John McCain: How Old is Too Old?

By Jackson Boyer

With November drawing ever closer, more and more questions are being asked regarding the two remaining candidates for President of the United States. While each party is doing their fair share of political name-calling, one argument particularly stung the Republican candidate in his battle for the White House: how old is too old? While the younger (and some say, more spry) Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, is a mere 44 years old, the Republican nominee John McCain is 72; old enough to be his father. Even though John McCain has had almost 20 years of Senate experience, the issue of how his age could possibly affect his judgment in office has been raised. Following is a list of four great American Presidents who were considered “over the political hill” before being elected as President, but when given the chance, accomplished great things.

Most Republicans consider Ronald Reagan to have been the single most economically effective presidents of all time. During his two terms in office, Reagan not only lowered taxes for the average American but also helped mitigate the country of more than a decade of recession. Reagan also helped bring about the end of the “evil empire” of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War; needless to say, his fight against communism was one that has echoed throughout the ages. He was 69 years old when he took office in 1981.

Harry S. Truman faced some of the most difficult decisions of any leader throughout history. Truman authorized the use of nuclear weapons on Japan, forcing the end to WWII and saving countless lives that would have been lost had the war persisted. He also made great strives socially, with the implementation of the Fair Deal which was aimed at helping the vast number of Americans still suffering from the Great Depression. Truman was almost 61 years old when he rose to the challenge of leading the free world during one of its most troubling times.

Dwight D. Eisenhower not only led America, but also led the entirety of the Allied forces in WWII as their supreme commander. Eisenhower also helped form NATO with other allies in Europe after WWII and became its first Supreme Commander in 1951, all before even becoming president. While in office, he put pressure on communism, helped oversee Korean ceasefire, formed NASA and advocated social change by proposing and enacting the Civil Rights Acts of 1957. He accomplished all of this while establishing the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which now stretches across the US for more than 46,000 miles. Someone who liberated Europe, generated worldwide peace and launched a fundamental space research organization must have been young, right? Eisenhower was 62 years young when he took office in 1953.

John Adams, the United States second president and first vice-president, is an example of how little age hinders ones ability to lead. Adams was an advocate for the US’ independence even before the revolution occurred. Serving as the representative of the Continental Congress in Europe, he helped negotiate America’s independence from and peace with Great Britain. During his presidency, Adams helped enact a number of strong domestic policies that are still used as models for today’s law making. Adams, one of the most significant founding fathers of our country, was 61 when he took office in 1797…an almost unheard of age for the time.

These individuals were given the opportunity to lead the US and made great progress for our country. It is ignorant to cast aside someone’s experience and proven track record simply because of their age, as so many are attempting to do with Senator McCain. The men listed were the brightest of the bunch, and as they aged, only gained more experience and expertise. It is in my opinion that John McCain, and the like, are like a fine wine and only get better with age.