Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumSwalwell 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 hes too old.
I dont 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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Cha
(295,926 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Pachamama
(16,875 posts)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...
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
padah513
(2,483 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
CentralMass
(15,265 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
hlthe2b
(101,730 posts)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!"
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Funtatlaguy
(10,856 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
hlthe2b
(101,730 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
tblue37
(64,982 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
True Blue American
(17,972 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
murielm99
(30,657 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
True Blue American
(17,972 posts)My DILs 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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
JudyM
(29,122 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
PatSeg
(46,804 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)obvious and don't need to be stated. It only makes people feel bad
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
PatSeg
(46,804 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Ilsa
(61,675 posts)but he turned me off last night in his approach to an issue that I agree is legitimate.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
SCRUBDASHRUB
(7,252 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Funtatlaguy
(10,856 posts)Do you feel you have slowed down considerably and have less energy since reaching your 70s?
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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
True Blue American
(17,972 posts)Others have minds as sharp as ever.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
delisen
(6,039 posts)questions at a much younger age should they decide to run for office?
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
watoos
(7,142 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
IluvPitties
(3,181 posts)When you treat old folks as disposable, you are wasting one of life's greatest human resources- their experience.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
mtnsnake
(22,236 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
IluvPitties
(3,181 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
True Blue American
(17,972 posts)On what I had seen of him.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Andy823
(11,495 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
mtnsnake
(22,236 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
notdarkyet
(2,226 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
cannabis_flower
(3,764 posts)And he was 77 when he was elected president of South Africa.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Roy Rolling
(6,853 posts)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 isnt ready yet to accept the torch if passed.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
KayF
(1,345 posts)but something tells me he's a terrible driver, young or old.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Funtatlaguy
(10,856 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
spooky3
(34,303 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
redstateblues
(10,565 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
SCRUBDASHRUB
(7,252 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
onetexan
(12,994 posts)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.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden