JEM3110

Ok, so I'm not usually into politics but I have been loosely following the various Presidential campaigns via snippets on the news etc. I just heard that McCain has released his medical records to show that he is in good health despite being almost 72 and having a history of melanoma. It shows he is cancer-free but obviously still at risk of developing it in the future. Other than that he is quite fit.

So do you think he is a bit long in the tooth? Has he got what it takes to go 4 years in the White House?

Poppy girl

I personally think he is too old to keep up the pass he may be in good health but the fact remains that he is 72 yrs.

JEM3110

Yeah, 2 terms in office and he'll be 80! I'm thinking not.....

Jerseygirl

He's said he will only serve 1 term.

JEM3110

Really, seems a lot of hassle just for 4 years

Jerseygirl

Doesn't it just....

In fact 4 years seems to short to me. Elections early Nov....takes office late Jan....by fall they're talking about the next election again.

Roland Hulme

He's the same age as my Dad, who's sharp as a lick of paint.

I don't think he's too old at all.

paddingtongreen

On what do you base this arbitrary judgement?
What are your qualifications for making it?

I don't intend this to be nasty, I'm interested.

JEM3110

Well, I was going along with the idea that 65 is usually retirement age, so shouldn't he be putting his feet up now and taking things easy?

Poppy girl

Because any person of that age regardless if they are physically 100% fit is going to find all the travel, late nights,stress,the over all picture physically over whelming

I don't want this to sound rude either Paddington but its an obvious fact I don't need a qualification to back this up....he would not have the energy of a younger candidate.

Roland Hulme

He might have more smarts, though.

I always find it weird how we dismiss people as useless once they get to a certain age. If 65's retirement age, how come Indiana Jones is still in action?

JEM3110

Going to see the movie this weekend, I'll let you know if he can still hack it!

paddingtongreen

The reason I asked is that I am a little older than McCain. I let myself go for a few years, not doing any physical or mental work beyond necessity, but since I moved, I have been working on both to such good effect that it is exciting. Six months ago, I thought he was too old, based on how I felt, now, I don't.

He has not let himself go, and he has the best doctors and trainers available. He will never have such a grueling travel schedule as he has now in the campaign, when money was short for a while they travelled on a bus. As president, he would travel better than first class, with proper beds and meals prepared by his chef. Nobody is as well looked after when they travel.

65 is an artificial retirement age, picked to give people just a few years of retirement before they kicked it. With the greater life expectancy, it will have to be pushed back, and the experience, used instead of pushed out the door.

Having said that, I don't want him elected, if he picks the type of Supreme Court justices he claims, he will set civil rights back fifty or a hundred years, depending on how long they live.

Rete

Retirement is a long way from death or nursing homes for the majority of seniors who are healthy, hearty and mentally fit.

Marmalade

I agree. I don't think he is too old. I would be more worried about someone who is too inexperienced. As long as he picks a good vice president, I don't see anything wrong with his age, if he is sharp in the mind, and experienced enough for the job.