NationStates Jolt Archive

In the US the president must be 35 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist? Should it be raised? Lowered? Should there be a limit on how old a president is before he/she can't run anymore? I ask these questions because it seems as if we have a lot of older candidates running, such as John McCain, whom frequently forget things*. This obviously could be detrimental to a society. How do you think age should play in elections?


*Like which country Vladmir Putin is from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY

In the US the president must be 36 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist? Should it be raised? Lowered? Should there be a limit on how old a president is before he/she can't run anymore? I ask these questions because it seems as if we have a lot of older candidates running, such as John McCain, whom frequently forget things*. This obviously could be detrimental to a society. How do you think age should play in elections?


*Like which country Vladmir Putin is from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY

There have been some legal debats as to whether the age limit and US born citizen requirement are actually still valid.

You have to Remember that back when the constitution was written, most people didn't get above 60.

John McCain remembers

You have to Remember that back when the constitution was written, most people didn't get above 60.

ehh, of the first ten presidents, not one of them was under 50 when they became president, only one (tyler) was under 55, and three of them were over 60 (Harrison, Jackson, and Adams).

All of them, with the exception of Washington, lived until at least 70. And of the first 20, the only ones who didn't make it to 60 were Garfield and Lincoln, who were both shot to death.

John McCain remembers

:)

Isn't the whole thing kind of undemocratic for the self-styled land of the free?

ehh, of the first ten presidents, not one of them was under 50 when they became president, only one (tyler) was under 55, and three of them were over 60 (Harrison, Jackson, and Adams).

All of them, with the exception of Washington, lived until at least 70. And of the first 20, the only ones who didn't make it to 60 were Garfield and Lincoln, who were both shot to death.

They were also some of the richer people in the nation, and didn't have as much manual larbor to do.

They were also some of the richer people in the nation, and didn't have as much manual larbor to do.

which is fairly typical for most presidents eh?

In the US the president must be 36 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist? Should it be raised? Lowered? Should there be a limit on how old a president is before he/she can't run anymore? I ask these questions because it seems as if we have a lot of older candidates running, such as John McCain, whom frequently forget things*. This obviously could be detrimental to a society. How do you think age should play in elections?


*Like which country Vladmir Putin is from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY

I'm pretty sure he just misspoke. Especially since he said something about the cold war right after that, I'm pretty sure he knew what he was about but the wrong country came out.

But thats besides the point. I do not think there should be a restriction based on age, considering that there are a lot of laws on age discrimination. More importantly if the electorate wanted to elect someone who was younger (or older) they should be able to.

I'd say its a tad silly to have it in the books myself however the reason it hasn't been changed is fairly obvious no?

also maybe he was making biting political commentary on Russia's future gas plans

John McCain remembers

but he said he lost my number :(

edit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVwT4SYwJaY&feature=related

typical American Russophobia

Actually, it's 35 years of age, minimum.

It's 45 years to run for president.

no, it's not.

Actually, it's 35 years of age, minimum.

My bad!

no, it's not.

yeah your right I was off there.

35 Seems like a good age. Don't think there should be a maximun age. If a 95 year old wants to run then he/she would still have to prove their worth in the debates, talk shows & evening news.

Don't think there should be a maximun age. If a 95 year old wants to run then he/she would still have to prove their worth in the debates, talk shows & evening news.

As would a 33 year old.

As would a 33 year old.

33 would probably work. No lower than 30 imo.

33 would probably work. No lower than 30 imo.

what about a super genius baby? or rather who people want as president

If the people are willing to elect someone under 35, then there shouldn't be a law preventing it. I sincerely doubt that would happen any time soon in America, but taking out another piece of discrimination in the constitution is a worthy enough cause to do it by itself.

what about a super genius baby?

They are cool and amazing but intelegence is not the same as time acquired wisdom.

crazy babies who never say die '08

I personally don't think there should be an age limit. But I suppose that someone being at least 35 has seen more than say, a 18 year old has, in the world. And let's face it, people seem to take you more seriously the older you are.

Although I think most people beyond adolescence are capable of making decisions, they may be a bit too radical for America's liking since their ideals tend to be fresh. Some people look at radicalism as good, but since there tends to be a fair distribution of conservatives and liberals, both sides need to be considered, and just like liberals don't like radical conservatives, conservatives don't like radical liberals.

there is no need for a legal limit. when a person is too old (john mccain) its obvious that he shouldnt be elected. if he is elected, its because the other guy is a freaking disaster that would be worse than putting a senile old man into office.

They are cool and amazing but intelligence is not the same as time acquired wisdom.

what about if he lives in the ghetto?
(I'm making a point here)

people seem to take you more seriously the older you are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ALIL7T764

what about if he lives in the ghetto?
(I'm making a point here)

The hands on the clock goes the same speed in the ghetto as Beverly Hills.

