We’re currently witnessing a historical election. There hasn’t been a more stark difference between the Democratic and Republican candidates in recent history than what we see today. We also have two candidates who couldn’t have had a more different upbringing and, as a result, have acutely contrasting personalities. These differences have been laid out on the table quite well over the past few months, but there seems to be an elephant in the room that has only been whispered about up until recently. John McCain is too old to be President of the United States.
With the introduction of Sarah Palin as the GOP Vice Presidential candidate, the age of issue has begun to rear its apprehensive head. Until just a few weeks ago, even a mention of McCain’s age would be called out as a below-the-belt attack. Journalists have been fearful of bringing up the topic in any direct manner, while Barack Obama’s campaign has done its very best to avoid it entirely. However, a clip that has circulated the internet shows McCain himself making a clear statement on his age back in August of 2000. On the News Hour with Jim Lehrer show, McCain was asked if he has lost his desire to be President. His response, and I quote, was “Well, in 2004, I expect to be campaigning for the reelection of President George W. Bush, and by 2008, I think I might be ready to go down to the old soldiers home and await the cavalry charge there.” This would seem to dispel any footing the McCain campaign would have to claim his age as a low-blow attack, so let’s pursue the issue further.
If he wins in November, McCain would be the oldest person to ascend to the Presidency in the history of our country, coming in at the age of 72. Let us first look at the basic facts at play. The minimum age requirement to be President is 35, making McCain more than double the age bar. The average age of past Presidents is 55, just a handful years older than Obama who is 47, but almost two decades younger than McCain. If McCain served two full terms, he would leave the office at the age of 80. The current life expectancy at birth for a United States male is 75.
With those facts at hand, the picture becomes clear that McCain’s age should be of concern. While Obama would be one of the youngest Presidents in history, he is closer to the average by far. If Obama’s experience can be discussed at length, why can’t McCain’s age?Despite records showing good health, he has dealt with at least four independent cases of melanoma. Whether his campaign wants to admit it or not, the American public should come to grips with the very real chance he may pass away while in office. McCain has cited his 95 year old mother as a testament to his family’s good health, but failed to mention he has outlived both his father and grandfather, men who lived very similar lifestyles as he has.
The issue of age is also important, not only because of health concerns, but in terms of world view. The reason many young voters came out in large numbers during the Democratic nominating season, is because they see in Obama a world view that they can get behind. One that recognizes the need to combat global warming as strongly as international terrorism. They also see a candidate who understands the need for strong diplomacy, and military force as a true last resort. Meanwhile, McCain’s stances on these two key issues for young voters are straight from the past. His answer to global warming and energy independence is more drilling, just domestically. His answer to foreign policy is a continuation of the Bush doctrine. We need a President who understands that we can’t use 20th century solutions for 21st century problems. At this pivotal moment in history, we need innovative policies, not recycled and repackaged failed policies of old.
Hopefully Americans will begin to examine McCain’s age with more scrutiny and deep thought, and will see that he is too old to lead this country into the very demanding future. If not, it is likely a hard lesson will be learned by his Presidency that our founding fathers unfortunately didn’t see back in 1776. Our constitution should be amended to include an age maximum along side the minimum already established.