A word about John McCain

Marc Nadeau

Deal, a few weeks ago - if my memory is correct - you posted something about Senator and presidential contender John McCain's recent book, "Hard Call".  I've picked up a copy last week and I intend to have a look at it.  So far, what I hear about it is interesting.

Last week-end, I was nevertheless not surprised to read a piece, in the "New York Times" about the age issue:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/25/us/politics/25mccain.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

True, John McCain is far from kindergarten.  But in terms of experience and interest, I think he's way more attractive than some other candidates in the pack.

The author of the article makes a good job at exposing that age is one thing, but that health and experience also must be taken into consideration.  Not long after becoming President of France, François Mitterrand was diagnosed with cancer.  That did not stop him from spending 14 years at the Élysée.  And while many critics are harsh with his record, I personally think that he was a great public figure.  Certainly more appealing than Jacques Chirac if you want my personal opinion.

But there's more.

Do we remember that Georges Clémenceau was 76 when he was called to serve for a second time as chief of the French government at the height of World War I in 1917?  Do we remember that Winston Churchill was 77 - yes, 77! - when he first won an election as Prime minister in 1951 (the first time he entered 10 Downing Street, in May 1940, he had not been selected by the electorate but by Parliament).  One last example, de Gaulle.  In 1958, when he returned to power, he was 68.  He was 79 when he left for retirement.  About the same age John McCain would be when he would leave the White House on January 20th, 2017 - that is, if he serves two mandates.

And there are other examples, but time and space do not permit me to go further.

What does it say?  Age should certainly not be the only criterion by which we judge a candidate.  While being 33, I observe people who are way older than me but who could outsmart me anytime on the running rink I frequently visit. 

If John McCain has to leave the place to somebody else, so be it.  But not because he has acquired a hardly won and rich life experience.  History regroups too many figures who achieved great things in the grand age.