Old does not mean decrepit

When the political pundits complain about the advanced ages of our previous and current presidents, I get a little defensive about it. It’s always been pretty evident our society doesn’t particularly value the contributions and abilities of the elderly.

A new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper describes in detail examples of Joe Biden’s mental and physical decline. Others write about Donald Trump’s mental decline based on his frequent posts on Truth Social and rambling comments when he talks to the press.

Tapper’s book says Biden in the last months of his presidency sometimes failed to recognize people he knew. His stiff-legged gait is described as a prelude to confinement in a wheelchair. His hesitancy while speaking and mix up of dates and facts are described as sure signs of dementia.

Trump’s meandering messages - he describes as the “weave” - are often attributed to dementia by his opponents. His frequent episodes of falling asleep during meetings are gleefully posted on X in retaliation for him calling his predecessor “Sleepy Joe.”

Perhaps he’ll end his insults now that the former president has been diagnosed with cancer.

The real issue is whether or not these examples of aging do in fact render those of advanced age incapable of performing effectively. The job of a president is the most important of all jobs and requires exceptional ability. The challenges of dealing with monumentally-complex issues demand skills far above that required for any other job.

It expressly requires a president’s commitment to choosing and relying on the brightest, wisest and most experienced advisors to help him run the country.

A president can do these things even if he can’t walk very well, gets sleepy during long speeches and doesn’t always remember faces and names among the hundreds and thousands of people in his realm.

Using a wheelchair has nothing to do with thought processes. President Franklin Roosevelt was in a wheelchair while leading America through the Great Depression and World War II. Gov. Greg Abbott governs Texas from a wheelchair. The ability to walk is not a prerequisite for the presidency.

Sleepiness is not a disability. Even young people can feel the need to sleep during a classroom lecture. Sleepiness is not so much due to aging as it is from lack of sleep. Drowsiness in the daytime is primarily due to not being drowsy enough at night.

It’s not surprising Trump often dozes off during speeches, long meetings and even in the courtroom. His habit of posting on Truth Social during the wee hours of the morning is an obvious sign he has trouble sleeping.

Forgetting a name, not recognizing someone or losing one’s train of thought happens. We notice it more as we’re getting older and even call it a “senior moment.” If we think about it though, it actually happens throughout our lifetime; we just don’t worry about it when we’re younger.

We’ll never know if Joe Biden could have served effectively as president despite his age. According to some, he was failing badly and his mental acuity was questionable. Others who interacted with him regularly report he was still functioning well. A common opinion is that he had a successful presidency, but should never have tried to run for a second term.

Biden may have been able to function well as president, but he was definitely not up to the task of campaigning for president.

To this day, no one has claimed he made any decision as president that harmed Americans or threatened the security of the nation. Eventually he will be recognized fairly for his accomplishments and the history of his administration will be positive.

U.S. history is loaded with examples of elders serving the country well. Currently, there are several members in Congress, the Senate and the courts who are working far into their eighties.

Granted, there are limitations associated with aging. Older people may forget a name occasionally and struggle to hear what’s being said in a roomful of competing voices, but people in the eighth decade of their lives are capable of performing the duties of the presidency.

Advanced age does require, however, that presidents must surround themselves with the very best people, the most talented, highly experienced people to serve as cabinet secretaries, advisors and experts in government service.

Biden did that. Trump has not.