75-Year-Old Rep. Murtha Calls McCain Too Old to Be President
WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. John Murtha said Wednesday that Republican Sen. John McCain is too old to be president.
Murtha is 75, four years older than McCain. He says they are nearly the same age, and the rigors and stress of running the country is too much for guys their age.
“I’ve served with seven presidents,” Murtha told a union audience. “When they come in, they all make mistakes. They all get older.”
“This one guy running is about as old as me,” he said, drawing laughter and applause. “Let me tell you something, it’s no old man’s job.”
If elected, McCain would be the oldest man to become president at age 72. Ronald Reagan became president at age 69, but he served as president for eight years and was just a few weeks shy of his 78th birthday when he left office.
McCain, in an interview with FOX News on Wednesday, said, “I invite John to come out with me on the campaign trail. I out-campaigned everybody else and that’s why I’m the nominee of my party. I can certainly out-campaign either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton.”
Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, made the comments while introducing the candidate he has endorsed, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, to the AFL-CIO’s Building Trades National Legislative Conference.
Clinton referred to Murtha’s introduction when she took the stage, saying she was grateful to have his endorsement and agreed with his sentiment that it will be difficult to turn around all the damage of the Bush administration. She didn’t mention his comments on McCain’s age, and the campaign sought to distance itself from the comments.
Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said Clinton “considers Senator McCain a friend, and she respects him. But it’s not his age she has a problem with, its his ideas for the future.”
Earlier this week, McCain was asked about his age and he joked about it, at first feigning sleep.
“Watch me campaign. We keep a heavier schedule. We campaign harder,” he said Monday during The Associated Press annual meeting. “People will judge me by my performance. I am confident that my energy, my intellect, my experience, and my judgment is what American people will — hopefully that they will view me as qualified to be president of the United States.”
His campaign said Wednesday Murtha’s comments were “nonsense attacks.”
Of the Democratic candidates, Clinton is 60 and Sen. Barack Obama is 46.
McCain and Murtha are both Vietnam veterans who have worked closely on national security issues. Age hasn’t slowed Murtha down. After Democrats took control of the House in the 2006 election, Murtha sought the House majority leader position but was defeated.
Isn’t age discrimination against the law?
Is the Pope too old to be Pope?! Of course Not!! How sad that America is the Only country that does not Respect the Wisdom and Experience of our elders … Listen to them and Learn from them so that we can Contribute “Wisely” to making this world a Better place.
McCain could run circles around most of the politicians in Washington, including Murtha, Kennedy, Richardson, etc!
McCain is in better shape than all of them!
What a ridiculous statement.
That sounds a little like age discrimination.
Discrimination is discrimination! It’s not always about race!
There is gender, age, weight and orientation discrimination too!
Is the Pope too old to be Pope?!! Of course Not! How sad America is the only country that does not show Respect for the Wisdom and Experience of our Elders. Listen to them…Learn from them. They have Alot to contribute to making this a Better world.
What a ridiculous remark, maybe Rep. Murtha is too old to serve in the House. I know liberals will disagree, but Ronald Reagan was a very strong president, even in his “old” age.
Murtha if you think he is too old, well you had better step down and retire yourself!
Murtha is too old to serve in the House of Representatives.
This is the guy that called our Marines murderers (they have since been exonerated). Who cares what he thinks? He’s disgusting.
If Murtha thinks that McCain is too old to run the country and that running the country is too much for guys his age, then why isn’t he stepping down as a representative? Why isn’t he urgiung Senator’s Byrd and Spector to step down or any other representative/senator over the age of 70 to stepdown?
If Congressman Murtha thinks that McCain is too old to become President, then he himself should lead by example and retire - he is too old to continue to be a congressman.
OH GOOD DOES THAT MEAN THAT MURTHA WON’T RUN AGAIN.
Does that mean that Murtha is to old to run for re-election?
Sounds like Murtha should retire
Murtha & McCain are both Vietnam veterans. That’s where the comparison ends. Murtha has become a traitor and is encouraging us to surrender to the enemy. McCain would go after the enemy, the terrorists, and he vows not to surrender. Murtha ought to look in the mirror, in the Senate and the House, and remind himself how many old hangers-on continue to run for re-election just to collect a paycheck and increase their retirement. Not to mention the fact that they are all egotists who can’t stand to be out of the limelight. Get a life, Murtha. Why does anyone quote him?
A typical Democratic hypocrit. He says McCain is too old to hold a position of power….yet Murtha is older than McCain and holds a position of power. Typical double standards….
IF HE THINKS AGE IS A MINUS MAYBE HE BETTER RETIRE HIMSELF. (MURTHA). IF IOT WOULD HAVE BEEN UP TO MURTHA WE WOULD HAVE ALREADY LOST ALL WE WORKED FOR.
The democrates are eager to get the white house no matter what the cause, if it were boma or Clinton the same age would Murtha be saying the same things
Does this mean that FDR was too disabled/infirm to be president?
