Much was made about Reagan's age at the time of his inauguration - 69, 12 mos - as the oldest elected president as well as during his presidency (naps, vacations, pacing). Now we know he had Alzheimer's disease in his second term. The US hasn't had an old president in almost 25 years with Clinton (46), Bush (54), and Obama (46) and they presented themselves as sharp and vigorous.
Does that matter now? The oldest candidates at inauguration would be Sanders (75, 4 mos), Webb (70, 11 mos), Trump (70, 7 mos), Clinton (69, 3 mos) and Perry (66, 11 mos). The rest of the field ranges from 45 to Bush at 63,11 mos).
I think it matters. There's physical health and mental health to consider as well as the face of the POTUS to the world.
If anything, wisdom and enlightenment can come with age, so not sure why age itself is touted as something bad. I would consider a vote for somebody over 70 probably, but if they were in great health and best candidate, no big deal. Health issues matter. Mental clarity matters. Age? no, not to me.
The older the candidate, though, the more I think about physical and mental health. Also, makes the choice of VP candidate more important should the P become incapacitated.
people in their seventies are pretty vibrant these days and many are in great shape. I don't think age under 75 matters (upwards of that???). For a president, experience, both domestic and more importantly international is very important. The candidates are all very smart, driven and competitive people and if they can hold their own during the campaigning and debates, i think they have shown that age is not a big deal.
The older the candidate, though, the more I think about physical and mental health. Also, makes the choice of VP candidate more important should the P become incapacitated.
For those reasons, yes it matters to me.
These days, our Presidents basically work for two years and then begin campaigning for the next four year term. I've seen a lot of people lose more than a few steps between 70 and 78 years old.
Age is one of the many things that I will consider when making my voting decision. Certainly not the only, or most important factor in making my decision.
The older the candidate, though, the more I think about physical and mental health. Also, makes the choice of VP candidate more important should the P become incapacitated.
Whether you think it is a good or a bad thing; I don't think John McCain has lost a step in 8 years. His age (along with his VP choice as you mentioned) surely played into the public mind
