Age Matters
I've never thought Sen. John McCain was mentally ill, not even after George W. Bush tried to discredit his intelligence and wit in 2000. But now I worry about the obvious deterioration of his health. Look back at clips from 2000 and you see a candidate who made the press swoon, so smitten were they with his sharp conversational skills, his quick wit, his charming accessibility.
Now I watch Sen. John McCain and I see the kind of change I witnessed in Ronald Reagan. As he entered his second term as President, I happened to be watching film clips of a younger and sharper Governor Ronald Reagan. The difference was staggering. Earlier, he had been a quick wit, fast on his feet, feisty as well as charming. By 1984, however, he seemed confused and distracted; I watched him with shock and saw an individual clearly slowed by the early signs of a terribly deteriorating disease.
I'm hardly alone in noticing the changes that have occurred in John McCain. People are whispering about his confusion, his slow delivery, his deterioration, but unlike the issue of Obama's race, it is not being openly discussed.
It is not a question of age. One eighty-three year-old woman took me aside last week, a woman who's as sharp and quick as she was when I first met her forty years ago, and asked me, "Why is no one talking about the fact McCain appears to be suffering from the early stages of some kind of dementia?"
I had noticed the changes as well. I don't know if he knew the differences between religious groups in Iraq in 2000, but when I look at old clips of Sen. John McCain during his 2000 run for the presidency, he seems like the kind of quick, witty, guy who knew how to finesse anything he didn't knew.
Consider, by contrast, his lame and confused response to the question of how many homes he owns. Clearly, the question is complicated, because this is a couple who owns property separately, jointly, and have several homes on individual plots of land. But a quick-witted John McCain in 2000 would have responded, "Look, we live in Arizona in our home; we vacation in two condos. The rest is investment property, some of which belongs to my wife and some of which we own jointly. Any other questions?"
It goes without saying that Obama's race is a potent factor in the 2008 presidential race. But I wonder if anyone will openly say what people are whispering about every day, namely, that Sen. John McCain genuinely seems confused, slower than eight years ago, and, in the opinion of more than a few senior citizens who recognize the signs, in the early states of some type of early dementia or Alzheimers.
McCain's failure to think and respond quickly should worry every American. We have experienced two terms of the worst presidency in American history. We have lost considerable moral credibility around the world, started two wars that cannot be won through military means, allowed unfettered regulation to undermine our economic strength and widen wealth inequality, and shredded many of our most cherished democratic civil rights and liberties.
I, for one, want a brilliant, progressive, president who is capable of reversing at least some of this damage. So aside from McCain's capitulation to the right-wing constituency of his party, every American should worry about his ability to govern. His various medical conditions, in fact, require so many drugs, it's a wonder he can function at all.
Think about it. To ask Hillary Clinton's infamous question, is he the person you'd like to answer the White House phone at 3am? And will anyone stop the whispering and finally say it loud and clear---that this is a man who is simply too impaired to be president? This is not about his age. This is about the reality of his health.
Watching Jimmy Carter being interviewed during the first night of the Convention by the PBS pundits, I was struck by the contrast, as well. Carter is 83, I believe, and he was not tripped up at any point in that interview - and there was more than on point where he could have been. He was sharp as a tack.
August 26, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great Topic!!!!
This is the 2000 Debate - a much zippier McCain slamming Falwell and the religious right
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbNImNX8Xuw
Back then look what he predicted for himself in 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt3Vk4AJwN4&feature=related
And Now...this is really scary..video proof that McCain has Alzheimers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnR78yi3dFw
August 26, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
The ones you mentioned Maggie...and;
His confusion between the Sunnis and Shi'a. His statement about the Iraq-Pakistan border. His offering up his wife to be in a tacky biker wet t-shirt/topless contest without realizing what it was. His quick temper. His procilivity to want to respond to every international situation in terms of military action (Bomb, bomb, bomb...Bomb, bomb Iran. And his initial reaction to Russia's invasion into Georgia saying we should send in the 82nd Airborne). His repeated angry outbursts directed at reporters. And these examples are just off the top of my head...
