Watching the recent presidential debates has made me think that an age restriction should be mandatory for all politicians, especially for the highest office in the country.
The role of the president is one of the most demanding in public service. It’s not a puppet show controlled by others; it demands boundless energy, with at least 80 hours of work per week, engaging with people from around the world, and addressing complex issues with sharp intellect and wisdom.
After witnessing the chaotic presidential debate this June, where two grandfathers seemed to race toward new lows, both parties should have recognized the toll cognitive decline can take on senior leaders. This should have been a wake-up call to focus on finding younger, more capable candidates.
Yesterday my mother told me, Biden has become so senile he wore a Trump campaign hat. I told her, mom, that’s not true. It’s the AI generated image. After the video chat, I checked BBC and indeed Joe Biden wore a Trump campaign hat. Good thing his days in the White House are soon over.
While Biden wisely stepped down under donor pressure, the Republican grandfather continues to hold on.
There’s an ancient Chinese saying, "廉颇老矣，尚能饭否?" (Lián Pō lǎo yǐ, shàng néng fàn fǒu), which translates to, "General Lian Po is old—can he still eat?" More broadly, it asks whether someone still has the ability to perform despite age, questioning whether experience can truly compensate for the inevitable decline that comes with aging. It also implies resilience, as in, "Though I’m old, I still have strength left."
But can we ask those born in 1946: Despite your age, do you still have the energy and mental sharpness to hold the highest office in the land? Can we count on you to serve with full capacity and a clear mind for four more years, well into your 80s?
As global challenges grow more complex, the demands of leadership only intensify. While experience and wisdom remain invaluable, they should not come at the expense of vitality and mental acuity. When will we embrace a more forward-looking approach, one that gives leaders with the energy and sharpness needed for the highest office their chance? After all, a healthy democracy thrives not just on the strength of its past, but on the promise of its future.