Age-ism on this Board

[dawgmom]

I know this is going to result in a lot of insults hurled my way, but I have to say something, nonetheless. I'm sick of the nasty age-ism I see on this board with regard to McCain. I don't like him, but it doesn't have anything to do with his age. I don't like his policies, his voting record, and the lies he tells. Taking potshots at his age with stupid nicknames including the words "wrinkly" or "agespots" only make us look petty and small. I have the feeling that such comments come from the very young among us, but that's no excuse. There are a a great many people in their 70s and 80s making wonderful contributions to the world -- among them my personal hero, Ted Kennedy. And guess what? Older Americans turn out and vote. Until more young Americans put their money where their mouths are, and actually turn out at the polls at the same rates, you would do well to confine your insults to traits of the candidate which are relevant to the content of their character -- not their date of birth.

[Sodan]

1. Well, he shouldn't run for president at the age of 72.

And his history (cancer)

I don't think he's fit. Very few people I know in their 70s would want the most demanding job in the world.

They're playing with their grand kids etc.

[holiday]

3. well i think it's because McCain is an old 72.. He looks horrible

for his age. My husband's grandmother is 82, 10 whole years older than McCain and looks a thousand times better and is very healthy.

[Frisbee]

8. And don't forget...

By picking Sarah Palin, he made it a much bigger (and IMHO a very relavant) issue.

[dawgmom]

21. A very dated view of cancer

With all due respect, your attitude concerning cancer is very dated. Cancer is no longer a death sentence, and it does not carry the same stigma that it carried 20 or 30 years ago. There are millions of cancer survivors in this country and around the world.

As for fitness in their 70s, I again disagree. I don't think that age is a disqualifier; in fact, I wonder when we became so youth-obsessed in this country that one is automatically assumed to be doddering and feeble when they pass a certain age-threshold. I work with a man in his 80s who is making incredible contributions to the world, and to the health of all Americans. Thank goodness he didn't put himself out to pasture at 65, to only play with his grandchildren.

[Sebastian Doyle]

44. He's had melanoma 4 fucking times.

The man's face is permanently swollen like he stuck a bowling ball in his mouth. Sure, a lot of people survive cancer these days. Once. Some even twice. But if it keeps coming back, it's going to get him eventually.

[OhioChick]

56. You're right.

My doctor has said that since he's had that many recurrences, it'll eventually travel to his brain....and soon.

[Sebastian Doyle]

68. Maybe it already has? Or maybe the medication he's on already has?

McCain ain't playing with a full deck like he was in 2000. There's clearly some mental deterioration there as well as the obvious physical damage to his body.

I've lost enough friends and family to cancer to know for a fact that the mind starts to go when things get towards the end. Some of it might be drugs, but the rest is simply a body beginning to shut down. :(

[OhioChick]

83. I'm sorry to hear that you've lost many to cancer...

I have, as well. :(

As for McCain, something definitely seems wrong with him. As many have said, he does appear to have suffered a minor stroke.

As for the melanoma, my doctor said she'd be surprised if he made the next 4 years, given his history.

[seemunkee]

102. Having 4 primary of melanomas is possible BUT

odds are at least one was metastatic, and that is not a good sign at all.
Let him release his medical records and show he's healthy.

[Warren Stupidity]

2. Sorry but this is a hugely important issue, like his health, that cannot be ignored.

Gramps is not well. He is old, he would be the oldest first term president ever. Gramps has selected a truly scary and monstrously unqualified and ignorant person as his VP running mate. Gramps' age and health are very much an issue.

[Bicoastal]

4. Quiet, old person.

:sarcasm:

No seriously, you may be right. I always frame McCain's age in the context of the goal he's aiming for. The presidency is a long, tough, age-sapping job--few have come out the same way they came in. And sure, Ted Kennedy is an older guy, but he's not running for president--McCain is.

But there's nothing wrong with a 70-80 year old having a job--except for, say, being elected as the most powerful person in the world.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. We aren't holding Palin's Alzheimer's against her. It's not agism, it's incoherence and doufousness

[4_Legs_Good]

6. If you want to be taken seriously with 44 posts, please save if for tomorrow

or some other day.

