Why is John McCain’s age is a fair political issue but Barack Obama’s race isn’t and Hillary Clinton’s gender wasn’t?
Obviously, if McCain’s old age actually prevented him from being of sound mind and body that would be a valid concern.
But if he’s in good heath and strong enough to get through a Presidential campaign is it really fair to keep bringing up the mere fact that he is old as an election issue?
Hillary Clinton’s gender did not affect her ability to be President of the United States and therefore, rightly so, was not an issue even if some people felt uncomfortable with the idea of a woman President.
Barack Obama’s race does not affect his ability to be President of the United States and therefore, rightly so, is not an issue even if some people feel uncomfortable with the idea of a black President.
Similarly, if John McCain’s age does not affect his ability to be President of the United States should it be a campaign issue?
I say no.
To do otherwise is to impose a double standard when it comes to judging a candidate’s fitness for high office: for women and black people the standard is ability; for old people, well, they’re just old.
