Hare Krishna.

The recent controversy in the American presidential elections over the age and qualification of the candidates can be better understood through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita and the broader Mahabharata, from which the Gita is a part.

After the first debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden’s frailty and feebleness—undeniably linked to his advanced age—became glaringly evident. As a result, there has been a growing call for him to step down. Let us analyze this situation from the perspective of the Gita, using parallels from the Mahabharata.

Strikingly, Biden’s situation is reminiscent of Dhritarashtra, the blind king, while Trump’s situation mirrors that of Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra’s ambitious and reckless son. We can examine these parallels using three D’s for Biden and three I’s for Trump.

Three D’s for Biden

1. Denial

It became increasingly apparent that Biden and many around him—including his team and large sections of the mainstream media—were in denial about the visible effects of his aging. His memory lapses, verbal fumbles, and moments of cognitive freeze were becoming more frequent, yet consistently covered up or downplayed.

This is not a criticism of Biden as a person. Aging is a natural and often painful reality. The Bhagavad Gita (13.8–12) acknowledges old age as an inevitable feature of material existence. Watching someone fade due to time’s influence is a sobering reminder of our own mortality.

However, the denial of this reality, especially when the individual holds a position of immense power, can have serious consequences. Dhritarashtra, though physically blind and unfit to rule, remained emotionally attached to the throne and to his son’s ambitions. His denial led to dysfunction.

2. Deception

Dhritarashtra, in his denial, became a puppet in the hands of Duryodhana, who manipulated him to serve his own selfish purposes. Similarly, it is evident that Biden, with declining faculties, may no longer be fully in charge. He appears to be a figurehead, while the real power lies with others—possibly what some term the “deep state.”

This amounts to deception—not just of a person, but of an entire democracy. The Gita warns (18.31) about the misuse of intelligence to arrive at conclusions contrary to reality. A misinformed or deceived society cannot function healthily.

3. Destruction

Denial and deception, when sustained, can lead to destruction. Dhritarashtra’s weakness, combined with Duryodhana’s manipulativeness, eventually culminated in a catastrophic fratricidal war—the Kurukshetra battle.

Today, the world is already dealing with long, drawn-out conflicts, and the stakes are higher than ever, especially when the nuclear codes are in the hands of someone who may not be in control of their own faculties. As former President Eisenhower once warned, the military-industrial complex can have its own dangerous momentum when not kept in check.

Three I’s for Trump

Trump, while being more physically energetic, is far from ideal. In many ways, his behavior resembles Duryodhana’s—impudent, impulsive, and insensitive.

1. Impudence

Impudence is a lack of respect for authority or wisdom. Duryodhana disregarded noble figures like Bhishma, Drona, and even Vyasadeva. Likewise, Trump has often ignored the counsel of experienced advisors, creating unnecessary enemies and alienating allies.

While some may admire this as fearlessness, the Gita emphasizes that leaders should be respectful, not just respected. Leadership is not about loudness, but about virtue (Gita 3.21).

2. Impulsiveness

Duryodhana often gave in to his impulses, acting rashly and harming both himself and others. Trump’s Twitter activity, especially during his presidency, became a symbol of unchecked impulsiveness—provoking controversies that could’ve easily been avoided. Since his suspension from Twitter, this tendency has reduced, suggesting the impact of unchecked platforms on impulsive behavior.

Such impulsiveness is not a trait of divine leadership. The Gita (16.1–3) describes divine qualities, which include self-control and serenity—traits Trump seems to often lack.

3. Insensitivity

Duryodhana took pleasure in the suffering of others—humiliating Draupadi and trying to divide the Pandavas. Similarly, Trump’s comments about women and certain military personnel have been widely regarded as offensive and insensitive.

True leadership requires empathy, not just authority. Insensitivity not only alienates but wounds, especially when wielded from a position of great power.

Conclusion

It’s unfortunate that the most powerful nation in the world is facing a scenario where its primary options for leadership are two deeply flawed individuals.

The Bhagavad Gita reveals, especially through Arjuna’s prayer in the universal form vision, a deep concern for peace and harmony. We too can pray for a world where leadership is rooted in satva (goodness) and seva (service)—not arrogance or denial.

Let us hope and pray that whoever comes to power is guided by higher values and can become part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Thank you.