Tonight is not the night to raise these points.

David

[JBoy]

7. Get off my board!

[Waiting For Everyman]

9. I'm a boomer, and his age is an issue to me. He's too old.

[OhioChick]

10. 44 posts???

Need I say more?

[Spider Jerusalem]

Ageism? HAHAHA!

That's just funny. Do you really think that the fact that McCain is 72 years old, has had cancer not once, not twice, but THRICE, and seems to have moments of mental confusion, is not pertinent? His age would not be so much an issue were he in sound and vigorous health and obviously mentally sharp. He is neither.

[IndianaGreen]

11. McCain is a bitter old man that lives by Viagra

He is fraking OLD, out of touch, and should be in a nursing home! Any questions?

:P

[KathieG]

12. My mom is 75 and thinks McCain is too old to run...in fact, she thinks he's a grumpy old fool

[President Decider]

13. Tough shit ... Gramps McCain's age is a liability... its our job to exploit it to our advantage

Comes with the territoy of picking a side and sticking up for it ... suck it up!

[AlCzervik]

14. if he was 30 years younger he'd still be a grumpy old fuck. It's not his age, it's

his personality.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

15. I couldn't disagree with you more. My mom, who is far older, calls McCain and old bag...

with one foot in the grave and the other in a bottle of Viagra, and says no one that old ought to be running.

You're completely mistaken that people that insult McCain for looking and behaving like a geezer are young kids.

[annabanana]

16. He has remarkably poor judgement for someone his age... MOST

people gain some sense of perspective and a touch of tolerance when they see more of the world and its people... not him..

[nc4bo]

17. My mom is also 75 and thought Mccain came off as "an old, cranky fart". nt

[Left Is Write]

75. My mother, age 69, referred to him as a "senile old fool."

[elocs]

18. The term "ageism" gets tossed around a lot. Here is what it actually means:

Discrimination based on age, especially prejudice against the elderly.

So how exactly has McCain been discriminated against in regards to his age? As far as I can tell, everything that has been brought up about him from how he looks, how he acts, how he cannot remember facts that he should know are all true. How is this discrimination?

[POAS]

88. As an "OLD GUY" myself I agree with your take

I could not expect to apply for certain types of work at my age (62). I couldn't be a fireman for example but that is NOT discrimination, it is a fact of life.

In McCain's case at 72 years of age with a cancer history we, the employers, must look at the prospect of his ability to complete the 4 year contract. If, in our judgment, it is likely that he cannot then we have to look to his "Plan B", Sarah Palin. That thought does not give me comfort.

[olkaz]

19. baaaaawwwwwwwwwwww

/sigh

[codjh9]

20. No, you're right, although as someone else said, he's not in good shape for his age.

A few people have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in their 70s, but McCain seems more risky... but you're right, I mostly dislike him for who and what he is, not his age.

[dawgmom]

35. Thanks for your response

I anticipated the response I received, but nonetheless felt it needed to be said.

[graywarrior]

22. IT'S A HUGE ISSUE! THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!

Jesus H Christ, it's a major issue. He's 72. He's had cancer THREE times. Palin is next in line if he keels over. It's realistic to discuss it. He sets himself up for it--he did it several times tonight.

[symbolman]

93. We can always revisit that old Joke used back in Bush Senior's day

About Quale..

"The Secret Service has instructions that upon the assassination of Bush Senior that the SS are to immediately turn their weapons on the Vice President, and gun him down.."

And NO Mr SS guy or FBI guy looking at this, I do NOT have any REAL intention or means of harming any of the Presidents or Vice Presidents or anyone else for that matter.. I'm as meek as a kitten, and have no money.. but if I was standing around, and someone shot at Bush, I certainly wouldn't get IN THE WAY.. that's YOUR Job :)

[crankychatter]

23. you defend your candidate like old people fuck

I take that back

Old people fuck with care, but at least THEY get it done

[dawgmom]

46. He's not my candidate

I could respond to you with the same sort of vulgarity you employed, but that would probably get me banned from this board. Instead I'll just say: your handle fits you.

[mtnsnake]

95. That is about the dumbest post I've read in months & more characteristic of RW assholes

than anything a Progressive or Liberal would ever say. You should fucking be ashamed of yourself.

[eridani]

24. With Kennedy's health the way it is, he should never consider running for president

That is not a slam on him; it is just a fact. Same applies to McSame. Plenty of 72 year olds are fit enough to handle the job, but he doesn't happen to be one of them.

Disclosure--I'm 61, and it's health, not age, that is the issue here.

[lady raven]

25. As someone who has been guilty of talking about McCain being a "crotchety old man", I see your point

And you are right. In doing that, I realize that I, like others, was unintentionally insulting other older people who are none of the things John McCain is. I apologize for any ageist statements I may have made.

It's not McCain's age that is the issue. It's his worldview, his (lack of) competence, judgement, sanity, compassion, and morality. It wouldn't matter if he was 35 or 95.

[dawgmom]

55. Thank you for your response

As I said to another person who responded reasonably, it's people like you who keep me coming back to this board.

[Neshanic]

26. I am 51. My mother is 84 and she say he's a crotchety nasty man.

It's not ageism or sexism or anythingism. He is old and that's a fact. It's what comes out of his pie hole and his trying to use his age to have us respect him because of it is his issue, and his mistake.

[FrenchieCat]

27. Mccain lives in the past!

[krawhitham]

28. only if you are 72 and running for President

[taddles]

29. That might be a valid argument...

If it were age-ism that was aimed at anyone not running for President. The health of the most powerful person on the planet is absolutely of paramount interest to the people who will be affected by his possible age related health issues. The president dying while in office or suffering from Alzheimer's of Parkinson's or any number of age related health issues could be devastating to not just the US but the world. To say that his age is not an issue is simply foolish. Perhaps people shouldn't be taking potshots as you mentioned, he is after all a nominee for President and a sitting Senator. However questions about his health and any age related issue are absolutely valid for questioning.

[amandabeech]

73. His health is an issue. Health is independent of age.

Take Jack Kennedy. He had Addison's and probably shouldn't have been elected due to his health and the medication he had to take to control his disease. He was roughly Obama's age.

Don't confuse age per se with other conditions that can occur in anyone at any age.

[krawhitham]

30. Edit DUP

oops

[Sebastian Doyle]

31. If Ted Kennedy was running for President right now, I wouldn't vote for him either.

Not because of his age, but because of the state of his health. And I don't believe McCain is in much better shape than Teddy. It's unfortunate for both of them. I don't wish cancer on anybody, but why would anybody want somebody in the White House who isn't going to survive his term?

And of course, in addition to that (and unlike Teddy) McCain's political positions are sickening. And Moosealini's are worse. Or does that make me a "sexist" for saying so?

[Ichingcarpenter]

32. I'm 57.......... go hide under your mother's skirt. n/t

[nam78_two]

36. You are awesome

Wanted to say that for a while :hug:

[Ichingcarpenter]

59. Thanks........ back at you and be sure you alert for this bullshit thread

[nosillies]

33. I've lived in two retirement-friendly areas.

Local politics were dominated by senior citizens. It was horrible. Lots of looking backwards, reminiscing about the good ol' days, how they used to do things, lack of initiative or willingness to try new things. Very little looking ahead, planning for the future, caring about what would happen to the younger generations as a result of their actions.

Call me ageist, but those old folks were going to run those communities into the ground. They were not nice places to live.

I see the same problems with McCain.

[nam78_two]

34. It might not be if he hadn't picked an incoherent, witch-hunting moron for his vp

I am not going to hurl insults at that asshole (well ageist insults ;)) but his being 72 is an issue when he picks a barely coherent idiot for his vp.

[WeDidIt]

37. McCain having a 1 in 3 chance of dying in the next four years is a HUGE issue.

Sorry if you don't like it.

[leeroysphitz]

38. My neighbor Wayne is 72. He is active, healthy, and alert.

He works as a door greeter at the Taylor Walmart.

[TheZug]

39. Oh, God, I can't believe people post crap like this here.

[Moochy]

40. Most Older Voters are smarter than you

apparently.

