The ongoing commentary about the relative ages of the two Presidential candidates is becoming tedious. What matters most is their ability to lead. By the time of the election, Trump and Biden would have each spent a term in office. So, there has been sufficient time for the American people to have formed an opinion about their worthiness to take office for another.
So, how old is too old? Well, it depends on the individual. Many years ago, we were astonished when someone became a centurion. Now, it’s expected. It is part of our evolution. The same is true of our height, which has increased over centuries. People of seven feet are not uncommon.
Of course, this also applies to our cognitive abilities. Former Australian politician Barry Jones’s sagaciously intelligent mind is still writing books at 90, and Bob Hawke, at 89, took a significant interest in the world around him. John Howard will be 85 in July and takes an active interest in politics.
Rubert Murdoch is still telling lies. He is 91 and has become engaged yet again, while Paul McCartney toured Australia at 82.
Maggie Thatcher was very old until she lost it. Her friend Mikhail Gorbachev lived until 91. The famous French resistance leader and President Charles de Gaulle was 80. Fidel Castro was the President of Cuba, aged 82. Queen Elizabeth was still serving her people at 96.
Spanish artist Picasso was still knocking them out at 91, and the Russian author and philosopher Leo Tolstoy was still writing at 82. US Industrialist Henry Ford was still producing at 84. American inventor Thomas Edison was still working at 84.
These days, 90-year-olds have been known to obtain university degrees.
In America, you must be over 35 to be eligible for the Presidency, 30 to be a Senator, and 25 to enter the House. Its parliament is filled with aging politicians.
The New York Times lists twenty congressmen and women as aged. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is 81, and Nancy Pelosi will finish her term at 83. Plus we have:
- Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, 90 (retiring)
- Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, 89
- Representative Grace F. Napolitano, Democrat of California, 86 (retiring)
- Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., Democrat of New Jersey, 86
- Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Democrat of the District of Columbia, 86
- Representative Harold Rogers, Republican of Kentucky, 85
- Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, 85
- Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland, 84
- Representative Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, 83
- Representative James E. Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, 83
- Representative Danny K. Davis, Democrat of Illinois, 82
- Senator Bernie Sanders, independent of Vermont, 82
- Representative John Carter, Republican of Texas, 81
- Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, 81
- Representative Frederica S. Wilson, Democrat of Florida, 80
- Representative Anna G. Eshoo, Democrat of California, 80
- Representative Kay Granger, Republican of Texas, 80
- Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, 80
- Senator Jim Risch, Republican of Idaho, 80
- Representative Virginia Foxx, Republican of North Carolina, 80
(Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress).
Well, let me finish with the American Actor Cary Grant. He had five wives and fathered a child after he turned 60. (Steve Martin also became a father at 67, btw.)
People have children later in life, and sporting careers are being extended. Playing professional sports at 40 is common nowadays. Age is becoming less critical in all facets of society. Yes, we are living longer – for some, painfully so. Living to 80 was beyond my comprehension as a child, but here I am at 83, still writing for The AIMN, with an active interest in all that life offers those who enjoy its neverending wonderments.
Of course, the curious among us will contemplate life’s reason and others its purpose, while some will endure it. We all think about its unfairness, suffering, and the energy it requires.
Gaining wisdom to answer philosophical questions requires a deep understanding of all that inhibits us. This understanding comes from long-term observation and experience. With time, we develop the intuition to look at things from different perspectives and make wise decisions. Therefore, aging is not just a process of getting old but can also be a path towards gaining knowledge and wisdom.
The cohort of people most prone to age abuse or bias is those we call the baby boomers.
So, what has age got to do with it?
In particular, for the two aspirants for President of the USA.
Young politicians should not use their age to “create doubt” about the competency of aged politicians, and aged politicians should not use their age as a weapon of superiority.
Ageism is a critical issue that our society must address. To tackle this problem, we should only mention a candidate’s age when it’s legally required. It’s crucial to treat people of all ages with respect and dignity. We must focus our conversations on the candidate’s “qualifications and merits rather than their age.” Let’s have fair and thoughtful discussions that encourage us to value everyone’s contributions, regardless of age.
Understandably, American voters may have concerns about the competence of the candidates. However, we must remember that the First Amendment protects free speech, regardless of its accuracy. Thus, the challenge for the voter lies in finding a balance between protecting their rights and ensuring that the information shared is truthful.
And rightly so. Both have shown instances of observable ageism, be it by forgetting names, places, or physical difficulties.
In this instance, voters, the American people, will elect the (alleged) leader of the free world.
Despite everything I have written, how does one eliminate the age factor? Is it possible to overcome human nature?
Well, no, you cannot. You cannot eliminate it from your judgment. The American system has given its people these two men to choose from.
In my view, Donald Trump and President Biden should be ordered to undergo a mental examination to ascertain their fitness to govern the country. If necessary, the Supreme Court could order both to submit to a complete physical and psychiatric evaluation if they were not prepared to do so voluntarily.
President Biden appears to be medically fit. His mental faculties seem reasonable.
On the other hand, former President Trump might pass a fitness test, but his cognitive capacity is highly doubtful, and on that finding alone, he would be disqualified from running.
In addition, he faces many legal problems involving him defending many indictments (that could go on for years) while running for office, possibly from a prison cell.
My writing should not be interpreted as favouring those who have had the privilege of living long lives. Instead, I deeply empathise with those who seek the vitality and vigour of youth.
In 2016 I described Trump as follows:
“Australians see Trump as a sick, deluded, and sexually abusive narcissist and corrupt criminal with a limited understanding of complex world problems. He is a crash-through politician with a ubiquitous mouth who is entertaining to some but lacks the worldly character required for leadership.”
And that, has nothing to do with his age.
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My thought for the day
Time doesn’t diminish the crime.
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