President Joe Biden’s campaign is targeting senior voters, a traditionally Republican demographic, as polls show former President Donald Trump’s support among seniors has decreased. According to the Wall Street Journal’s national and swing-state polls, Trump is receiving 46% of the senior vote, down from 51% in 2020.
The Biden campaign is reaching out to older voters through events such as bingo games and pickleball tournaments, as well as targeted advertising during shows popular among seniors, like the Price is Right. Experts suggest that one reason older voters may be more receptive to Biden’s message is that they are less concerned about his age.
At 81, concerns about Biden’s cognitive health have intensified, with some questioning his ability to perform his duties as president. The White House has refused to release a cognitive health summary, citing the president’s “active” and “robust” health.
Despite Republicans carrying seniors in every presidential election since 2000, even minor shifts in support could impact key states like Wisconsin, which has a large senior population. In 2020, Joe Biden flipped the state blue by only 20,000 votes. According to a Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll, Trump is currently leading Biden 47% to 46% in the state.
Trump’s mixed messaging on key issues like Social Security and Medicare may be contributing to his declining support among seniors. In March, Trump sparked controversy when he suggested that entitlement programs could be cut, only to later backtrack and promise to protect them.
At recent rallies, Trump has reiterated his support for Social Security and Medicare, framing the issues as a key part of his appeal to seniors. “I will always protect Medicare and Social Security for our great seniors,” Trump told a crowd in Detroit. “And you know, your Social Security and Medicare are under siege because of the people coming over the border.”
