General Discussion

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)

46. Age is an issue but a cut-line at 50 years is too low

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #19)

Fri Apr 21, 2017, 08:29 AM

Apr 2017

Yes, Obama, Bill Clinton, and JFK were in their 40s when inaugurated, but Carter and LBJ were in their 50s, and Truman was 64 when elected in 1948. (Among recent Republicans, Shrub was 54; his father and Reagan were both in their 60s.)

Another issue is that the Democrats' current national leadership pool does happen to skew older than in past years. For example, Al Franken is considered a fresh face, but he'll turn 69 during the 2020 campaign. Kirsten Gillibrand has attracted a few mentions for 2020, but even she (born 1966) would be too old by your criterion.

There's some enthusiasm on the left for Tulsi Gabbard, who'll be 39 by next Inauguration Day. Other than her, I don't recall anyone else under 50 even getting much mention. Another JFK, Clinton, or Obama in his or her 40s may emerge as a serious contender, but I wouldn't count on it.

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I have a crazy idea. Joe Biden in 2020. [View all] DemocratSinceBirth Apr 2017 OP

Don't we have anyone that isn't on SS and Medicare? nt doc03 Apr 2017 #1

He pretty vibrant... DemocratSinceBirth Apr 2017 #2

I like Biden, Hillary and Bernie but surely there must be someone doc03 Apr 2017 #5

Like Biden too -- he maybe on SS or Medicare but not out to pasture yet and has many good years left ATL Ebony Apr 2017 #41

Jesus BainsBane Apr 2017 #3

Oh no...just plain no...n/t monmouth4 Apr 2017 #4

I don't think that age should be held for or against a candidate. StevieM Apr 2017 #6

Not to be unkind but Phoenix61 Apr 2017 #7

He is a terrible candidate. Voltaire2 Apr 2017 #8

Go Joe! mainstreetonce Apr 2017 #9

I adore Joe ... NurseJackie Apr 2017 #10

First, let's see who will be President next year. L. Coyote Apr 2017 #11

Ironically, Anita Hill is speaking just right this minute at the Kapor Center. Starry Messenger Apr 2017 #12

Just No colsohlibgal Apr 2017 #13

I have a brilliant idea. Joe Biden in 2020. trueblue2007 Apr 2017 #14

I wish I could put him in Doc Brown's DeLorean and make him ten years younger DemocratSinceBirth Apr 2017 #15

Check out the latest 2020 poll from ppp. Joe 54% Trump 40% emulatorloo Apr 2017 #18

Maybe a crazy idea for 2020, but would've been a great idea for 2016 egduj Apr 2017 #16

We need change and a more youthful candidate. Golden Raisin Apr 2017 #17

Elections won't get suspended. PoindexterOglethorpe Apr 2017 #20

Oh, jeez. Not this again. PoindexterOglethorpe Apr 2017 #19

Age is an issue but a cut-line at 50 years is too low Jim Lane Apr 2017 #46

Make America Like California Again IronLionZion Apr 2017 #21

America could do a lot worse than being like the Golden State. DemocratSinceBirth Apr 2017 #42

Really???? Dolly123Jimmy Apr 2017 #22

I love Joe Biden , but no we have to win next time luvMIdog Apr 2017 #23

How about young Kennedy? Maynar Apr 2017 #25

I haven't really considered him & don't know that much about him, but yes someone young like that luvMIdog Apr 2017 #27

Oh I agree...passionate! Heartstrings Apr 2017 #36

All I know about that guy is, his last name and he's got red hair Warren DeMontague Apr 2017 #40

He might not be ready quite yet Maynar Apr 2017 #50

I don't go in for the idea that there's some magic talisman to win elections, like a last name. Warren DeMontague Apr 2017 #53

I didn't suggest his name was a talisman (altho I can see why some might agree) Maynar Apr 2017 #54

Fair enough. Warren DeMontague Apr 2017 #55

Gotta agree with that. Maynar Apr 2017 #57

Love Joe, but he's too old. n/t Brainstormy Apr 2017 #24

I'd vote for VP Biden, but I'll be rolling my eyes as he gets a pass for most of the things that... SaschaHM Apr 2017 #26

yeah.. well.. you know how it goes. JHan Apr 2017 #29

Time to get real. democratisphere Apr 2017 #28

What? And perpetuate the ruling dynasty? Binkie The Clown Apr 2017 #30

I love Joe, but let's get some fresh blood. Chemisse Apr 2017 #31

We can do better. PdxSean Apr 2017 #32

No jberryhill Apr 2017 #33

I have a crazy idea. ZX86 Apr 2017 #34

I have a better idea... InAbLuEsTaTe Apr 2017 #35

Or Elizabeth & Bernie. Doreen Apr 2017 #37

I like it too tho I was thinkin of a 16-year run, Bernie for 8 years, then Elizabeth for anotha 8 InAbLuEsTaTe Apr 2017 #48

I like that also. With those two in office for that long I think Doreen Apr 2017 #49

I love JOE! He's like everyone's favorite uncle... MrScorpio Apr 2017 #38

Newsom. Inslee. Warren. Buttigeig. Franken. Duckworth. Gillibrand. Booker. Hickenlooper. Warren DeMontague Apr 2017 #39

Make it so, number one. NCTraveler Apr 2017 #45

!!!! opiate69 Apr 2017 #58

I think it's a good time to talk options... NCTraveler Apr 2017 #43

No, absolutely no obamanut2012 Apr 2017 #44

I love Joe Biden. Demsrule86 Apr 2017 #47

I love Biden, but... Initech Apr 2017 #51

Why not Jerry Brown???? CK_John Apr 2017 #52

How about Methuselah in 2044? Jersey Devil Apr 2017 #56

You are correct. GulfCoast66 Apr 2017 #59