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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 04:28 AM Jun 2019

Swalwell asked both of his Grandpas for their car keys.

Did anyone else see it that way?
Swalwell couched the age question by saying its time to “pass the torch”.
It reminded me of telling a relative that they could no longer drive.
In other words, it was very awkward.

Yes, both Bernie and Biden would turn 80 during their first term.
Is that too old?
Well, it depends on the 80 year old.
Some still have a lot of energy and good cognitive skills.
Some do not.
Trump is 3-4 years younger than Bernie and Biden.
But when do you remember Trump being asked if he’s too old.

I don’t know where the line is between ageism and a legitimate question on age.
But, to me, Swalwells approach seemed a little mean and not the best way to approach it.


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Swalwell asked both of his Grandpas for their car keys. (Original Post) Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 OP
trump is too Psychotic at any age. Cha Jun 2019 #1
Swalwell made a mistake in taking on Biden and the Age issue Pachamama Jun 2019 #2
Yes and besides padah513 Jun 2019 #4
He is not my first choice, but sticking with the analogy, Biden drives a Corvette. CentralMass Jun 2019 #21
His approach was so contrived and demeaning. I belive many who might have age-based concerns hlthe2b Jun 2019 #3
My Southern Momma used "snatch you bald headed". Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #7
LOL... hlthe2b Jun 2019 #9
That was as my Southern mom's favorite--along with, "Well, I'll be go to hell!" nt tblue37 Jun 2019 #26
Yes True Blue American Jun 2019 #5
My mother is 90 and she drives. murielm99 Jun 2019 #10
Most people know when to quit. True Blue American Jun 2019 #17
My dad's last drive was to his 95th BD party an hour away. JudyM Jun 2019 #36
I really like Eric Swalwell PatSeg Jun 2019 #6
The thing is .age differences physical and mental are Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2019 #11
And it is awful politics PatSeg Jun 2019 #25
I was so glad when Swalwell jumped in, Ilsa Jun 2019 #14
Swalwell needs to stay in the House. He really turned me off with that comment. SCRUBDASHRUB Jun 2019 #33
I think these are LEGITIMATE questions to ask: Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #8
Some people do. True Blue American Jun 2019 #19
Gven the dementia stats re football players, should they be asked these delisen Jun 2019 #29
Meh, watoos Jun 2019 #12
Dude is rude and inexperienced. IluvPitties Jun 2019 #13
Anyone who has followed Swalwell knows that's the farthest thing from the truth. nt mtnsnake Jun 2019 #18
He wasn't very friendly last night. IluvPitties Jun 2019 #20
Eric did a 180 True Blue American Jun 2019 #22
I agree Andy823 Jun 2019 #28
Well said, Andy. I remember hearing Swalwell blast Trump consistently well over a year ago when few mtnsnake Jun 2019 #30
The older people have had their time inthe sun. They need. To move on. Eighty is too old. notdarkyet Jun 2019 #32
Nelson Mandela did ok cannabis_flower Jun 2019 #15
Are we voting Demographic or Democratic? Roy Rolling Jun 2019 #16
I love Bernie KayF Jun 2019 #23
I bet he'd be Hilarious yellingat other drivers. Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #24
I was disappointed in Swalwell. He's been a good guest on MSNBC. But spooky3 Jun 2019 #27
Same here. redstateblues Jun 2019 #31
Reminds me of people I used to work with who were SCRUBDASHRUB Jun 2019 #35
saw Swalwell on msnbc several months ago and thought he was decent. Then yesterday i changed my mind onetexan Jun 2019 #34
 

Cha

(295,926 posts)
1. trump is too Psychotic at any age.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 04:31 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Pachamama

(16,875 posts)
2. Swalwell made a mistake in taking on Biden and the Age issue
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 04:33 AM
Jun 2019

He can consider himself eliminated from being even a contender as VP after last nights debate....

He didn't do himself a favor and looked mean...