[ChazII]

41. Exactly why

Dr. King's dream about character will never come true. Too many here are quick to judge at times. imho

[dawgmom]

50. THANK YOU!!!!!

It is posters like you who keep me coming back here -- shining lights of reason amidst reactionary, judgmental, caustic, and sophomoric respondents. Thank you for understanding my point.

[quakerboy]

42. If McCain were Sharp and capable

I would agree. But he is confused, lacking understanding of the world around him. And he has ossified in what he "knows", lacking any curiosity aimed at learning about it. And that is a problem no matter the age.

[TexasObserver]

43. It's not ageism to take note that 72 year olds have no business at the helm.

[cyr330]

45. He's too goddamned old to be running for president.

It's a fact.

And it doesn't help that he's a fucking idiot to boot.

[casus belli]

47. Age-ism, like calling Obama inexperienced because of his age?

I'm sorry, but age doesn't instantly translate into respect and if the man is going to make a campaign out of how his age translates into experience then its on the table with everything else.

[BlueIdaho]

48. With all due respect - John McCain was born old.

I know lots of "silver foxes" and any one of them shows more optimism and enthusiasm for life than Grumpy will ever know in his heart and in his soul.

[crazy_vanilla]

49. and not embarrassed of it

so there

[Undercurrent]

51. Teddy Kennedy is to old to be president too.

Being POTUS is the most demanding job on earth. Just look at the way it ages people after 8 years.

I'm 60, my dad is 88. We both agree that McCain is to old.

[paparush]

52. I'm angry at having the last 2 presidential elections stolen and I will use any means necessary to

undermine John McCain and Sarah Palin. Age. Sex. Intelligence (or lack thereof).

This is a war.

McCain's age is a fact.
McCain's age is a liability.
McCain's health is a liability.

We must use each of these to our advantage to take back the Presidency, to restore the Rule of Law, and to Restore the Constitution.

[crazy_vanilla]

110. I totally agree, the cause justifies the means

[dansolo]

53. Ted Kennedy is a really bad example to use

I don't want a president who has a history of health problems. The last thing we need is for the president to become incapacitated during a crisis. While I agree that a lot of the age-related comments are a little idiotic, I do think that McCain's age (and health) is an important issue, and discussing it does not necessarily constitute ageism.

[wildflower]

54. I don't like it either

I do think his physical health and mental health are issues insofar as they affect his ability to be an effective president. And age does affect that in some cases, as it seems to in his. But I agree with most of what you said.

[dawgmom]

58. Thanks, wildflower

I appreciate your response. I anticipated a flurry of negative responses, but I just get so sick of reading some of the ugly namecalling that goes on in here. It's just so childish and unpleasant, and it diminishes us as progressives.

[Ichingcarpenter]

69. Nice one..... you come in on these threads as a stealth member

of disruptive threads.

[wildflower]

70. ?

Not sure what that means.

[Not a robought]

57. If it's ageism

to call an old man out who is complicit in the selling out of future generations and the carnage in current wars then call me an ageist.

Frankly, he should stay away from the botox injections. At that age it makes him look like he suffered a stroke.

[amandabeech]

66. Then call him out on the basis of his idiotic policies, not his age!

n/t

[dawgmom]

71. Thank you! It's nice to see that some get it

Thank you for understanding my point. I understand that people are impassioned about our candidate, but I think it diminishes us when we sink to the level of our opponents and resort to namecalling and superficialities.

[amandabeech]

72. You're welcome. Thanks for giving me the chance to vent.

Somehow, political discourse in the U.S. has deteriorated to name calling on both sides, and DU is a prime example.

Frankly, I continue to believe that the incivility of some Obama supporters here and elsewhere pushed some Hillary supporters and moderate dems so far that they will never come back.

Let's hope that everyone here and elsewhere comes to their collective senses by the time Obama takes office in January. He won't get far governing such a viciously and vocally divided electorate.

And governing well is the point, is it not?

[dawgmom]

79. I was one of those Hillary supporters

The ugliness here during the primaries was truly vile. It was when I first discovered DU, and was only a lurker, but never registered because of how ugly it was. Don't really know why I came back. Mostly, I find it a good source for links to cartoons, articles, editorials, etc. Sort of a "one-stop shop."

