Editorial: Who’s too old now, Jack?

Opinion: The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.

Visitors to The Tribune-Democrat’s Web site were asked in a poll last week: “Is John McCain, 71, too old to serve as president of the United States, as Congressman John Murtha says?” With 556 votes cast during two days, the results were: No, 64.6 percent; Yes, 34.7 percent; and I don’t know: 0.7 percent.

Murtha wasn’t the first person to weigh in on the John McCain age issue. He won’t be the last. But we wonder whether one day he’ll wish he hadn’t.

“This one guy running is about as old as me,” Murtha said, drawing laughter and applause from a Washington conference about to hear his own endorsed candidate, Hillary Clinton.

The 75-year-old Murtha, of course, was referring to the fact that McCain is only four years younger and, if elected, would be the oldest man to become president at age 72.

The rigors and stress of running the country, Murtha contended, are too much for guys their age.

Perhaps Murtha’s lightheartedness was just a case of getting caught up in the moment.

As for McCain, his response to Murtha was: “All I can tell you is that I admire and respect Jack Murtha. Speak for yourself, Jack. I’m doing fine. Thanks.”

Perhaps, though, Murtha could soon find himself the butt of age jokes as he continues to seek re-election.

There has even been speculation that should Clinton go on to win the presidency, it could position Murtha for an administration post, even defense secretary.

That is, of course, unless Murtha has already declared himself too old.