kevin C. O’Connor, wrote in a memo this year that the president is a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute duties of the presidency.” O’Connor said the president had an “extremely detailed neurologic exam” that didn’t find any signs of disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. But, hey, what about his frequent throat-clearing and coughing? Those are because of gastroesophageal reflux, his doctor said. And Biden’s noticeable stiffened ambulatory gait? His doctor said a detailed physical exam and review of radiological imaging by a specially assembled medical team concluded the gait resulted from “degenerative (‘wear and tear’) osteoarthritic changes (or spondylosis) of his spine,” which is being addressed with physical therapy and exercise.

As for Biden’s use of “where did that come from” head-scratching quips, Axios’s Alex Thompson put those quirky aphorisms in the context of a senior politician’s use of old-timey expressions. Makes sense to me.

Ageism and Stereotyping

But people have their reasons for wanting Biden to call it quits. Face it. Some folks have this thing about old age. Some have fixed ideas about how people past a certain age should behave and where they belong and fit in, even whether they are worthy of respect or accorded any value. Biden shouldn’t give in to that kind of stereotyping. Besides, aging is beyond his control. The only question is Biden’s capacity to perform as the nation’s

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses ageism and its impact on President Biden’s potential re-election. Ageism is a form of discrimination that affects the well-being and rights of older individuals, which is connected to SDG 3. The article also mentions the potential removal of Vice President Harris from the Democratic ticket, which relates to gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). The mention of former President Trump’s return to the Oval Office and the potential consequences for democracy and human rights connects to SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

The article highlights the need to address ageism and discrimination against older individuals, which aligns with Target 10.2. It also mentions the importance of promoting mental health and well-being, which relates to Target 3.4. The potential removal of Vice President Harris raises concerns about gender equality (Target 5.1) and the inclusion of diverse voices in political leadership. The mention of former President Trump’s return to power raises concerns about the strength of democratic institutions (Target 16.6).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, disaggregated by age, sex, disability, and other relevant characteristics.
• Indicator 16.6.2: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, disaggregated by sector (or by budget codes or similar).

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but these indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, Indicator 3.4.1 can measure progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, while Indicator 5.1.1 can assess the existence of legal frameworks promoting gender equality. Indicator 10.2.1 can measure progress in promoting social inclusion, and Indicator 16.6.2 can assess the transparency and accountability of government expenditures.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: washingtonpost.com

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