Too Old for Office?
 

Let me begin this thread by stating that this is not a "bash McCain" thread. I'm not stating who I will vote for. This is also not a "political views" thread so at the first hint of negativity towards another board member or a particular political party I will request that this thread be closed.

There's been a lot of talk on the political circuit about McCain's age and health. Many believe that he's too old to hold office and that his health is, at the very least, questionable.

What do you think? Do you think he's too old to be elected? Do you think his health is to "iffy"? How old do you believe is too old to hold office? Everyone will probably have some sort of health concern at some point in their lives....how do you determine what is "too much"?

This could be an interesting discussion - so please let's stay on topic. :)

I don't think he is to old due to his age, age is just a number after all.:)

I do think a president, in general terms, should stand tall and look confident and in charge.
I guess I don't see that in him.

I dunno, some have said that 70 is the new 60 and 17 is the new fetus.

When I was walking around when I was 18 people have came up to say to me, "what are you doing out here? Go back to your mama's womb..." I still wondered how they know moi mama's a wombat??

and when the cops saw me, they'd ask me to assume the "Fetal Position" *shrug :D

with that said...

I think some people can be 45 and be incoherent, I've seen them. LOL

some people can be 90 and be sharp as heckit, I've seen them too...

I think McCain falls into the latter...I think he has a sharp mind although you don't really see it when he talks. LOL

But I look at his record over there at AZ and sure, it's not the greatest, but it doesn't look too bad either? I dunno, I don't live in AZ...

I think if he was elected, he should be alrighty for the next four years as far as his age is concerned, but his choice of VP will come into play though, whom he will choose for that I think should help buffer the age thing, if he choose wisely.

This is going to be a tough year for me for I really like both candidates (sorry, Ralphie boy...)

It is too bad that McCain and Obama can't be on the same ticket. Talk about a "UNITED States..." Wouldn't that be awesome??

Just my twenty five dollar thoughts (my thought has become expensive due to gas increase)

This is a very good thread.

I don't think age should have squat to do with qualifications. If the guy is qualified, is in generally good health (and you MUST know, he'll get the BEST health care that money (ours) can buy, right??

I think the person who is the most qualified, who will keep his promises, AND WHO WILL BRING OUR BOYS HOME, well, that's the person who should run, and win.

But that's probably not going to happen any time soon.

Oh well!!!

just my humble opinion.

P.S. I love the thing about 17 being the new fetus.

The other day I dropped a sack of oranges in front of a store clerk, it was her first day on the job. She must have been 18 or so.

She looked at the sack of oranges and looked at me and said "what are these".??

Sigh!!

THIS IS OUR FUTURE???

age of presidents when elected:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...sion_to_office

that list is interesting I really like how they layed it out.
- I was surprised to see some of the first ones even lived to the ages they did - that was pretty rare in those days.

That was very interesting - thanks for sharing that Curious. :)

When I first read the title of this thread Kelly.....I thought you were
going to ask us if You were too old to watch the sitcom THE OFFICE?:):confused:

funny how my confused mind works huh????:Dunno::Doh::Bang-Head::Scratch-Head:

Have you ever seen any interviews done by McCains mother?

She is in her 90's and is sharp as a tack!


In my opinion he is not too old to be president. It should be who will be the best for our country as a whole...Sue

LOL when I first read the title - i thought it was about MS Office software or her problems with it:D

I think the VP choices will be important for both parties.

I don't think Sen. McCain is too old to be president, but I am frankly worried about the fact that he has had several surgeries to remove melanoma...that would indicate to me that he will probably end up dying from it. I agree that the VP choices by all candidates are something to consider this time around...

I thought Kell wanted to ''play'' Office, but I forgot ~~ she only plays "Doctor" *grin*

I don't even know how to respond to either candidates right now, but I agree~ the VP choice is a BIG issue.

pretty sure the only requirements were u be a us citizen and over age of 35

the only thing i would question about age, is, if that person in question is in touch with the general public wants

I think his MOTHER should be president.

We need a lady in the White House.

lol

Ironically enough, when I first saw the title of this thread, I thought it was work related :eek::winky:

I agree, his choice for VP will play a huge factor in this race. I've also compared the wives...hey why not??

age is not just a number
 

Yes, I think age definitely comes into my concerns when it comes to someone qualified to be President of our United States.

This is a stressful position that should require long hours, lots of meetings.

When I look at people who are 70+ and in good health, I know that he/she can go from healthy to not in a matter of months. This is four years of a commitment.

That being said, many here are looking at who he chooses as Vice President. That says a lot as to the real feelings toward his ability to make it through four years. That is a long time for a guy his age.

Age discrimination? kinda, but I watch him field questions, his age is showing.

He brought out his mother to prove his longevity. wow. That gave me no confidence. Who brings out their mom on the campaign tour??? The one interview I watched gave me the willies.

I just remember images of Ronald Reagan sleeping through meetings. Do you remember recently that **** Cheney was sleeping when the meeting was being held about devastating fires in California?

No, I am not picking on Republicans.

It is more that Republicans have held the office for more terms than Democrats. Only Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter were Democrats in office in more recent years.

Age is an issue. I am not at all convinced that McCain is qualified with regard to his mental acuity. Have you watched him at any town halls? Have you listened when he has fielded questions challenging his record? I see the brain wheels turning and his mental facilities betraying him.

I ignore political commercials, those are slick.

If one is looking at his choice of VP, then age is an issue.

Historically, VP's are traditionally chosen for the votes that can be gathered due to their strength in a particular region.

I have strong political views. Being from AZ, I am TOTALLY aware of his voting record, his policies etc.