And the age jabs begin….I guess the Obamaniacs are now pretty sure about his win of the primaries. Here is an answer to Murtha, I believe there should be an age limit for congress members and that is 65. If a person has to retire around that age when employed by a company, why not the members of the congress? Maybe we do need some new blood in congress. Get rid of Kennedy and Murtha and all the other ones who have been settled and used to all the goodies they receive for doing absolutely NOTHING.
Reference Murtha,s article about McCain’s age—Please do not ever mention or compare
McCains Vietnam service with Murtha,s Vietnam “service.” RFM, Georgetown, TX
Are we now to understand the Democrats support age discrimination?
As one not quite as old as McCain, I would argue that McCain is the more lucid of the two, and that it is Murtha who is too old to be in Congress. Clarity of thought and who is looking out for the country — McCain, hands down.
Amazing how a 75 year old Senator can discuss age as a factor in effective government - Indeed, Murtha’s comments should illustrate the absolute simplicity of serving in the US Senate. Our “leaders” on Capitol Hill do absolutely nothing, have no real responsibility, and flap their jaws tirelessly as if everyone in America cares to hear their opinions.
Sorry, but age is just a state of mind. My husband is a Senior and he has more stamina than three 23 year olds. He works circles around everyone I know, including our son. So please, don’t anyone tell me McCain’s too old. “It just ain’t so!!!”
It seems the USA is still one of very few countries in the world with such disrespect for the older person. It is extremely amusing that a senator in his mid seventies would use age as the reason why Americans should not vote for a candidate for president. Did the older distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania have no other concerns about a McCain presidency? It seems very close to an endorsement for McCain to me coming from a senator 4 years older than the one he is dishing.
This headline right next to a picture of the 81 year old Pope. Just another piece of useless mud thrown at the only candidate mature enough to run the country. Maybe Murtha should retire.
If Murtha is of that opinion, he should lead by example and retire himself.
Any time Senator Murtha feels too old to keep up with the younger kids he should step down and let a young republican take his place.
DEAR SIR,
SHE HAS NO RIGHT TO SAY THIS ABOUT JOHN MCCAIN. HE IS IN VERY GOOD HEALTH AND LOOKS FINE TO ME. WE SHOULD NOT CRITIZE OTHERS.
McCain is “too old” to be President….but Murtha–who is 4 years older than McCain–isn’t “too old” to be a Congressman??? Am I the only one that sees the hypocracy in this statement?
You are only as old as you feel. Shame on you if you think McCains’ too old. Whats age got to do with it? Does that mean that Obama is too young? What is the magic age?
The Congressman needs to look in a mirror. If McCain is too old to server, so his he.
Murtha continues his path of defamation…all Vietnam vets should be ashamed to be lumped in with him….
So, Hillary has Murtha’s endorsement and she uses Murtha, 75, to attack McCain on his age. Hillary is an old lady, only about 10 years younger than McCain. Obama is a youthful 46. Should we now base our choices for president on who is closest to the minimum age of 35? Look for more of this from the democrats.
http://www.TwilightsLastGeaming.com
Murtha is a jerk.
Ah, the classic case of the pot calling the kettle black!
Murtha is absolutely correct!!!! Bad policies plus old age equals disaster!!!
Many of us in PA have thought that Murtha is surely too old to be serving in Congress - so he might know what he is talking about. Is he competent to recognize the age of incompetency? McCain seems to be holding up well to the rigors of campaigning. Some would say he looks better than some of his younger Senators.
Get serious! Age is just a number. Ronald Reagan did a great job as most of our historians would agree. And what is our Democratic leaders teaching our younger generation? POINT THE FINGER!!! Those Republicans are at fault, they caused all the problems. It’s a shame, a darn shame to seen grown ups with big bucks act like fools!!
If McCain is too old to be President, then Murtha should retire, because he is too old to be a congress member. His mind has left a long time ago!
At least Senator McCain has a functioning and active mind!!!!!!
Obviously, Mr. Murtha is not familiar with The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
If we got rid of everyone 75 and older in the two Houses, it would likely amount to replacing nearly 50% of all Senators and Congressmen including Murtha and his “too old” crowd.
Isn’t the senate an important part of our government if age is a requirement why is Senator Byrd still there when you listen to him speak he drifts off in a totally different subject with nothing to do we what they are voting McCain at least is all there. are they trying to establish an age limit in one office but not another let the citizens vote
I believe it would be a good idea that John Murtha go look in the mirror. He should engage his brain before starting his mouth. A typical far left liberal.
My question is, if A GOP Congressman had to publicly apologize for calling Obama “that boy” then why doesn’t Murtha have to apologize for calling McCain too old?
One’s as old as one feels! Maybe we should let McCain be the judge!
“I’ve served with seven presidents,” Murtha told a union audience.
“Seven too many” says Gary
It is really interesting how some are old at 60 and others keep going until their 80’s.I admire Senator Mc Cain for his fortitude and his example of physical endurance considering his life experiences, being a captive in the Vietnam War. Being a senator is no easy task also, which John Mc Cain has done for quite a while. America needs to sort out all of the retoric and make a solid choice between higher Taxes and cutting waste in government. Also it Does NOT need another Lawyer to screw up the health care system That is what Hil and Barach will do. I am a senior Citizen a year older then Senator Mc Cain, Work a full schedule operating a small business I fully intend to keep at it because I like it and enjoy my business even with the problems. It is not how old you are, it is how old you feel.
