News, Students to McCain: Too old to be prez? (voters, Iraq, campaign)

[John1960]

CONCORD, N.H. - An unflinching John McCain was told Tuesday by New Hampshire high school students he might be too old to be president and too conservative to be respected. McCain, the Arizona senator whose presidential bid has stumbled through the summer, countered the Concord High School students with humor.

Thanks for the question, you little jerk," McCain joked back to one student who asked the 71-year-old about his age. "You're drafted."

McCain's two-day trip to New Hampshire launches his fall campaign for the GOP nomination. During a morning visit with students, he explained why he was not shrinking from his support for a temporary increase of troops in Iraq and why students should pay attention.

"If this war continues much longer, there will be people in this audience who will serve in the military, who also may be going over there (in Iraq) or to Afghanistan," McCain told the high school students.

He said the students should watch the upcoming report on Iraq from Gen. David Petraeus.

"It may be a seminal debate. It may be one of the most important debates in history and it may directly affect your lives," he warned. "He's going to say: Whether it was or was not in the beginning, if we lose Iraq, it will be part of this struggle against radical, Islamic extremism because al-Qaida will take over and the area will deteriorate into chaos and destruction."

But during a town hall-style meeting, students were more interested in pushing McCain on the environment, his support for gay rights and even his age.

"If elected, you'd be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president. Do you ever worry you might die in office or get Alzheimer's or some other disease that might affect your judgment?" one student asked.



Students to McCain: Too old to be prez? - Yahoo! News (broken link)

[Marodi]

Originally Posted by John1960

CONCORD, N.H. - An unflinching John McCain was told Tuesday by New Hampshire high school students he might be too old to be president and too conservative to be respected. McCain, the Arizona senator whose presidential bid has stumbled through the summer, countered the Concord High School students with humor.

Thanks for the question, you little jerk," McCain joked back to one student who asked the 71-year-old about his age. "You're drafted."

McCain's two-day trip to New Hampshire launches his fall campaign for the GOP nomination. During a morning visit with students, he explained why he was not shrinking from his support for a temporary increase of troops in Iraq and why students should pay attention.

"If this war continues much longer, there will be people in this audience who will serve in the military, who also may be going over there (in Iraq) or to Afghanistan," McCain told the high school students.

He said the students should watch the upcoming report on Iraq from Gen. David Petraeus.

"It may be a seminal debate. It may be one of the most important debates in history and it may directly affect your lives," he warned. "He's going to say: Whether it was or was not in the beginning, if we lose Iraq, it will be part of this struggle against radical, Islamic extremism because al-Qaida will take over and the area will deteriorate into chaos and destruction."

But during a town hall-style meeting, students were more interested in pushing McCain on the environment, his support for gay rights and even his age.

"If elected, you'd be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president. Do you ever worry you might die in office or get Alzheimer's or some other disease that might affect your judgment?" one student asked.



Students to McCain: Too old to be prez? - Yahoo! News (broken link)

He's run for office too many times and no one cares anymore. Not to mention he's a bush clone.

[Elmonellie]

I thought it was very funny. John McCaine is probably the only pres candidate that can get away with this kind of humour. He's got a fun personality and is quite entertaining with the one liners.

And yes, he is old and it is a fair question. I don't think he is too old, considering the life span nowadays. But, I think it is a problem for some voters.

Doubt he will win the primary. His time is past, I think. I do like that guy, though. He's a real original and stand up guy.

[Padgett2]

He is not too old physically, but we don't have anyway of guessing how fast he will lose his mental capabilities. He certainly would be too old for a second term.

Ronald Reagin was obviously not mentally capable all the way through that second term. It could happen to even the younger ones, but it wouldn't be unusual for someone in their seventies. That's the scary part.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by Padgett2

He is not too old physically, but we don't have anyway of guessing how fast he will lose his mental capabilities. He certainly would be too old for a second term.

Ronald Reagin was obviously not mentally capable all the way through that second term. It could happen to even the younger ones, but it wouldn't be unusual for someone in their seventies. That's the scary part.

R.R. was pretty capable all through that term, IMHO.

Barrack Obama (sp?) could be shot going to a gas station. John McCaine could live in AZ until 424 with stem cell implants.

[Yeledaf]

McCain's romance with Teddy Kennedy re Immigration Amnesty aged him spectacularly in my eyes.

I see Honest John as about ciento cinquenta.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by Yeledaf

McCain's romance with Teddy Kennedy re Immigration Amnesty aged him spectacularly in my eyes.

I see Honest John as about ciento cinquenta.

Got me there.