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

padah513

(2,483 posts)
4. Yes and besides
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:34 AM
Jun 2019

I don't know his key grabbing reference was referring to Biden, but once someone becomes President, they are not permitted to drive on the roadways anymore. They live the chauffeured life for the rest of their days. No keys to grab.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

CentralMass

(15,265 posts)
21. He is not my first choice, but sticking with the analogy, Biden drives a Corvette.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:03 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
3. His approach was so contrived and demeaning. I belive many who might have age-based concerns
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:28 AM
Jun 2019

will see it for what it was. Swalwell will not benefit from that stunt.

I found myself wanting to reach through the screen and literally (as Mamas say in the South): "Smack him upside the head!"

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
7. My Southern Momma used "snatch you bald headed".
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:51 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

tblue37

(64,982 posts)
26. That was as my Southern mom's favorite--along with, "Well, I'll be go to hell!" nt
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 01:03 PM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
5. Yes
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:35 AM
Jun 2019

I was just a little surprised that Swalwell was so crude at the beginning. He lost me because I know too many over 80 who lead active lives.

I had lunch with my group of retirees yesterday. 3 hours long, no booze and we had the time of our lives. All friends now, we did not have time to socialize when we worked.

The age ranged from the younger to the older, all making plans for the next one.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

murielm99

(30,657 posts)
10. My mother is 90 and she drives.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 06:33 AM
Jun 2019

She does not go on long road trips, but she drives to nearby communities. They test her every year now.

One of my former library patrons drove until she was 95. She took up residence in the nursing home when she was 100. She died the following year. She knew herself.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
17. Most people know when to quit.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:00 AM
Jun 2019

My DIL’s Mother celebrated her 95th birthday. She quit when she knew she should. Leg problems caused that. As far as I know she never had an accident.

A friend turned 90 today. 2 knee replacements, then broken leg, wrapped in titanium, physical therapy, drives just fine. Walks too without a cane. Out trimming bushes last week.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

JudyM

(29,122 posts)
36. My dad's last drive was to his 95th BD party an hour away.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 03:03 PM
Jun 2019

That last one was a scary ride, with his periodically drifting slightly into the next lane at 85mph (he was always an excellent but fast driver). Hard to say whether that was visual (glaucoma) or cognitive/attentional, but I kept pointing it out and he was annoyed at me for that. He asked me to drive home and never tried to drive again, though he sat in his car in the garage a couple times. Sweet and sad.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
6. I really like Eric Swalwell
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:47 AM
Jun 2019

but the repeated reference to passing the torch to a younger generation was a real turnoff. Either he got some really bad political advice or he's just not ready for the national stage. If he wants to play the ageism card, many would say his approach last night indicates he is not experienced enough for a presidential run.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
11. The thing is .age differences physical and mental are
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 06:51 AM
Jun 2019

obvious and don't need to be stated. It only makes people feel bad

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
25. And it is awful politics
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 12:56 PM
Jun 2019

You can point our differences in policy, experience, and ability, but it is best to stay away from age, gender, ethnicity, and religion. And in the end, voters will decide if it is time to pass the torch.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Ilsa

(61,675 posts)
14. I was so glad when Swalwell jumped in,
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 07:19 AM
Jun 2019

but he turned me off last night in his approach to an issue that I agree is legitimate.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

SCRUBDASHRUB

(7,252 posts)
33. Swalwell needs to stay in the House. He really turned me off with that comment.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 02:41 PM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
8. I think these are LEGITIMATE questions to ask:
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 05:57 AM
Jun 2019

Do you feel you have slowed down considerably and have less energy since reaching your 70’s?
Some people suffer memory loss later in life, do you think that you have?

Those are maybe the same as asking are you a low energy fart with dementia.
But, they are a lot more civil and respectful way to ask.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
19. Some people do.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:01 AM
Jun 2019

Others have minds as sharp as ever.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

delisen

(6,039 posts)
29. Gven the dementia stats re football players, should they be asked these
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 01:10 PM
Jun 2019

questions at a much younger age should they decide to run for office?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

watoos

(7,142 posts)
12. Meh,
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 07:04 AM
Jun 2019

Bernie and Liz are older but espouse young ideas.