One has to look carefully for thoughtful posts. I appreciate yours.

[ChazII]

85. Thanks for your post

it is comforting to read that someone else understands.

They will not be humble in their victory. Yes, the should celebrate but I fear that they will be ugly winners.

[amandabeech]

94. You may very well be right about the ugly winners.

You're welcome for the support!

[Not a robought]

78. I'm sorry I can't slice a cucumber that thin

He's a product of his years and beliefs which have aged him, he's stale.

My grandmother has more youth and vitality in her 91 year old body and she's frail physically, but she still has her mind.

[Monk06]

60. I am an old fart and you are a specious young twit. BTW here's an old invention that still works

PARAGRAPHS !!!

[amandabeech]

61. Divisiveness is the name of the game in U.S. politics.

DU, as usual, has been ahead of the curve.

We're facing a huge crisis.

FDR didn't divide, he united.

I don't hear either candidate speaking to the supporters of another, and we will all pay.

Then again, Lincoln's efforts to unite ended in the ultimate division.

Is that where we're heading?

[slampoet]

62. Go talk about your dogs some more.

[neverforget]

63. His age is an issue because of the airhead that he picked as his

VP. She scares the hell out of me.

[asdjrocky]

64. But he's so old.

I mean, he is really, really old.

[seabeyond]

65. i am old. mccain is old. i dont want old as pres. 72, i have a father 71

smart smart man. ran a huge corporation. he forgets to come to my house for dinner. he isnt diseased, just old. i am old, and i am starting to see

[MadBadger]

67. DISRUPTIVE!

[TooRaLoo]

74. This issue with his age comes from his judgment as to running mate. A legit concern. nt

[Pithlet]

76. You might convince people if you didn't just have to get your own dig in

at younger voters. Just saying.

[jberryhill]

77. Greater than 15% chance of dying in the next four years - it's not an opinion

It is not a bias. It is a statistic.

There are many wonderful older Americans doing many wonderful things. I intend to become an older American myself.

However, the "age thing" is not at all about character. It is a matter of national security, particularly in view of the Palin pick that McCain has a statistically higher likelihood of dropping dead from any number of causes in the next four years.

People are mortal, and are more so when they are older. It is a fact, not a bias.

And, quite to the point - Ted Kennedy is indeed one of those wonderful people. He is in no condition to be president of the United States. Period.

[Pale Blue Dot]

80. ...

:rofl:

[Withywindle]

81. My grandmother, who's pushing 90, is healthier-looking and in sharper thinking shape than McCain

But that's neither here nor there. The thing, McCain himself made his age and health a MAJOR campaign issue when he picked Sarah Fucking Palin as his running mate. Think about that. Let that sink in. Think about how many of our Presidents have died in office - fact is, a lot of them have. Statistically speaking it's one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Yes, I know it's because we've had many many fewer Presidents than, say, coal miners. But still - if he's going to pick a running mate that terrifies most of the thinking citizens of the country, you bet I'm going to zoom in on every possible sign that maybe, just maybe, this man is not physically or mentally up to holding the most stressful job in the world for 4 years.

Look at how much greyer Obama's hair is than it was a year ago -- and he's just RUNNING for the job, he doesn't have it yet. Compare "before" and "after" pics of Bush I and Clinton. This is not a job for the infirm, any more than being an Olympic athlete is.

My pushing-90 grandma? Smart enough to know that at this stage in her life, she wants to play a lot of bridge, listen to a lot of classical music, and take a seniors' cruise from time to time. (Oh yeah, and vote Democratic for the first time in her long life. :D)

[TuxedoKat]

82. I agree.

I hate to see McCain attacked because of his age and his looks denigrated. His health is okay to question, but to denigrate him because of wrinkly skin or age spots, well Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage and those types tear people down because of their looks. I don't want to be in their company. There are plenty of other reasons to not support McCain, namely his ideas and stance on the issues.

