In the first presidential debate of 2024 on CNN between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two candidates discussed central political issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the war in Gaza, as well as their golfing abilities. When the question arose whether the candidates, despite their advanced ages, were still fit enough to run for the presidency, the discussion shifted to golf.
You and your boy (both 25 handicaps) arguing about your golf game at the bar: pic.twitter.com/PvlFmwWbST
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 28, 2024
Joe Biden and Donald Trump boast about their golf skills
Donald Trump took the opportunity to emphasize his physical and mental fitness by referring to his recently won golf championships. “I just won two club championships, not seniors, regular club championships,” Trump boasted. “To achieve that, you have to be pretty smart and hit the ball far, which I can do. Biden can’t, he can’t hit the ball 50 yards.”
Joe Biden, who would be 86 years old at the end of a second term, responded calmly and pointedly to Trump’s taunts. He reminded everyone that during his time as Vice President, he was able to improve his handicap to an impressive six. “I’m ready to have a driving competition with him. I got my handicap down when I was Vice President,” Biden countered. The 81-year-old incumbent also proposed a golf match on the condition that Trump carry his own golf club. “I once told him before he was sworn in, when he came into the Oval Office, ‘I’ll give you three strokes if you carry your own bag,'” Biden told the crowd.
Both the 81-year-old incumbent Joe Biden and his 78-year-old challenger Trump have repeatedly faced criticism because of their high ages. At the first TV debate, the two candidates tried to use their enthusiasm for golf to highlight that they are still fit and vital despite their advanced ages.