The hands on the clock goes the same speed in the ghetto as Beverly Hills.

wisdom =/= age

though I'm flattered you think I'm as wise with kids as a single mum my age :)

In the US the president must be 35 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist? Should it be raised? Lowered? Should there be a limit on how old a president is before he/she can't run anymore? I ask these questions because it seems as if we have a lot of older candidates running, such as John McCain, whom frequently forget things*. This obviously could be detrimental to a society. How do you think age should play in elections?


*Like which country Vladmir Putin is from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY

I don't think it should be lowered. I think 35 is a nice well adjusted age myself. I know that I was much more level headed and mature after 35 than I was before then. Though I could not know that until I was over 35. At 25 I knew everything and everyone else had much to learn. By the time I was 35 the whole world had learned an awful lot. ;)

I don't think there should be a limit regarding older either. Older is only relevent if it is affecting the capacity to think. Saying someone forgets something makes them ineligible to be a leader is silly. A person's health has much more significance than age.

wisdom =/= age.
Absolutly. In terms of the election, McCain has more wisdom than Obama. In terms of how they both apply their wisdom, Obama gets the nod!

though I'm flattered you think I'm as wise with kids as a single mum my age :)
I'd bet the moon (I bought it at a pawn shop :p ) that you are a wonderful mum. :D

I don't think it should be lowered. I think 35 is a nice well adjusted age myself.

do you really think there are no exceptions though? is a 34 year old really that stupid?

Absolutly. In terms of the election, McCain has more wisdom than Obama.

how did his age do this?

I'd bet the moon (I bought it at a pawn shop :p ) that you are a wonderful mum. :D

of course I am :) (and its a good way to scare the Mrs : P)

however that won't stop me doing stupid things an experienced mum knows to avoid like spoiling it rotten

My bad!
No worries. :D



I would say that the only limit on prospective leaders is their merit. The age limit should be lowered at least to the minimum age required to become a senator. The electorate will probably impose its own age limit by refusing to vote for candidates who are too young.

do you really think there are no exceptions though? is a 34 year old really that stupid?



how did his age do this?



of course I am :) (and its a good way to scare the Mrs : P)

however that won't stop me doing stupid things an experienced mum knows to avoid like spoiling it rotten

It isn't a matter of 34 being stupid, it is simply a point in a life span that is a nice median. There is no need to make exceptions, if a person is 34 and wants to be president he simply has to wait until he is 35 to run for office. If he is too impatient to do that, then should that person even be a president? :p

So yeah I say no exceptions, it isn't like someone will cease to age....well unless they are dead. ;)

It isn't a matter of 34 being stupid, it is simply a point in a life span that is a nice median. There is no need to make exceptions, if a person is 34 and wants to be president he simply has to wait until he is 35 to run for office. If he is too impatient to do that, then should that person even be a president? :p

So yeah I say no exceptions, it isn't like someone will cease to age....well unless they are dead. ;)
Why not let the electorate decide what the minimum age is by rejecting the youngster?

Eighteen. Old enough to vote, old enough to run. Change that to sixteen, and change the voting age also.

Isn't the whole thing kind of undemocratic for the self-styled land of the free?

Not really, as this provision was democratically agreed upon when it was written.

It's absolutely ridiculous, as would be a maximum age limit.

The presumption that voters can't tell for themself if someone is too young, (or is an agent of a foreign power,) is just plain insulting to the People.

I have this vague idea it was intended to stop rich and powerful families whose scion was too blatantly corrupt to be electable, putting up a puppet candidate without the strength of mind to resist corruption. If so, it has obviously failed to prevent that. ;)

I can see dropping the age to 18, but not any lower.

Eighteen. Old enough to vote, old enough to run. Change that to sixteen, and change the voting age also.

I agree with you for once. I guess this one is just really obvious to anyone who doesn't hold the Constitution to be some kind of holy book.

But I'll try to go a bit further than you, just so the entire discordant fabric of NSG doesn't unravel, leaving us all adrift in peace love and understanding.
How about granting the vote by stages: no vote until 7 years of age, then one-tenth of a vote more with each year, until the full vote is granted at age sixteen.

But we were talking about the qualifications for president, so: let kids run for a share of the Presidency. That is, one adult can get the job, or a team of two twelve year-olds, or a team of ten seven-year-olds. And we could get rid of those pompous old steps on all the government buildings ... if you can't skate that's your problem, watch it on C-Span.

the people will ultimately get what they desrve. If they wish to elect someone too old who is not with it they are not with it. If they elect someone in who is too young and naive they are young and naive. If they foolish enough to full for political spin they are foolish.

Democracy is FAR from perfect in any form with a leader of any age. Still it is the best system at the moment. I dont see why random laws should be passed to try and limit solely age. I would vote for an elderly liberal (medium right wing in Au) then a socialist any day.

It's absolutely ridiculous, as would be a maximum age limit.


