President Joe Biden’s campaign is making efforts to engage older voters in his quest for a second term in what is expected to be a close election. By combining traditional campaign tactics like rallies and phone banks with social events like bingo and pickleball, the campaign is targeting seniors, who are more likely to vote and have the time to volunteer. This strategy is especially important in swing states like Arizona, where older adults make up a significant portion of the population. Biden narrowly won Arizona in 2020, making it a crucial battleground for the upcoming election.
One example of Biden’s unique approach to engaging older voters is the “Biden Bingo” event held in Arizona. Participants played bingo with cards containing words related to Biden’s political persona and priorities. The winners were rewarded with Biden-themed prizes, such as crossword puzzles and gift cards. By creating a fun and interactive atmosphere, the campaign hopes to energize older voters and inspire them to become more involved in the election process. The event also included opportunities for attendees to volunteer for the campaign by knocking on doors and making phone calls to other voters.
Despite facing challenges related to concerns about his age and mental capabilities, Biden maintains a relatively strong approval rating among older adults. A recent poll showed that about half of adults aged 65 and older have a favorable opinion of Biden, and his approval rating has remained relatively steady among this demographic group compared to younger adults. In the previous election, Biden and his opponent Donald Trump split the vote among older adults, with Biden winning among women and non-white voters in this age group.
Some older adult supporters of Biden feel frustrated about the doubts surrounding his age and mental abilities. They believe that the media plays a role in fueling these concerns and emphasize the need to highlight Biden’s accomplishments and capabilities. Brenda Clarke, a 75-year-old retiree in Arizona, expressed anger towards friends who doubt Biden’s abilities and stressed the importance of challenging such perceptions. Overall, the campaign’s efforts to engage older voters through innovative events like “Biden Bingo” aim to mobilize this demographic group and secure their support in the upcoming election.
