McCains age.

Well, I can tell you right now that some are going to say that if Obama were to die while in office that Biden is prepared to step in as president. Where as Palin wouldn't be qualified to be president if McCain died.

And yes, anyone can die at any minute.

First off, your premise is a non sequitur.

Having said that, and in agreement with what Lera said, anyone could die at any time. McCain, however, is already within the age range that is average lifespan for American men. Add to that the fact that he still has physical limitations stemming back 40 years that, while certainly not life threatening, do add constant stress to his body. Add to that the fact that he has had recurrent bouts of a kind of cancer that is likely to recur and if not caught in time could be deadly. Clearly he will continue to get the best medical care and he generally is robust for a man his age. But bottom line is that he is old and the probability of him dying in office is much greater than Obama dying in office.

And as said, if something happened to Obama we would all feel pretty comfortable having Biden step in. If something happened to McCain, the much more likely scenario, I think we would all be scared to death of having Palin step in for him. And Putin, the Iranians, the Chinese, al qaeda, and virtually everyone else that dislikes us would be laughing their way into our main streets.

No matter what spin you put on it, John McCain has endangered all Americans by making this last minute, unthoughtful, politically motivated pick in the first important decision of his administration.

I tend to agree with you on this Charles. Age is irrelevent to me, as long as his is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit for office.

I agree with Lera.

Also McCain is run by the neocons and Its these criminals that made him pick Palin. Its well known McCain wanted Lieberman and was not allowed to pick him.

Mccain's age and his history of cancer puts the odds against him surviving the rigors of being president and Palin is no person to be taking over in these times when we suffer another crisis each day, her "my way or the highway attitude has proven she is nothing but a registered neocon and we can't survive four more years of Bush corporate fascism.

I would like to add that Palin is a tough woman and don't underestimate her. Her own mother-in-law, a Democrat who may vote for Obama, says that she is a quick learner. He's already outlived his father who died at the age of 70 from a heart attack. On the other hand is his mother is 93 and looks great for her age. As someone above said, McCain would get the best of medical care.

I said anyone can die at any time but I find it unlikely that McCain would get into office and die. Even if he did die after a few years I think that Gov. Palin could handle anything that is thrown her way. And I don't see McCain running for a second term.

Beth;

Then be afraid. Be very, very afraid.

We can't really say much about Obama's father's lifespan because he was an alcoholic and died in an auto accident. His mother died from cancer at 53.

Statistically, black males in America are at increased risk for just about every health problem known.

Yeah well, Erik, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Isn't it amazing Lera, the dems are worried about some one they think is inexperienced becoming vice-president, while going gaga over Obama who is definitely not ready to lead, becoming president! Yes Erik, be afraid, be very afraid!

I think either candidate has less of a chance of making it to the end of term then any of the presidents in our time. McCain because of his age and the years spent in captivity, and Obama because of his race, but not because of natural health risks, but assisination. He is already heavily guarded because of threats and not even a president.

This being said, the veep should be closely looked at.

Kay, I wan't talking about Palin, although she's pretty frightening on a lot of levels. I'm talking about McCain.

I don't think he's emotionally, physically or mentally ready to lead. He's an old man with health problems who is probably still suffering from PTSD. After 26 years in the Senate he doesn't know economics or apparently foreign policy. So if he's ready to lead us, it's straight into the toilet.

His age doesn't bother me at all. Some look at his stiff moves, or slight limp as age signs and belittle him over it; forgetting or ignoring his injuries/disability from Vietnam. People smear the "cancer" though skin cancer is quite common here in Arizona, especially with his complexion. I know a few people that have had it cut out, and get checked myself occasionally. He looks fine too really, thinking of all the hours and hard work put into campaigning.
He has a clean bill of health from doctors, his Mom is 96 and on the trail with him. It's a non-issue with me. I'd vote for Ben Franklin if he was running, LOL. He may turn out to be the oldest President, but certainly not the oldest public servant ever. I think people are reaching for any excuse with him on that one, though there is nothing wrong in asking about his health.
I might add as no spring chicken myself, I have noticed a lot of age related crap/cheap shots and that I find a few somewhat offending at times. For a supposedly tolerant society, sexism, age discrimination, people's religion, racism, and all, sure come out during an election cycle if people think they can score points with it some how. I think it unfortunate.

I think we need to stop making Palin front page news or we will be letting McCain sneak in the back door.

All very interesting comments thanks for them all.

May Z. no one has been able to assassinate President Bush and he is extremely hated. What makes you think that someone can kill Obama?

When I hear about McCain's age, I think about his profile on Onion's website.

"Thoughts On Torture:
Doesn't support stuff he couldn't handle

Saturday Night Live Appearance:
Solid

Where He'd Be If Not Running For President:
Dead

Awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross (Vietnam War); Silver Star (World War II); Bronze Star (Crimean War)

Inspiring Example:
Co-sponsored a campaign finance act with Democrat Russ Feingold, the aim of which is to leave every campaigner as broke as McCain and Feingold"

http://www.theonion.com/content/whitehousewar/johnmccain

Yes, McCain could drop dead from his age.

Or, he could turn to stone staring at Cindy.

Its not a factor for me as much as Obama's age is.