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Is the US, No Country for Old Men?
As we approach the 2024 Presidential Election, it’s worth considering the age of the candidates running for the top job. As you know, the current President, Joe Biden, will be 82 years old if he wins the election, while his opponent, former President Donald Trump, will be almost 79.
By the end of the presidency in January 2029, Biden will be nearly 87, and Trump will be 82.5.
Some people might argue that there should be an age limit for the President of the United States.
After all, age can bring physical and mental decline, and the President needs to be at the top of their game, both physically and mentally, to effectively lead the country.
The average lifespan for a male in the US is just 74.5 years, and the average lifespan for someone who reaches the age of 80 is only an additional 7 years.
In the event that the President is unable to fulfill their duties while in office, the Vice President would take over. When the people vote for the President and Vice President, they are aware that the Vice President may assume the role of President if necessary. However, it’s important to note that the Vice President has not been directly elected by the people for the role of President, leading to questions about the democratic legitimacy of their presidency.
The Constitution does set a minimum age for the President, which is 35 years old, but it does not set a maximum age limit. This means that, in theory, someone could run for President at any age as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements set forth in the Constitution.
This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. The importance of experience and wisdom versus the need for a physically and mentally capable President are both valid concerns.
Juliette Comms
2 Responses
Cognitive testing should be a requirement or all government offices. A minimum knowledge of world and domestic affairs should be required by testing candidates 90 days prior to elections. Test results should be made public within 48 hours. All public and private jobs require some type of knowledge of the job and task at hand when applying for the job. Sometimes applicants are required to take a written test. The military requires testing to find out what skills a candidate has and placed in training to hone those skills.
I take exception to this: “However, it’s important to note that the Vice President has not been directly elected by the people for the role of President, leading to questions about the democratic legitimacy of their presidency.”
The President, by design, is NOT elected by the people, but by the states. This is laid out in the Constitution, and there is no question of legitimacy whatsoever.