Democrats are now promoting Vice President Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate by highlighting her age, in contrast to their previous efforts to deflect concerns about Joe Biden’s age. A new ad from pro-Kamala Harris group FF PAC emphasizes Harris’ 30 years of experience in public service and her relative youth at 59, positioning her to lead the country. This shift in messaging reflects a shift in public opinion, with surveys showing a majority of Americans prefer a president in their 50s or 60s. Harris, who turns 60 in October, is seen as the ideal age for a presidential candidate.
This change in approach comes as polls show voters are more concerned about Donald Trump’s age, physical health, and mental acuity than they are about Harris’. Harris has gained momentum in crucial battleground states, turning a race where Democrats were underdogs into a toss-up contest. Striking a balance between portraying herself as a breath of fresh air and a seasoned leader, Harris aims to convince voters she has the experience and mettle to handle both international and domestic challenges. The messaging around Harris’ age is carefully crafted to present her as a political change agent while highlighting her years of experience.
While Harris is seen as the right age for a presidential candidate, there are still perceptions that she needs to combat, especially as a woman of color. In 2019, polling by Third Way found that voters believed female candidates, particularly women of color, were too young to be president, regardless of their actual age. The risk of focusing on Harris’ age is that it could remind voters of concerns about Biden’s age. However, portraying Harris as a breath of fresh air and a change agent in politics has been shown to resonate well with voters.
Republican attacks on Harris have focused more on her ideology rather than her age, with a new ad from MAGA, Inc. describing her as “dangerously liberal.” This shift in focus contrasts with the GOP’s previous attacks on Biden’s age and raises questions about how Republicans will continue to target Harris in the lead-up to the election. Overall, the emphasis on Harris’ age in Democratic messaging reflects a calculated effort to position her as a capable and competent leader who can navigate the challenges facing the country. As the campaign continues, it remains to be seen how Harris’ age will play a role in shaping voter perceptions and influencing the outcome of the election.
