Comments on: Does age matter at the White House?

By: Delle Jacobs

Delle Jacobs — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:47:19 +0000

I have no intentions of stating my age on any national media, but let's just put it this way: I finally beginning to understand why age can be a factor in just about any activity. Or not.

I've watched John McCain very closely, and because I thought it would be nice to see the silver ceiling fractured by a silver head, I've wondered if he might be one of those people who remains physically and mentally strong and active, with an active, creative mind and mature temperament.

I'd love to see that. But I'm sorry, I don't. A number of reporters have commented how tired he seems, how much trouble he seems to have staying on task and thinking on his feet, and how he can't seem to make up his mind and stick with it. I've seen the same things.

But that doesn't mean no older person could have the abilities necessary to be a president. Sharpness of mind and physical competence in older people are not all that uncommon anymore.

I still don't think there should be an age limit on a candidate for any public office, including the presidency. (I don't think anyone should be forced to retire or leave employment because of age alone.) But I do think age and ability to do the job should be carefully and objectively considered by the voters. And that latter is a carefully considered opinion that I wish I didn't have to have.

By: Frank R. Pacino

Frank R. Pacino — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:18:56 +0000

I don't believe that age matters...what matters is if the person has control of their mental facilities and is able to get around. Despite his age we've seen John McCain active, both mentally and physically. He appears to be more coherent than most people in their 50s and 60s.

By: KG

KG — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:31:55 +0000

I fully agree with LCW. It does not matter one way or another how old you are to be prdsident. As for the Alzhiemers comment, please stop. My family has a history of it and my grandmother's younger brother died from it in his 60"s. she is in her 80's and he died last Christmas. If what you say is true about family or loved ones having Alzhiemers then you should know full well that there isnt a specified age for the start of it. Yes, John McCain may face health problems. WE ALL DO AT SOME POINT!! If Obama is elected he might get cancer too. Either way there is a possibility of an assasination, attempted or competed. If you say that McCain has enough money to take care of any problem then listen here. I am a Indian female. I am a Republican. My family makes under 50 thousand a year. I have 1 sibling in college and another on the way. Not all Republicans are rich. And not all of us can access health care like you assume.

By: DiAna Greene

DiAna Greene — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:57:03 +0000

Does age matter? Of course it does. It is important in many aspects of life span development and the changes that take place in us physically and psychologically from birth to old age. Should there be an age limit for our leaders? A resounding yes, because our development not only involves growth but also decline that oftentimes requires some form of maintenance, support and regulation. In my opinion, a more important question becomes is age a good indicator of individual maturity and effective leadership? However, the answers will begin to unfold after Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

By: Rusty

Rusty — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:21:58 +0000

Yes, age matters. We are not talking about flying a plane or supervising a small business; we are talking about leading the greatest country in the world at a time when it's not in such great shape.

McCain's judgment is already in question, both in the choice of running mate and his choice of campaign tactics. He has obvious mobility issues, and has suffered from Cancer and Post Traumatic Stress, and has been proven to have anger issues. As we age, our temperament changes, and he will be no different. I watched my parents change as they aged and I find myself developing issues with age.

The welfare of this country is far too important to place in the hands of an angry old Cancer survivor with a mental condition. We deserve better.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:59 +0000

Age only matters when there is someon reliable to take over. i agree with jennifer on this one. you need a good vice president to be there for you and the country if anything were to happen to you. this election people really need to think what vice president they would want to be president, if anything happened to McCain would you want hes vice president becoming president?

By: jennifer

jennifer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:30:50 +0000

Age only matters when there is no one reliable to take over... in McCain's case... the rnc forced a ding bat on him ... and her lack of intellect could seriously endanger the whole free world

By: LCW

LCW — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:40:40 +0000

Think for a minute, putting politics aside:
A young man may become angry when an older one is able to put aside emotions in order to make a rational decision. With age comes experience and wisdom. A young man is often idealistic, while an older man is usually realistic – time and sacrifice, wins and losses tempering youthful zeal. A young man may think he's invincible, where an old man acknowledges the inevitable. A young man may rush to a decision where an old man takes time to properly analyze the situation. Unlike our military, where split second decisions are often required on the battlefield, the president has time to react. He has time to ask advisors. He has time to write his speech. Split second decision making is not required of a president. What is required is understanding of differing points of view, and the ability to make a decision and take responsilbity for that decision. People of all ages sometimes try to avoid the responsibility part.

Senator McCain's mother is sharp as a tack well into her 90's. I've seen a 25 yr old man drop dead from a heart attack after a 2 mile run. I've known a 45 yr old that died of brain cancer. And I know my parents, active and mentally accute well into their 70's.

Can someone in their 70's be an effective leader? Absolutely. The fact that we are even asking this question is indicative of the bias of our culture -youth rules, old people should go to the ice flow and die. How many would have said FDR can't be president because he's in a wheelchair?

Age should be no more of a consideration than race, sex, or religion. What should be the issue is "Is this person fit to lead for 4 years?"

So, physiacl age is irrelavent. Mental maturity is not. Pick your candidate based on issues and whether you think he is mentally and emotionally able to make hard decisions for the "greater good". And keep your personal biases out of the decision process.

By: Regina

Regina — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:38:33 +0000

Doctor, I am 80 years young, don't look it and sometimes don't feel it, and I fly around like some one much younger, but I will tell you my recall on some things has slowed down considerably. The physical toll of dealing with all the issues that cross the President's desk, the hours needed to be awake and the phone ringing at 3am disturbing sleep can affect a person in a profound way. I think it should be mandantory for the President and the Supreme Court Justices to retire at 65. There are many ways they can still be of service , but it should be at a more relaxed pace. No-one can keep up non stop and be really effective. , If they are honest they will concede that age does make a difference in pereformance.

By: Josh from St. Louis

Josh from St. Louis — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:01:01 +0000

What is the deal with McCain's breathing?During the last debate, did you notice how he sounded as if he was gasping for air in between sentences? It sure did not sound healthy.