My many years in the ministry taught me age can be a powerful asset for our leaders | Opinion

Many voters say they don’t want to vote for aged politicians. Really? That’s the criteria now, that our politicians must be young? And does young mean competent? Does young mean experienced? Does young always mean wise?

Certainly, age doesn’t necessarily mean competent or wise. But with age and discernment can come wisdom, experience and discerning leadership. It isn’t guaranteed. But it is possible. And to believe otherwise is to be guilty of ageism.

President Joe Biden accomplished many legislative victories in his first two years. And most observers believe he did so because he spent so much time in the Senate. As an experienced leader in Congress, he knew how to get things done with the barest of necessary votes. And most observers believe that one reason our economy is doing surprisingly well is because of these major legislative victories coming out of a divided Congress.

Biden promised that he would be able to bring about legislative victories, and that is exactly what he did. He did so again with this Congress in successfully resolving the extension of the nation’s debt. He brought enemies together and they got it done.

I’m working ten years past normal retirement age. Many colleagues my age thought I was afraid to retire. I got some pushback as I worked to the end of my 60s. “Isn’t it time to step back and enjoy life?” some would ask. Yet I happen to think I’m doing some of my most creative work as a pastor. My years of experience have granted me a deeper discernment into ministry. And I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. I don’t need to work — thus, I enjoy a certain freedom to approach my work without worrying about how I might otherwise support my family.

Admittedly, I’m six years younger than the president. I don’t know what it will feel like when I am 82, the age Biden will be if reelected. But my guess is that if he feels like he can lead our nation in a second term, we should not be opposed to him because of his age. We should judge him by his actions.

Look what’s going on at the southern border right now. Look what’s happening to inflation. Look at the job market. Look at the increasing personal wealth of many Americans. Look at what we are doing with climate control. Look at all the infrastructure renewal. Look at the renewed vigor of NATO. Look at our standing in the world. Look at his deep commitment to racial justice and to the empowerment of women.

Biden wants to do more with a cooperative Congress in a second term. He wants to pass immigration reform. He wants to continue to push manufacturing in America. He wants to further control inflation. He wants to bring more control over drug costs and our broken medical system. He wants to help young people out of debt. He has more work to do on climate change.

I think the fact that he would be the oldest person ever elected to the presidency could mean that he will bring to these noble goals the right depth of wisdom, experience, know-how and background as a consensus- and bridge-builder to continue his transformative presidency.

And just perhaps, we won’t judge politicians by their age, whether young, old or in between. And judge them more for their moral fiber, their social vision, and their leadership ability.