I think there is a better argument for checking the health of Presidents/Prime Ministers in a way they could not hide the results. Reagan and Thatcher were both definitely senile at the end of their terms in office. The Suez crisis can in part be blamed on Anthony Eden's health.

Why not let the electorate decide what the minimum age is by rejecting the youngster?


Why change something that hasn't caused any kind of real problem? Why fix it if it ain't broke? ;)

Being 35 isn't a problem is it? Does it somehow diminish a person? Not at all, so it is silly to change it.

Why change something that hasn't caused any kind of real problem? Why fix it if it ain't broke? ;)

Being 35 isn't a problem is it? Does it somehow diminish a person? Not at all, so it is silly to change it.

Well, for one thing it means I have to wait about 20 years to take over America...

In the US the president must be 35 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist? Should it be raised? Lowered? Should there be a limit on how old a president is before he/she can't run anymore? I ask these questions because it seems as if we have a lot of older candidates running, such as John McCain, whom frequently forget things*. This obviously could be detrimental to a society. How do you think age should play in elections?


*Like which country Vladmir Putin is from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY

Reagan did quite well for an old man.

Why change something that hasn't caused any kind of real problem? Why fix it if it ain't broke? ;)

Being 35 isn't a problem is it? Does it somehow diminish a person? Not at all, so it is silly to change it.
35 is not the magic age of wisdom. My argument is that the electorate can discriminate between someone old enough to be qualified and someone who is too young.

Your argument doesn't do a lot for me. I'm not here arguing that having to be 35 is "diminishing." I'm here to argue that maybe a 34 year old is qualified, so why shouldn't we have a chance to vote for her/him?

Also, why fix it if it ain't broke is a terrible argument. You wouldn't wait for everything to break before you improved something.

35 is probably about sensible. Let's be honest. If you're a legit candidate when you're 33 or 34, you still will be for another forty-odd years.

35 is not the magic age of wisdom. My argument is that the electorate can discriminate between someone old enough to be qualified and someone who is too young.

Your argument doesn't do a lot for me. I'm not here arguing that having to be 35 is "diminishing." I'm here to argue that maybe a 34 year old is qualified, so why shouldn't we have a chance to vote for her/him?

Also, why fix it if it ain't broke is a terrible argument. You wouldn't wait for everything to break before you improved something.

If he is qualified at 34, he will be qualified at 35. Sorry but I agree with idea that passing random laws is just silly when there isn't a problem with the ones in place.

I think age limits should only apply insofar that the president ought to be over 18.
But I couldn't help thinking that maybe a minimum IQ requirement might not be the worst thing...

I think age limits should only apply insofar that the president ought to be over 18.
But I couldn't help thinking that maybe a minimum IQ requirement might not be the worst thing...


I like it, perhaps even a minimum IQ requirement for voters too. ;)

In the US the president must be 35 years or older to be elected. Do you believe that age limit should exist?

Here in Italy:
lower house (camera dei deputati): >=18 to vote, >=25 to be candidate
upper house (senato della repubblica): >=25 to vote, >=40 to be candidate
head of state (presidente della repubblica): >=50 to be elected
cabinet (consiglio dei ministri): >= 25 iirc (unsure).

I think that the age limits for the houses should be lowered to 18, both to vote and to become candidate. As for the presidente della Repubblica, as it has no direct legislative or executive power - nor it is directly elected by the citizenship - , I think that, more than the current age limit, there should be a "minimum service" limit, like at least 10 years as MP, or as constitutional judge, or as member of the CSM (the "parliament" of the magistrates).

As for the US, since the PotUS is a directly-elected executive position, I think that the age limit for being candidate should just the same age limit there is to vote for PotUS.

I like it, perhaps even a minimum IQ requirement for voters too. ;)

Tempting, to be sure... but it would feel too much like screwing dumb people over, wouldn't it?

If he is qualified at 34, he will be qualified at 35. Sorry but I agree with idea that passing random laws is just silly when there isn't a problem with the ones in place.
It wouldn't be a random law, because the Constitution would have to be amended. I would call that a very deliberate process, not "random law."

Tempting, to be sure... but it would feel too much like screwing dumb people over, wouldn't it?


Yes it would at that. But sadly, I find myself feeling less and less charitable when it comes to universal sufferage. :(

It wouldn't be a random law, because the Constitution would have to be amended. I would call that a very deliberate process, not "random law."

Good point, which to me is even worse. All that energy to amend the Constitution would be a complete waste in my opinion. ;)

Yes it would at that. But sadly, I find myself feeling less and less charitable when it comes to universal sufferage. :(

That's something that seems to come with age. When you young, you just assume that everybody will eventually grow some brains...
And as you get older, you realise that some people just never will, and others just don't even want to.

That's something that seems to come with age. When you young, you just assume that everybody will eventually grow some brains...
And as you get older, you realise that some people just never will, and others just don't even want to.

That is exactly right.