Here’s Why We Need a Maximum Age Limit for Presidential Candidates

 

 Now that the first presidential debate has concluded, the verdict is clear: the true losers are the American people. They now face a choice between two aging men, neither of whom appears fully equipped to lead a vibrant and dynami

 

Just before tuning into the American presidential debate, I was catching up on Iran's election developments online. Following the tragic death of former President Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranians were urged to participate in the polls to elect a new leader. Initially, 80 candidates entered the race, but only a select few received approvals after scrutiny from a panel of Islamic clerics, ultimately endorsed by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. 

This process highlights the limited autonomy Iranian citizens have in selecting their leader. They are onstrained to choosing from a pre-approved pool of candidates. 

Unfortunately, a similar situation arises in this year’s U.S. election, where voters find themselves choosing between two older candidates who may not represent their preferences. Are we unwittingly adopting an approach akin to Iran’s in selecting our leaders? The Thursday night debate underscored this concern. 

It was a somber moment in American history, where the beacon of American democracy flickered. We all endured 90 torturous minutes of debate between two elderly men who should have been enjoying their retirement, perhaps fishing somewhere or engaging in charity work, rather than vying to lead a nation. 

We all witnessed Joe Biden's catastrophic, self-deprecating performance, where he seemed to lose his train of thought and came across as very old. Why would any person have willingly put himself in such an undignified position, becoming the subject of ridicule and the butt of jokes, as he did? 

Regardless of President Biden’s motives for seeking re-election, whether influenced by his wife or by a desire to prevent Donald Trump from returning to office, as David Ignatius suggested in the Washington Post, he should be mindful of his limitations. Given his age, it is crucial that he prioritizes the country’s interests over any personal factors. 

Donal Trump on other hand, frequently ignored questions posed by CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, instead talking about whatever he wanted. 

Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have made false and misleading statements. According to fact-checkers, Trump made 30 false claims, while Biden also uttered several inaccuracies himself. 

But the real losers were the American people, who must choose between two aging candidates that they largely do not favor. According to the Project 538 polls, only about 37 percent of voters are favorable of Biden, while Trump tracks at 43 percent favorable. This “double negative” sentiment is more common among younger adults than older adults. Those who reject partisan labels – identifying as independent, libertarian or something else and leaning toward neither of the two main parties – are also more likely to hold this combination of views.

Does age matter? Absolutely. As someone in my early 70s, I can attest to this. I'm no longer able to run five miles a day, nor can I whip up a 1,000-word essay in just a few hours like I used to. I'm keenly aware of my limitations now.

This is the reason Congress sets age requirements for running for office. You must be at least 25 to be a member of the House, 30 to be a member of the Senate, and 35 for the presidency. Many on both sides of the aisle are now wondering if there be an age limit for how old a president can be.

Representative John James (R-Mich.) introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to place a maximum age limit for politicians including the president, vice president, and members of Congress. If adopted, the amendment would bar people who would reach the age of 75 while in office from running for that office. According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, 76 percent of Americans either strongly support or somewhat support an age limit on elected officials. That number is up from 58 percent in a January 2022 poll pol  Research indicates that cognitive functions, including memory and decision-making abilities, often decline with age. While exceptions certainly exist, establishing an upper age limit could help ensure that candidates possess the mental acuity necessary to make sound judgments in high-pressure situations.

According to an Axios breakdown of the polling data, many respondents felt that the rigors of the job of president are too demanding for someone over 75, and 80 percent of respondents feared that an elected official over the age of 80 would be out of touch with the times.

Opponents of age limits for the presidency may argue that such measures are discriminatory and unfairly exclude experienced individuals who are fully capable of serving. However, it is essential to recognize that age limits are not intended to diminish the value of experience or the contributions of older individuals. Instead, they aim to strike a balance between experience and the need for fresh leadership that can adapt to changing societal needs.

Just as minimum age requirements ensure a certain level of maturity and life experience, maximum age limits can help ensure that leaders are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Implementing an upper age limit for presidential candidates would be a prudent step toward fostering effective and responsive leadership. By ensuring that candidates have the cognitive and physical capabilities required for the role, promoting the representation of younger generations, and encouraging a dynamic political environment, an age limit can help secure a more vibrant and adaptive future for our nation.

While it is crucial to honor the contributions of experienced leaders, it is equally important to recognize the value of fresh perspectives in guiding us through. Neither Biden nor Trump is willing to step back. Biden's refusal to do so may pave the way for Trump's return.

As an independent voter and former Republican, I have expressed my concerns in a piece for the Orange County Register, arguing that the Republican Party should purge itself of the cult of Trump. I lost respect for Trump due to his ruthlessness and false claims. Cementing my doubts was his remark that Biden is "another Palestinian," and that if he were President, he would have "finished the job."

For some, the prospect of Trump's return is fraught with concerns of potential distaste. Susan B. Glasser writes in New Yorker Magazine that if Trump were elected, he would cut off all economic ties with China and end all aid to Ukraine. The ex-President’s men have a plan.

Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which was compiled by an array of Trump-world characters, has been extensively pored over since its release by those seeking to understand what the coming four years could look like in Washington; it is a nearly a thousand-page how-to manual for Trumpists looking to deconstruct the administrative state.

Stephen Miller, Trump’s immigration ideologue, is vowing to tackle “anti-white racism” in a second Trump term by reinterpreting landmark civil-rights laws on behalf of white people.

We live in a paradoxical world that offers immense opportunities, such as the rapid growth of technology, the advent of artificial intelligence, and significant advancements in science. On the other hand, we face daunting challenges, including the rise of China, Russian aggression, and the impending threat of climate change. Navigating these complex issues requires fresh thinking and innovative approaches, which our younger generation is well-equipped to tackle.

All we need to do is empower them with the necessary tools and support to lead us through these challenges. It’s not too late for President Biden to take a decisive step for the sake of the nation. Even the New York Times, once a supporter, has urged him to step down, allowing the Democratic Party to nominate a new candidate to stand against Trump. By choosing to resign, Biden could cement his legacy as a leader who prioritized his country’s needs over personal or familial considerations. 

However, Biden stepping aside won't prevent similar scenarios in the future. The country needs to establish a practical cutoff age for presidential candidates to ensure leadership that is both vigorous and capable.

 

 

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