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McCain and Age: A Warning
I've noticed in several website comment threads that folks are having a fun time mocking John McCain for his age. I expect it will continue and it's tempting to join in. We can have fun with "McThuselah" jokes up to a certain point without a problem. But I'll play the part of the scold and make a prediction: nasty age-related comments will be used in an attempt to neutralize racist comments against Barack Obama. "How can you get upset about (insert racist statement here) while saying (insert ageist statement here)? It's harder to notice age-based discrimination and harassment than it is to notice race-based discrimination and harassment. After all, we all get older, right?
Discrimination and abuse against the elderly is a real and under-reported problem in our society. Most older Americans can take a light-hearted jab without a problem; there's no need for over-sensitive "political correctness." But as the intensity of the campaign shifts from Obama/Clinton to Obama/McCain, I'm making a plea to be careful with what you say. Anger against McCain and his policies: yes. Anger against McCain and his age: no.
Age may become an electoral landmine. Older Americans aren't the heaviest internet users, but they are the most likely demographic to vote. And every vote counts. Be careful out there.
Comments (7)
I agree. Given his gaffes of late (al Qaeda versus extremists), we can still have fun with him as McCain, the Confused One. That straddles the line but has basis in fact.
March 22, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point.
Is calling him Magoo over the line?
March 22, 2008 9:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can leave it to Brit Hume and his Fox News buddies to do the work for us (my emphasis added):
Ouch. Follow the link and see the video at C & L. Well worth a few moments to appreciate what a landmine his age is going to be in the General Election. Imagine McCombover standing next to Clinton or Obama during a debate. It won't be pretty, and, of course, a picture is indeed worth a thousand words.
How about the Cryptkeeper? OK, its a little strong, but ...March 23, 2008 7:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a simple fact that our cognitive faculties decline and we become more ingrained in ways of thinking as we age. There's nothing ageist about that and everyone can agree that we would not elect a 90 year old for just that reason. There absolutely is such a thing as too old and there is no such thing as too black or too female. So analogies between racism or sexism and "ageism" clearly break down. The question is where, between 70 and 90 does "too old" become an issue. There's no doubt that McCain is at the upper threshold if not beyond it. His recent gaffes do raise the question of "senior moments".
Having said that, I agree that a mocking tone is not the right one to take. We should be discussing this issue in a serious, science-based way.
March 23, 2008 7:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Common sense makes McCain's age and health an issue. But decency should limit attacks on this honorable person.
March 23, 2008 7:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK. I think Mr. Magoo works.
March 23, 2008 8:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is not about his chronological age... rather, it is about his espousing 1960s, 1970s political thought which was stillborn even then... a great aunt once told me that age is not about the appearance of your skin... rather, it is the hardening of the head...
March 23, 2008 9:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
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