Gussie Farris, 86, is a loyal supporter of President Joe Biden who believes that regardless of age, Donald Trump is less capable in the brain area. Biden’s campaign is focusing on winning over seniors, who are typically won handily by Republicans but hold significant influence in key battleground states. Biden has made gains among older voters and is launching a new effort to court seniors, combining traditional organizing tactics with events like bingo nights and pickleball. First Lady Jill Biden pushed back on criticism of her husband’s age, emphasizing that the election is about the character of the person leading the country.
In Michigan, Grand Rapids and Kent County serve as a bellwether within the battleground state. Democrats in the area, like retired real estate agent Linda Van Werden, are becoming politically engaged to ensure the state remains blue. Biden is aiming to become the first Democratic candidate in 25 years to win the senior vote, seizing upon the demographic shift of baby boomers now making up the majority of the senior vote. The Kent County Democratic Party chairwoman believes baby boomers are prioritizing politics more now than ever before.
As the Biden campaign focuses on winning over seniors to volunteer and vote, there are some who are deeply disappointed, like retiree Barbara Howard who feels she needs to make a statement by not voting for president. However, other seniors like Judy and Nick Herrick, both 80 and retired, are inspired by Biden’s commitment to protecting democracy and volunteer for his reelection campaign. They engage with younger voters in Grand Rapids and emphasize the importance of having a president like Biden as opposed to Trump.
The Biden campaign is investing millions in television ads targeting programs favored by seniors, in an effort to highlight the contrast between Biden’s values and character and Trump’s lack thereof. The campaign acknowledges the importance of seniors in the election and the influence they hold in shaping the future of the country. Farris believes that most seniors would not vote for someone like Trump, emphasizing the importance of morals, character, and ethics in a leader. The Biden campaign is utilizing various tactics to appeal to seniors and build a critical piece of their coalition.
