Sir, – One can agree with much of what Justine McCarthy has to say in relation to age in public life (“Michael D Higgins is proof that age is not Joe Biden’s biggest problem”, Opinion & Analysis, July 12th). However, two additional points could have been mentioned in order to provide a more balanced view.
In November, 2019, Politico quoted Mr Biden’s advisers as saying that “it is virtually inconceivable that Joe Biden will run for re-election in 2024, when he would be the first octogenarian president”.
Closer to home, Michael D Higgins declared publicly both before and during his first election campaign that he would not run for a second seven-year term.
Yes, age is not an insurmountable problem, but surely voters deserve more certainty when they cast their votes. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN McDONALD,
Dublin 12.
Sir, – It is very sad to see the relentless pressure that US president Joe Biden is being put under in his attempt to be re-elected as leader of the free world.
However, gaffe after gaffe might appear to indicate that there may be more at issue here than mere pressure of a campaign and it may be time for Mr Biden to look after his own health and put himself first.
I would suggest that Justine McCarthy is incorrect in her assertion that our president, a holder of a largely ceremonial office, is proof that age is not a barrier to the holding of the office of president of the United States. – Yours, etc,
ANTAINE O’DUIBHIR,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – It is a type of tragedy when the world is laughing at the US president as he trips over words and names, especially so as Mr Biden appears determined to run for another four-year term.
If he has issues now, how would they manifest themselves over the next four years?
It is quite astounding to think that the harvest of American democracy has sprouted two such questionable presidential candidates. Joe Biden should take the mature step and leave the space for a more dynamic candidate – he would be doing the US (and the world) a big favour. – Yours, etc,
GEOFF SCARGILL,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Due to its military and technological superiority whoever occupies the presidency of the United States has an immense influence on the lives of the rest of us.
President Biden is now a liability in electoral terms and in his appeal to the American public to gain a second term.
Just as many French politicians gave up their own political ambitions to prevent the extreme right from gaining legislative power and ruining their country, the Democrats should unite to ensure that Donald Trump is not given the opportunity to win a presidential victory. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Joe Biden’s debate with Donald Trump forced all concerned to face up to and acknowledge the problem because the public had now witnessed the unfiltered reality for themselves. The ensuing herd-like abandonment of support for Mr Biden now calls into question the competency of the Democratic Party to select a candidate, the competency of the media to objectively report what they see and know, the judgment of donors when financially backing a candidate, and the judgment of Hollywood influencers when endorsing a candidate. Perhaps it’s a good time for the US to consider using a competency framework for selection of presidential candidates. It would benefit both the Democrats and Republicans equally. – Yours, etc,
LYNDA DONOVAN,
Dublin 18.