[nvme]

84. His age is a big factor

Must we forget Ronald Reagan? Through how much of his administration did his Alzheimer's affect his duties? Didn't bush at one time consider invoking the 25th amendment I am not just referring to the assassination attempt. He has displayed erratic behavior. for instance, his remarks about Iraq being safe when he visited the country and was surrounded by hundreds of troops, black hawk helicopters. He sang his "bomb Iran" song. He confuses allies. He picks Palin on a whim. He has a serious medical problem. He cancels debates then reschedules. I have not even touched on his politics because they are personally repugnant. Now lets factor possible PTSD. So age and health, both mental and physical, do play a role. I know quite a few individuals that are well above 72 who would inspire my confidence if they were president. His mature age not the reason but its the other problems coupled with it that give me pause.

[mitchum]

86. Are you comfortable with 72 year old pilots, surgeons, etc...?

I'm not

[dawgmom]

113. Absolutely, with regard to your surgery question

Dr. Steven Rosenberg, head of the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute, and arguably one of the leading surgical oncologists in the world, is nearly 70. People come from around the world to receive his care and consultation.
http://ccr.cancer.gov/staff/staff.asp?profileid=5757

That's not to say that there aren't also outstanding surgeons in their 40s. All I'm saying is -- it's not fair to count anyone out solely on the basis of their age, and namecalling should be beneath us as progressives and Democrats.

[Princess Turandot]

87. Ronald Wilson Reagan is the first reason why age matters...

he likely had already developed Alzheimer's before he was elected the second time. I suspect that he had people around him who recognized the onset of some form of dementia, who would have prevented from tossing a few nukes over the Arctic Circle. However, we don't elect a caretaker committee as president, we elect an individual. And while someone of any age could develop cognitive issues, the chances of that grow greater as we age.

The second reason why age matters is that the GOP nominated someone utterly unqualified for the VP slot, behind a candidate whose age statistically makes the chances of her winding up in the presidency much greater than Biden's, were McCain to win. His health issues further increase that probability since while some cancers are curable, malignant melanoma is not if it sneaks past the skin layer. (An aunt of mine died 3 months after she had a growth on her arm evaluated, which turned out to be m.m.) A large part of the discussion about his age would not be occurring if Romney or Huckabee was his VP candidate.

The toilet humor et al in regard to him that some people delight in is completely moronic. But don't confuse that stupidity with what are legitimate issues.

[pecwae]

89. One reason for many leaving.

[Orsino]

90. There are so many good reasons to oppose a McCain presidency.

We don't need to go inventing an age barrier.

[dawgmom]

115. That's what I was trying to say

Thank you for understanding my original post.
I think the vast majority of posters here do confine their comments about McCain to what is truly relevant -- his record on the issues, and the way he is conducting his campaign. However, the ones who resort to namecalling diminish us all. Thanks again.

[H2O Man]

91. I'm the oldest person

on DU, and I think McCain's age is a valid topic.

[mtnsnake]

99. Yes, his age is a valid topic, but

I think the OPer is concerned with the disrespect that SOME posters show to older people in general. There is plenty of this "ageism" that she's talking about, and much of it stems more from disrespect than it does concern.

BTW, how do you know that you're the oldest person on DU, H2O Man? :shrug:

[Essene]

104. Right. Saying age is an issue and merely attacking old people... not the same thing.

[dawgmom]

114. Exactly!!!!

It's the disrespect, based solely on age, that is so disturbing. As another poster here said, it should be as equally unacceptable are are racist, sexist, and homophobic comments. As I've said repeatedly, I think we should be better than that.

[DemReadingDU]

107. How do you know you are the oldest?

:P

[Onlooker]

92. I agree, and ageism is as important as any other form of bigotry

You can argue against McCain, saying he is too ill or unintelligent to be President. But to argue against him because he sounds old or looks old or to make stereotypes about age is in many ways as bad as racism, sexism, and homophobia.

You will all see ageism starting in your mid-40s when suddenly it becomes harder to get a job or promotion. It's a genuine civil rights issue, and there are a lot of progressive lawyers and others involved in the cause.

[dawgmom]

109. Thanks

As I said, I think the vast majority of the people who focus on his age are young people who, in the arrogance of their youth, make negative assumptions about the skills and abilities of older Americans. As I said, I don't like John McCain, but my dislike of him has nothing to do with his age. Perhaps as these young people age themselves, they will be better able to relate to how offensive it is to be judged by one's age. As you said, equally offensive to racism, sexism, and homophobia.

