How to address the age issue?
Posted February 1st, 2008 by ColdFusion
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This may be odd to hear, but I have spoken on a few occasions to one of my clients. They are always interested in what I'm doing, and I told them about the Revolution Television site.
After all the technical details were discussed (what the site DOES), I went on to talk about how it was the Ron Paul Revolution that finally tipped me off the fence and gave me the incentive to build the site.
After going through the whole "Who is Ron Paul" stuff (they're in California.. not much press there for RP apparantly), they agreed on much of his platform.
Then they asked, "How old is he?". I didn't think it was a vote-deciding issue, but when I told them his age they said "Oh, he's far too old to be President".
Ever since then, when opportunity presents itself, I bring up the subject again.. but it always comes down to "I agree with everything he stands for, but he's just too old".
The person I'm discussing this with is only a couple years younger than RP themselves, so I can't understand the reasoning. I'm only about half his age so maybe I just haven't reached the turning point in my life where I no longer trust people of my own age group - just because of their age.
Is there any way to argue this, or is it futile to keep trying?
CF
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Ron Paul is only
1 year older than McCain and he's trim, athlectic and spry.
McCain looks like he's going to have his second replase of melanoma. No one in the media talks about that tumor growing out of the side of his face.
My grandma used to tell me...
You don't get to be old being a fool.
My response to the age issue
Yah, I know he's 72... we should have elected him 7 years ago and we wouldn't be in the mess we are now. And besides... isn't McCain the same age?
I don't know, but he is
I don't know, but he is sharp as a tack and to me that would be an indication that he is very healthy. I don't think I could keep up with him.
I agree with the others
Age can mean experience and wisdom, and I think this is certainly the case for Dr. Paul.
Plus, he's in fantastic health - I wouldn't be surprised if he's healthier than a lot of 20-50 year olds. A man in that great of shape who takes care of himself (physically and mentally) should easily expect to live into his late 80's or early 90's unless something tragic happens.
If I were going to worry about a candidate's age, it would be John McCain. Not only is he in mediocre physical shape (he was a POW after all), but his father only lived to be 70 and his grandfather only lived to be 61. Not exactly a great family history to have considering McCain is already 71.
well, If anybody pays attn to how he acts physically...
He's very healthy for being 72 yrs old. He still rides his bike as much as he possibly can I'm sure he probably rode it more before the campaign but overall he talks clearly and too the point, granted he may have gray hair and wrinkles, but he doesn't have a cane, doesn't have any major health issues...Compare him to Dick Cheney who has been on the death bed a few different times. As for John McCain, he's filled with health issues. Age is irrelevant. Look at Ronald Reagan...
Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 Took office in January, 1981, just short of his 70th birthday. He served in office for two full four year terms, meaning he did not leave office until he was nearly 78 years old. That makes him the oldest US President in office and if I recall he's being considered as one of America's Greatest Presidents.
He's a doctor
I will think of all you canvassors and precinct leaders at the front line.
Good luck out there &Thank you. It's appreciated.
He has clearly taken good care of himself and younger voters are respecting the man. Look at the total balls-up young Tony Blair made.-Him being one of the youngest PM's at 40 odd. Respect. Innit.
Plus
Don't forget that Reagan kept going despite getting shot two months in.
As for Dr. Paul, remember that as a physician he knows a little something about health and fitness as well. He's actually pretty spry for his age.
And to quote Indiana Jones, "It's not the age, it's the mileage."
Hell, I just turned 35 and somedays I feel like I'm 80, and my brain wants me to be as active as I was when I was half my age.
Point out to these people that age is irrelevant, but overall health is not.
"Welcome to 2008: The Year of Ron Paul!"
Questions to Ask
The Constitution says the president must be at least 35 years old because they felt someone younger would not have the necessary wisdom.
Would they support an amendment to the Constitution preventing people from being president after a certain age? What age?
Ronald Reagan took office at age 70 and served 8 years. Was it a mistake to elect someone at that age?
What do they fear? Senility? Disease? Both Kennedy and Reagan were shot while in office. Do they trust the American system to be able to deal with sudden health issues?
The key is to ask the questions and listen to their answers. They are bound to conclude (let them do it) that age is less important than the man. You can of course mention his excellent physical health and mental acuity.
IMissLiberty
And you've got to consider...
that age 35 back in 18th century colonial America would be the equivalent to age 55 to 60 today, so the founders were being pretty clear that the president should be a senior with a life full of experience.
Very good point about Reagan; that's how I'll start addressing the "issue".
The leaders were the senior
The leaders were the senior in ancient civilizations.
Ron Paul is of age but he has done much more to defend the US constitution, the wealth of this country and the civil liberties than no any younger.
Bible also calls them....
Elders :-)
Same age?
Isn't Juan McShame basically the same age - and he's not even a doctor that knows how to live a healthy life.
year younger
I will think of all you canvassors and precinct leaders at the front line.
Good luck out there &Thank you. It's appreciated.
The Other Ron
In 1984, when Walter Mondale attempted to replace Mr Reagan in the Oval Office, this issue arose at one of their debates. The Gipster fielded it beautifully by stating that he had no intention of holding his opponent's youth and inexperience against him.
Viva Agora!
Professor Bernardo de la Paz
www.citizenduquesne.org
What a great response!
I just actually laughed out loud. Brilliant reply, President Reagan! I wouldn't mind one bit (nor do I think Reagan would) if Ron Paul quoted that line, and even stated, "As Ronald Reagan once said..."
This would be good as a response to Romney, Huck, Obama, or HIllary supporters who bring up any "age" question.
However, if we're talking McCain supporters:
McCain was born Aug, 29, 1936
Ron Paul was born Aug. 20, 1935
So I doubt any McCain supporters could throw out the "Ron Paul's too old!" line with any meaningful punch.