I think that there very serious and legitimate questions about McCain's age. And not only isn't the press bringing it up but neither is Senator Obama. Sadly there is something not right about McCain's mind and it well could be from age, disease or a combination of both. Is it senility, dementia, Alzheimers? I don't know but what does it matter what the cause is. I think his obviously deteriorating mental condition should be a concern for every American when considering who should be our next president and it doesn't represent an unfair smear/attack. I think Senator McCain realizes he has a problem and that is why he says if elected he will only serve one term.
August 26, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, do you think any of this was addressed in his medical records, that I believe have not been released? If not, shouldn't it be?
August 26, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure I think we would all benefit from knowing any conditions which might be afflicting him. I am normally all for a person's privacy but this is the one exception. When someone wants to become President of the US their entire life needs to be scrutinized.
I actually am looking forward to the debates. I think there will be at least one major gaffe, and possibly more, out of McCain as he tries to formulate answers off the top of his head. And with his history of misstatements I can't see this being written off as just innocent mistakes. Ford was absolutely killed in the press over not knowing Poland was behind the Iron Curtain...but McCain gets a pass for all of his goof ups? Age was an issue with Reagan why shouldn't it be with McCain? In fact I think when Reagan was elected he was much more lucent than McCain is...although Reagan's positions were just as wrong, lol.
August 26, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even though the debates are supposed to be spontaneous, I wonder if McCain will get a copy of the questions early to practice. (no cone of silence here) I suppose it depends on who is moderating.
Anyone know if ABC is in on the debate game again?
August 26, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well I suppose they'll have a good idea of the questions. But even if McCain knows if he has the mental problems which Ruth suggests, which I concur with, I think there will be stumbles on McCain's part in terms of the facts. Of course he'll say after the fact 'Of course I knew it was 'xxx' I was a little confused'...the only question will he be given a pass from the press when it happens.
August 26, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's why McMaverick's VP selection is critical, as that's who will be taking over 18 months later if McCain is elected.
They talk about how the presidency ages a person- look at Chimpy in 2000 and today. He didn't have that many brain cells to lose, but he's like a drunken flyboy running around the world slapping asses and talking trash.
August 26, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well Bush was never a rocket scientist to begin with, lol. But McCain, as Maggie pointed out, had always been witty and quick on his feet with a gleam in his eye when in conversation. Now there seems to be a dull look in his eyes when asked something, like he is confused with the simplest questions. That happens when someone is either on drugs or the mind is starting to decline, and I don't think McCain has started smoking weed at his age. Will his VP choice make a difference? People pull the lever for the person at the top of the ticket more than than who is listed second.
August 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Dems should make a big issue of McCain's VP choice. It can be implied that MittHuckJindal or whoever is likely to be taking over, do people really feel comfortable with a slick corporate raider, TV preacher, or anchor baby exorcist as the president?
August 26, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well we'll have to see who he chooses first. I think Pawlenty would be tough to attack as I think Huckabee would be too. I agree with you on Mitt and Jindal...much easier targets.
August 26, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Its not only the mistakes McCain makes, its the asinine charges he slings at Obama, 'on the one hand an honorable candidate but also guilty of treason.' His incessant references to the Surge and Obama wanting to raise the white flag of surrender. He was addressing a crowd recently and spoke of health care saying 'my program won't be a government run program I can guarantee you that. I'd ask him; "Well what about the Veteran's Administration?"
He was addressing the VFW on IRAQ and his demeanor changed and he got deadly serious and said; "I will never surrender in Iraq. I will never surrender in Iraq".
I think he's personalized Iraq as a way to ameliorate his suffering for the lost cause in Vietnam, and if I'm right, that's scary, because it won't stop at "winning" in Iraq.
