I hate to be ageist, but all this seems EXACTLY how a 72-year-old would run the White House...

[Bicoastal]

With plenty of break periods, erratic out-of-nowhere decisions, and the impulse to become overwhelmed when bombarded with too many issues.

I'm not saying people at this age are incompetent--FAR from it--but to all those here who are over 70: could YOU run the most powerful country in the world right now?

A business, yes. A state, perhaps. But John McCain simply does not have the energy or vitality to be put in charge of the entire US government.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. He didn't have the ability when he was 20.

[Borgnine]

Hell, I'm 24, and it's how I would run for president too.

The difference is that I know MY limitations. I could never do the job, much less campaign for it.

Does John McCain know his?

[Lerkfish]

2. we didn't let my 72 year old Grandpa drive or handle the remote.

I'm just sayin.

[Critters2]

3. I dunno. My dad is 73, and he's pretty good in the stamina dept.

However, he's also retired. And he thinks McCain is an idiot for running at this age.

So, what do I know!

[Morning Dew]

12. my dad is 73 too

and he's very sharp.

That said, dad thinks there's no way McCain could have the stamina to make it through the constant grind that is the presidency.

Just look at how every one of these presidents visiblt age in office.

[faithfulcitizen]

4. The thing is he is not as healthy or sharp as most 70-80 year olds I know.

[stuntcat]

5. the evangelist types..

A lot of super-religious voters are counting on Palin being president before too long. They aren't even expecting McCain to last the next four years. I'm being serious.

[Bicoastal]

10. That's awful--like Hitler being made Chancellor to an ancient Hindenburg.

[AllieB]

6. As Midlo said, this guy was lacking the brains and decision-making prowess to begin with.

Age has nothing to do with it. Look at Ted Kennedy, Robert Byrd and other 70+ legislators. Most of them are still sharp, because they have had these skills all along.

[Swede]

7. During a crisis there are probably many 18 hour days,day after day.

McCain just doesn't have the stamina.

[chieftain]

8. How about an ad with the phone ringing at 3:00 pm and being

unable to rouse McCain from a nap?

[Fresh_Start]

9. You don't have to be ageist

realize that people at all ages have a broad range of capabilities and don't make blanket statements about 72-year olds

[seabeyond]

11. my father is a fit, SMART 70. and i see changes in him. he ran a HUGE corp

but today he couldn't do it. he doesn't have disease or anything, just getting old. still quite capable in life, not presidency. and i love and respect him dearly

i agree

and not ageist, .... but reality

[Lucy Goosey]

13. I agree completely - don't worry about "ageism"...

His age is an entirely relevant, legitimate issue, and should be discussed.

My father is 67, and he says he just wouldn't be capable. And he had a stressful, fairly high-level career, works out several times a week, and, significantly, does not have ANY medical problems, even in his past.

Part of me still can't quite believe that McCain is even the candidate. Really, Republicans? That's the best you've got?

[trof]

15. I agree and I'm 67 also.

I had a very stressful career, too.
Airline pilot.
There's no way I'd take on trying to run the country.

[City Lights]

14. It's not really about his age. It's the state of his mind that concerns me.

My FIL is seven years older than McCain and I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. He's in great health and is sharp as a tack. McCain's physical health is shaky, and mentally, it's obvious he lost some marbles along the way.

[ladjf]

16. There are many Americans as old as 72 who would be physically

and mentally strong enough to be President. McCain, however, doesn't seem to be as alert and strong as the average person of 72.

[cloudythescribbler]

17. It IS ageist, and I'd vote for Obama w/o a moment's hesitation if he were 72 and McCain 46

and that's even if Obama's resume had no more time holding national office than now, or other at least apparent "advantages" of McCain.

It's all about the person and the politics, not about the other crap. It's like people who start trying to twist into pretzels to show that Bristol Palin is relevant.

[treestar]

18. It doesn't have to be "ageist" to point out that McLame is just not

up to it - perhaps he never was, not even when he was 45 or 55 or 65.