Studies show news coverage focused more on Biden’s age than Trump’s

In short: Recent research suggests U.S. news coverage has treated Joe Biden’s age as a central storyline far more often than Donald Trump’s, even though they are only a few years apart.

What's going on

Several studies that counted news stories found a clear pattern in early 2024. One analysis of top U.S. newspapers reported nearly 10 times as many articles focused only on Biden’s age or mental sharpness as on Trump’s. After a special counsel report that mentioned Biden’s memory, major papers ran 81 stories about Biden’s age and memory in four days.

By comparison, Trump’s age showed up less often as a main subject. An October 2024 review found only 11 articles in major papers that focused on Trump’s age or mental fitness during a key month of the election cycle. Another research project found so few stories about Trump’s age after a major debate that it did not even appear as its own topic in their tracking.

Polling helps explain why the story sticks more to Biden. Before Biden exited the 2024 race, about 70% of Americans said he was too old to be president. Fewer people said the same about Trump, even though he is close in age.

A New York Times Opinion video featuring columnist Michelle Goldberg adds a related argument. She says Trump’s constant posting and nonstop controversies can make him seem unchanged since 2016. In her view, what is “aging” is Trump’s overall story, meaning the image around him feels worn out and repetitive (like a sequel that keeps reusing the same plot).

What to watch

As campaigns and media outlets choose what to emphasize, look for whether “fitness for office” is discussed differently for each candidate. With Biden, it is often linked directly to age. With Trump, it is more often tied to behavior, legal issues, and norms, not his birthday.

Source: NYTimes