August 26, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
McAbien:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Politics/story?id=4919842
August 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow..if we needed any more proof that ABC is covering for McFuddled, there it is.
"Oh he doesnt have a mental problem...he just can't sleep at night." - ABC
August 26, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, should be "McAmbien"
August 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
And my sincerest apologies to Ruth about me calling her Maggie on her very fine post. Her profile pic and Maggie Mahar's look very similar and I thought it was Maggie posting this.
At least I didn't need to have Joe Lieberman around to correct me...
August 26, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obsessive and runaway, uncontrollable thoughts are also symptomatic of some kind of developing dementia, as I found out with my mother. There is no talking the sufferer out of these bizarre thought patterns, either, which is also very disturbing to those around them.
August 26, 2008 5:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely right.
?But why did you have to say
Of course, it's being discussed. Everywhere.
August 26, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the age of the Internet
McCain+alzheimer's
Do your homework.
August 26, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Age Matters
No, mental health matters.
Play it too strongly with the age angle, and what you'll also bring up in minds of many is the lack of wisdom in youth.
August 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's nothing in his conduct that particularly suggests age.
But there's a lot that suggests a condescending, arrogant, utterly self absorbed, short tempered, bullying, childish, ignorant ass.
Dubya Dubya II.
August 26, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
A line of attack - soft and gentle, right up until the knife goes between the ribs:
John McCain has suffered terribly. He was a POW, and was tortured and beaten. His suffering damaged him badly.
He's been physically damaged.
He's been emotionally damaged.
He's been psychologically damaged.
His suffering has damaged him to the point that he is clearly no longer up to the job of President of the United States.
August 26, 2008 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I still maintain that McCain's mental breakdown the last 8 years is due not to his POW experience, but to all that time he's spent sucking up to the far right.
Which just goes to show how much more destructive and potent Republicans are at braniwashing than Communists.
August 27, 2008 4:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
...or for that matter, brainwashing.
August 27, 2008 4:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Major corporations have been known to hire CEOs in their 40's to run the show (Carly Fiorina anyone?).
How many of them would hire a 72 year old man who stunbles over his words and can't remember names?
August 27, 2008 4:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
There should absolutely be an initiative mentioning his age, and especially his need for sleeping pills which will impair his 3 A.M. judgment.
August 27, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
This provides the ground zero argument for concern about his fitness for this office. I'm not going to armchair diagnose but it is true this is not about age per se but about overall problems of mental, emotional and physical vitality and an evident growing diminishment of capacities. From what I understand of the new research on frailty, it is a risk factor for cognitive impairment, and he is becoming physically frail looking and does not seem to have any regime for staying fit or mentally sharp. His repertoire of responses to challenging situations has become much narrower, and his pampered life style puts no hurdles or barriers in his way. His recent contributions to legislation have been paltry at best.
Some behavioral aspects to consider. He repeats phrases and words over and over in an attempt to drive home a point but has considerable difficulty expanding on an idea or of extemporizing when needed. I watched him closely at Saddleback and whether he had the questions in advance or not, he had obviously been drilled (!) to a fare-thee-well and could hardly wait to spit out his stump bullets lest he forget them.
One of the trickiest things about cognitive decline is that sociability and long standing humor habits become more predominant and are often the last to go. The person is overly reliant on these to hide their impairment, and this can be seductive to those who aren't around the person all the time. I see this happening with McCain--he has shtick but not a sharp wit. I'd be on the lookout for more signs including lack of inhibition--perhaps making inappropriate sexual advances or jokes. I don't think his crudity can be explained away by his POW and Navy background.
August 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some of McCain's behavior can be attributed to PTSD. He is quick to anger and unpredictable - he is anger and beligerance toward Russia and Iran and his ill considered and hasty choice of Palin as a running mate for example.
Not the characteristics I want in a President particularly in this increasingly complicated world with all the challenges our country faces.
September 30, 2008 10:57 PM | Reply | Permalink