Almost everyone it seems has concerns about Sarah Palin’s ability. Even some in the Town Hall community have expressed concern abut her experience, especially in the realm of foreign affairs. Why all this folderol about a Vice Presidential candidate, someone whom traditionally American has  hardly even known? Historically Veeps were not seen as important. Many were added to the ticket because they could help the nominee win, but beyond that, their duties were unknown to the public. A classic example is the fact that when FDR died, Truman did not know about the Atomic Bomb project.

So . . . Why all the fuss about Palin’s experience, especially since the job entails no set qualifications? There seems to be something more at work. Perhaps, it is not Palin, but McCain that is the problem. Specifically the concern about Sarah Palin seems to be the fact that she is “a heartbeat away from the Presidency”. There appears no similar worry that Biden may be just a “heartbeat away”. Why?

The reason I believe is that McCain is 72 and will be the oldest President! Unlike the youthful Obama, he is portrayed as an old man, who may “go” at any time. Jokes are routinely made at his expense. McCain for his part seems to take these in stride, but they nonetheless underscore a concern: His Age.

Ageism, I believe is the main reason why Palin has been dumped on. Her running mate may die in office.

But what if he doesn’t? Today, we should be past concerns that the older one gets the more enfeebled they become. Look at the senior senators, local leaders, and others. We all know older Americans who function well and contribute greatly to this nation. Their expertise is valuable.

According to the 2000 United States Census, “ nearly 35 million Americans are over the age of 65”, including those over the age 85,  which make up the fastest-growing segment of the US population.  There should be wide support for the fact that someone may finally break the “gray” ceiling, and show that a life can be of value into the 70’s. Yet amid all the celebratory cheers for the first Black and first Republican female on major tickets, no one appears interested in the fact that an age barrier could be broken.

Admittedly much of the disdain for McCain’s age comes from the Left that seeks to paint him as an out of touch old-fogey. Jokes and jabs abound. It seems to be a subtext to much of their attack. Some have even gone as low as to refer to his skin-cancer as concern that he might die. A youthful Obama battling cancer seems to evoke no fear, although we all know that cancer knows no age.

But, what about the activists in their party? Don’t they care about ageist attacks and stereotypes? The Gray Panthers, who ironically are meeting this week in Detroit, have said nothing in support of McCain, even though a quote by their founder posted on their website seems to support his maverick status.  It says, “We are risk-takers; we are the innovators; we are the developers of new models. . .” (Maggie Kuhn). Looking on their website at their mission statements and beliefs reveals that they are more concerned about liberal policies like anti-nuke, universal health care, pro-choice and pro-marijuana. Thus it is understandable that they are not in support of McCain.

But,  what about us on the Right?  Where are our voices in support of McCain’s age? Why aren’t we making an issue? For the most part, we seem to be silent. It’s sad. Despite what the Democrats say, we are the party of freedom. We should embrace McCain’s age and show, as we did with Palin’s gender, that this is not a concern for our party. With over 35 million seniors there is much we can gain by attacking those who make jokes or comment on the age of our nominee. Palin is fine. She will be a good vice President. It is McCain who is seen as the problem. He could “go at any time”. Let’s put these fears to rest by showing everyone that not only is palin capable, but that McCain is not an old-fogey. Rather we need to present him as a strong and wise leader who has reams of experience, and the vision that only comes from a life well-lived!