It is not just a matter of age but his mental sharpness is a factor, for sure.

I honestly don't think his age is a factor. People are living much longer these days thanks to medical advances. The problem I think is how he is perceived on camera. He does "look" older and seems rather pale when on camera. However, in his defense I am the poster child of pasty people. lol

Anyone at any age can get sick as we all know so well. Jim was on his way to being in the political arena rubbing elbows with Illinois politicians. Even my cat had the privilege of licking the mayor of Willowbrook on his bald head in my living room. lol That was hilarious and I don't know why I just told you that. haha

Anyway, even though I will not be voting for McCain, his age holds no factor in my decision even if SNL's skits are funny about his age.

Rock the vote, not the chair!

When I read the first thread I thought about it - old? Wasn't Reagan about the same age? Your link answered that question. Yeap.

I don't think age matters. At least not on the upper end. But then again, I'm over 30 now.

That list was very interesting.

Tom

The older I get my definition of "old" changes. I used to think 50 was old....when I was 20. Now...."old" to me is 80.

Gosh, when I'm 80 who will I be able to call "old"??? :p

The list was interesting.

I don't think he's too old physically. He'll probably last at least the 4 yrs, and perhaps 8 if re-elected.

But I am a bit weary of the country being steered by ancients. I'd like to see ALL of them - from the prez on down to local mayors - more in a middle aged range.

We are being lead by - and our laws being made by - people of an era gone by. How can we expect to keep a country progressive and forward thinking this way? You can't make a decent cake with old eggs, nor innovations with stale brains.


There is much to be said for experience, but some of that experience should be drawn from this millenium.

:p

LOL Brain your post had me saying "Yeah!!! I agree!!!!!" as I read :p

and Aarcyn said :apart from my bias of political preference ;) I so agree on that.
I am looking for a person with vision for my children's future and who is in tune with THIS time and place in both America and the world, its people and its environment.

I feel McCain is locked in a time warp because of his age.
He is one of the seniors who has not kept up with the computer age, nor does he seem to be aware in so many vital areas to me. His lapses in memory on even what he himself has said in the past trouble me. And yes, his health too. Health shouldnt be a limiting factor....but we know all too well it is.:( My goodness just look at how all President's age so fast in appearance when they are in office!

so yes, I think his choice of a VP will be very important to many because of the reality of his age and health.

but in terms of just the age...nope I dont think anyone is "too old for office". I just feel this candidate is, albeit that he has accumulated a wealth of experience and abilities over those many years.

I just wouldnt vote for him because our vision for the future and philosophy of government are poles apart.

Interesting discussion and thanks to everyone for also keeping it "on topic" without :mf_argue:
:):grouphug:

I'm in agreement with Aarcyn. What cracks me up is that this is a reverse of what happened when John F. Kennedy was running for President. The arguments were that he was too young!!! AND...Catholic to boot! :rolleyes:

Sure, a 'youthful' candidate could drop dead on the spot. But I do firmly believe the mental acuity of a younger person is important. Our brains, in general, do start to be 'challenged' as we age.

Yes, I'm just awful. I think that age can definitely be a factor, and that mental acuity is very important. John McCain reminds me of myself with quite a few "huh, what, where?" moments. :o

"I am not a doctor but I play one on TV"

Well, not even that.

Some people age better than others. Some people can afford face lifts so make them appear younger.

But at some point during the natural aging process, brain cells begin to deteriorate.

I have LOTS of reasons for my decisions to vote. It is hard to bite my lip (it may start to bleed soon!:D) and stay on topic!

This one is about age.

But if anyone wants to talk about a different issue, I am there! History and politics are my sedentary passion.:)

I truly believe that one must know history, to know the difference between how a politician votes (or does not vote at all) versus what a politician says to a particular demographic.

LOL Doody :p

I agree, Aarcyn! :cool:

I think he's too old AND too ornery to be president. It's a highly stressful job, and everyone who has held that position aged tremendously while serving. He's already shown signs his brain isn't as sharp as it used to be. If he's pushed into a corner, he can only attack (or make lame jokes). He doesn't seem to have the strength or brainpower to explain himself. I suspect if he had to sit at a table with other world leaders, he'd be quick to use his "old school bully tactics" and arrogance. That strategy no longer works, if it ever did. We'll never be able to create any type of peace with the use of bigger guns and firepower. :(

Comparing him to his mother doesn't work for me either. My grandfather lived to be 99 and had his wits about him til the end. My mother died at the age of 70, almost child-like.

The "proud story" he told of his elderly mother didn't impress me either. He said she traveled to France, and they told her she was too old to rent a car and drive on their streets. So, she BOUGHT a car and drove through France. Since when is breaking the rules and placing others in danger a GOOD thing? :eek:

:D
Well, it still cracks me up that age was such an issue with John Kennedy as well. That he was much too young. (I think there certainly could be 'too young' as well.) What cracks me up even more, though, is I remember hearing people talking about him being CATHOLIC! :eek: GASP! A catholic in Office!!!

Is the law that you have to be 35 and over? That seems to stick in me peabrain for some reason.

Someone mentioned the old cronies ... that's what I feel like we've been under for awhile and I'm tired of it for one.

Now if I were president, you may as well all run for cover, ... or start partying hardy! One or the other or both! LOLOL!

Doody, ya got my vote!!!!

Now to something lighter and back to age---we were watching Jay Leno on TV the other night and daughter says "he is the funniest old guy on TV" OLD! Jay Leno is OLD...oh man...Sue

LOL Sue....I can relate to that! My son was talking about his boss at work the other day and I asked him what age his boss was. He said he was really old....probably up in his 50's.....:rolleyes:

I changed the subject.......:o