Joe is older and espouses older ideas.

Age doesn't come into play with me, just ideas.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

IluvPitties

(3,181 posts)
13. Dude is rude and inexperienced.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 07:07 AM
Jun 2019

When you treat old folks as disposable, you are wasting one of life's greatest human resources- their experience.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mtnsnake

(22,236 posts)
18. Anyone who has followed Swalwell knows that's the farthest thing from the truth. nt
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:00 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

IluvPitties

(3,181 posts)
20. He wasn't very friendly last night.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:02 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
22. Eric did a 180
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:08 AM
Jun 2019

On what I had seen of him.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Andy823

(11,495 posts)
28. I agree
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 01:08 PM
Jun 2019

I think he is very, very passionate about doing something with the gun problem in this country, and he knows this was his chance to get some attention on that issue. He also thinks, and I agree, it's time for change, we need the next generation to step up so they can take charge one day. I am 68, and I know it's time.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mtnsnake

(22,236 posts)
30. Well said, Andy. I remember hearing Swalwell blast Trump consistently well over a year ago when few
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 01:52 PM
Jun 2019

others were taking that approach, and Swalwell did it so effectively. Adam Schiff was also someone in that mold. Swalwell is one of my favorites, and he's arguably one of the gutsiest candidates we have, especially with having to put up with so many death threats from gun nutters, some of them very serious ones. I thought Swalwell was excellent in his Town Hall a while back when he answered question after question with such poise and intensity, but I don't think he felt as comfortable in the debate setup last night.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

notdarkyet

(2,226 posts)
32. The older people have had their time inthe sun. They need. To move on. Eighty is too old.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 02:01 PM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

cannabis_flower

(3,764 posts)
15. Nelson Mandela did ok
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 07:40 AM
Jun 2019

And he was 77 when he was elected president of South Africa.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Roy Rolling

(6,853 posts)
16. Are we voting Demographic or Democratic?
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 07:45 AM
Jun 2019

Measuring a candidate by age based on the real—-proven in actuarial tables—-threat that an 80-year old might die, or become incapable in office, is certainly one measurement.

And, certainly a younger candidate with the necessary qualifications will be there when elders of the party “pass the torch”.

For sure Biden and others are the “torch-passers”, and Swalwell made an important point that needs to be said —-but in a way that demonstrates he isn’t ready yet to accept the torch if passed.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

KayF

(1,345 posts)
23. I love Bernie
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 08:09 AM
Jun 2019

but something tells me he's a terrible driver, young or old.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
24. I bet he'd be Hilarious yellingat other drivers.
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 09:41 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
27. I was disappointed in Swalwell. He's been a good guest on MSNBC. But
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 01:04 PM
Jun 2019

When you plan to use your very limited talking time in order to make the argument that your opponent(s) should drop out to give you a chance, you have made a bad choice on a weak argument.

Voters will be able to judge whether any candidate seems sharp and energetic enough to do the job.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

SCRUBDASHRUB

(7,252 posts)
35. Reminds me of people I used to work with who were
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 02:45 PM
Jun 2019

a bit younger than me and thought they knew everything. I'm in my late forties now so I really got pissed off hearing Swalwell.

Really turned me off.

I do hope our candidates will stop going after each other soon. We need to focus on getting Trump out of office.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

onetexan

(12,994 posts)
34. saw Swalwell on msnbc several months ago and thought he was decent. Then yesterday i changed my mind
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 02:44 PM
Jun 2019

He & Buttigieg are way too smug for my taste, unproven younguns who think they can knock a guy with a long record of service to this country. Sorry younguns, get more national experience then you can get the torch. Right now i want a proven, steady hand like Joe to to be the Torch Bearer.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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