The Washington Post recently faced backlash for a piece that focused on Donald Trump’s age, suggesting that he would become the “oldest president” if elected in 2024, while failing to address the fact that President Joe Biden is already older.

The article, published on Trump’s 78th birthday, was titled “Donald Trump, potential future oldest president, turns 78.” It highlighted concerns from “experts on aging” about Trump’s fitness for office, but did not adequately compare his age with Biden’s, who will turn 82 right after the 2024 election.

Polls indicate that voters are more concerned about Biden’s mental and physical fitness than Trump’s. A Marquette Law School poll found that 79% of respondents felt Biden was too old to be president, compared to 54% for Trump. Similarly, a Pew Research poll showed that 62% of voters doubted Biden’s mental fitness, and 65% questioned his physical fitness, while Trump’s figures were 48% and 39%, respectively.

Critics argue that The Washington Post’s narrative is an attempt to shape voter perceptions rather than accurately reflect them. The article’s focus on Trump’s age, without giving equal consideration to Biden’s, has been described as “gaslighting” by those who see it as an effort to downplay Biden’s age-related issues.

In contrast, the reality is that Biden, already the oldest sitting president, would continue to hold that title if re-elected. The piece’s failure to address this point directly has led to accusations of bias and selective reporting.

As the 2024 election draws nearer, the fitness and age of both candidates will remain significant topics of discussion. It is crucial for media outlets to provide a balanced perspective that fairly considers the health and capabilities of both Trump and Biden, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on complete information.