If age is the subject, Joe loses.

It isn't a matter of whether Joe Biden is "too old." 

 

The very fact that his age and well being is discussed, makes it a loser issue.

I write this with regret.

I am in New Hampshire, sitting at a table, waiting to see Tom Steyer. I have checked my schedule. I see Joe Biden Friday at 1:00 p.m. I realized the entire purpose of my seeing Joe Biden tomorrow, for the fourth time in 3 weeks,  was to look at his bearing, his tone of voice, the strength of his grip if he shook my hand again. Will he stumble with words?  Any gaffes?

I was looking ahead to writing a report on his frailty. Or vitality.

We know his policy positions well enough. He is a Democrat and a liberal, but not a "progressive." There are some details people can fight about but that pretty much describes it. His policy positions aren't dispositive in the upcoming nomination fight. What is important is whether he is "up to the job." 

The subject is the problem for him. I thought he looked pretty strong, but I have to admit the reality that I was going to look closely at him, looking to see if his hands trembled.

Bob Warren sent me a Guest Post.  Bob is a retired musician. He played piano in bars, he played the tuxedoed piano player in movies, and he experienced life richly for 92 years so far. He can be accused of being ageist, but cannot be accused of being in-experienced in the nature of getting old.

Guest Post by Bob Warren     

"Give it up, Joe"

     Joe Biden, the present front runner in the crowded field of Democratic hopefuls, has always been an honest and decent man but suddenly at age 77 (November 2019) his judgment and intellect seem questionable.  Someone has to risk the charge of being branded as an ageist by fearlessly confronting Mr. Biden with the message he needs to hear: “Frankly, Joe, you’re just too damn old!”

     As a ninety-two year old I am painfully aware of the gradual but inexorable loss of mobility and dexterity that have transformed hitherto simple tasks of every day living into stressful encounters of the worst kind. Fulfilling the function of   chief executive of the USA is perhaps the most stressful job in the world. For the good of our nation Joe Biden should forget his pipe dream of the presidency to lend a guiding hand to someone younger, someone at the beginning of a political career. Someone who possesses the instinctive ability to win both the interest and loyalty of young voters. Hopefully, someone not beholden to anyone.

         It would also be well for Mr. Biden to recall that Ronald Reagan, who was 69 years of age in when he entered the White House in 1980, was coincidentally 77 years of age in 1986 when rumors began  surfacing that he was occasionally exhibiting worrisome signs and “sleeping a lot” . While some maintained at the time that those rumors were both politically motivated and overblown, Mr. Reagan was subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  So bury your ego Joe, before it buries you. Be a class act.  Stand above the fray and utilize the skills you’ve learned as a distinguished senator and vice-president to unite the party behind a candidate who will restore honor and civiity to a position now being shamelessly abused and dragged through the political swamps of America.