[slackmaster]

96. Gun-toting new AARP member here

HUZZAH!

[mtnsnake]

97. Well said, dawgmom

K&R

[dawgmom]

108. Thank you!!!

I appreciate your response, and your recommend. I think the vast majority of people on this board do not resort to name-calling when they state their case, but with so much at stake in this election, I think it does not serve us well to alienate the exact population that turns out to vote in larger numbers.

[JohnMcCant2008]

98. I have no problem with old people - I have a problem with.....

old people that could be elected president and die leaving us with a bigoted, narrow-minded, uneducated, fundamentalist, "no-world-view-whatsoever" fucking freakshow to fill his shoes.

[DevonRex]

100. Aging is a fact of life. Some people age well in their later years.

Some people don't. It matters very much when they don't - if they're running for President of the United States.

[agentS]

101. Ahem...Remember President Eisenhower? Here's what he had to say about age

No one should ever sit in this office over 70 years old, and that I know.

Eisenhower, a president at 70 years old, was an expert on these sort of things.

[cboy4]

103. Actually if you want insults hurled your way, you should also

defend Hillary Clinton.

[treestar]

105. Conservatives should be judged by their own standards

They believe affirmative action is too much government interference. They are the ones who believe the employer should be able to hire whomever they want and not hire on whatever ground they choose, which would mean women and minorities and older people. So they can't complain about it when it is directed against them; they're the ones who say it's OK.

Besides, being President is a tough job - no one past retirement age can possibly handle it. it is not ageism to declare a fact. "Ageism" is where a 50 year old can't get a job because they're hiring 20 years old. After 70, you are elderly, and your health starts to fail. It's not ageism to point that out.

[Curious_Quebec]

106. I AGREE!

Makes board members look like they are 12 or 13 years old.

[asdjrocky]

111. I object. I'm 14.

And I'm still smarter than Sarah Palin or John McTroll.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

112. Shorter dawgmom: "Stop being ageist! BTW, young people suck."

:eyes:

[Cleita]

116. As an old person, who is only four years younger than McCain, age is

very important. We, who are crossing the thresh hold of the last years of our lives, know our limitations and our strengths. The problem with McCain is that he doesn't. Maybe it's because, unlike me and most seniors who have to do everything for ourselves, he has servants and staff who help him through the day so he doesn't see what are serious health problems that can hinder your abilities your twilight years. His rash decision to pick this empty headed woman as his running mate points to a bigger problem, the inability to concentrate for a long period of time on things in order to come to an informed and reasoned decision. It's a part of old age, that can hit many senior citizens. I can't imagine any one with full cognitive abilities who would have done this. He knows he can't run more than one term and could die suddenly before then, yet he didn't have the sense to pick someone who could quickly fill his shoes. That speaks volumes to me that he is too old to be President.

Your example of Ted Kennedy is of someone who has done the same job for many years and is still able to do it. It would not be so easy for Ted Kennedy to step into a new, demanding job at his age even if he were in perfect health. But, he knows that and for that reason has not stepped up into running for President.

[GodlessBiker]

117. Would it be okay to say that a 35 year-old is too young (though legally qualified)?

[Realityhack]

118. 60% agreement.

"nicknames including the words "wrinkly" or "agespots" only make us look petty"
abso-fucking-lutely

However, age IS IMO a valid issue. This is the most demanding job on the planet and it shows. I am not confident in a person after a certain age being able to make extraordinarily difficult decisions while sleep deprived during a crisis. So I think their "date of birth" IS relevant.

I understand the point regarding older voters, however, I am not sure even all of them would agree that age is a non-issue in being capable of handling the presidency.

[TexasBushwhacker]

119. I want a president at the top of his/her game

not in their twilight years. Not only is McCain 72 with a history of melanomas, he's an OLD 72, and just because someone is old doesn't mean they're wise. They may be wiser than when they were young, but if they started out as a dumbfuck, they may just age and become and older, slightly wiser, dumbfuck.