The thing that bothers me most about John Murtha (I will skip the “Rep” because he does not represent me or anyother former U. S. Marines) is that as a Marine I would gladly put myself in harm’s way to save his life…..him (now remember Murtha was a U.S. Marine)…..I don’t think Mr. Murtha would have my back. As a veteran, I believe that of all the candidates for president and “commander and chief” of our military that John McCain has “earned” this right to be voted on by the people of the USA and has paid his dues for this job. You do not see in the press often that his 2 sons are in the service, one in the Navy and the other (just fresh back from Iraq) is a United States Marine. We live in a society that wants everything “given” to them….i.e. welfare, citizenship even if we came here illegally etc…. What happened to the folks that ‘earn” their way? A man once told me that when he was called an “old fool” he said “I did not get to be “old” being a “fool”. We all know that Obama’s and Clinton’s children will never make the sacrafice of serving in the military….or attend a public school…My vote in November will be for the 19 year old U. S. Marine who’s dad is John McCain.
if murtha thinks of himself as too old, then he should resign. maybe that explains his stupid comments over the last couple years. he needs to go home and stay there.
I respectfully disagree. McCain’s age would not prohibit him from serving as a wonderful President of our country. I think he’s uniquely qualified to be the President of the United States. So is Hillary. However, I would not trust Obama with that position.
Murtha’s comments make me ill and he should speak only for himself. He is disenfranchising a whole group of individuals. I know many people who are 70 and above who are so sharp. I also know many 40 year olds who can’t work out life’s easiest problems. My father was 76 when he retired. Forced out by those who thought he was “too old.” What a waste.
Rep. John Murtha is more of a nuisance, than any thing else. He is a typical old bully. Take a look at his “Earmarks” or pork barrel spending.
Murtha’s right. Corporations make their execs retire at 65. Why would we want a President a decade older to take on what is probably one of the toughest jobs in the world? Surely, in a country this size, we could do better. McCain’s already forgetting things and studies show that people’s memories and their mental sharpness seriously decline after age 70.
I,like Mr.Murtha are both prior Marines and combat veterans. I fought only in Vietnam. If I’m not mistaken ,he fought also in Korea,I was too young then. From the way Murtha talks he’s lost his will to fight. I,on the other hand have not.If I were called back into action now I’d be gone real quick to defend America. Maybe,if I ever get that old I’ll think the same way. I doubt it. Mr.Murtha needs to get out of politics as soon as possible. In my opinion he’s giving The Marine Corps a bad name. I think he’s forgotten our motto,” Once a Marine,Always a Marine.” Wake up Mr.Murtha for the sake of The Marine Corps. Semper Fi.
Representative Murtha age age 75 maybe should retire from congress - i think he is too old (according to his own words about Senator McCain). He, Clinton, Obamma and now over the hill Jimmy Carter are a godsend for McCain. A liar, a young inexperienced senator and kiss the fanny of a terrorist organization (i. e. Jimmy Carter) how much lower can the Democrats get.
Does Murtha know that experience and wisdom come with age?
Congressman Murtha should take a look in the mirror and take his own advice. That doesn’t look like it will ever happen because he’s on the ballot again this Fall. How old will he be at the end of that term?????? UGH!
Democrat Murtha has been, is and will continue to be a complete idiot! How he keeps getting elected should be investigated. Many questions regarding his military experience, judgement, and political “behind the scenes” payoffs to him also should be investigated. What a complete idiot!
Maybe Murtha should heed his own advice…..
What an insult to the Marines! Doesn’t Murtha have anything better to do that run down people over age? I mean its like Murtha is sour grapes that he is not President. Look at me, look at me, look at me. I guess no one is as perfect is Murtha.
Semper Fi,
What does Murtha have to say about Robert Byrd, 90-yr old “where am I?” This guy doesn’t know the time of day, yet Murtha says a 72-yr old is too old!
Murtha is a hipocrite, he should resign as being to old. Gender and race can’t be mention but age can?
Murtha is right. Not only his age, but he does not look to be in good health.
I would much rather put our country in the hands of John McCain with his experience and wisdom, than someone like Obama, who has virtually no experience, no track record and what appears to be very little wisdom.
It is a case of the pot and kettle?
Murtha is an embarrassment to PA and the United States. There is an old man that should just go away. Resign John, please just resign.
Age has its privileges! I don’t see anything wrong with “one old man pointing out the obvious concerning another old man”! Let the old people battle it out — it keeps them young!
Murtha and all these old senators should get out and never be allowed to live and die in congress.
There should be a limit on how long they can stay. Just like the presidency two terms for them also.
May be a big part of the countries problems these old foggies have been there too darn long we need new young blood.
Two terms is enough for these old and decrepit men.
Once again… the Democrats use any weapon at their disposal. Maybe Mr. Murtha should then resign, if his age is a factor… It s the character and passion of John McCain that I admire.
IF THAT IS SO, MURTHA IS TOO OLD TO BE IN CONGRESS.
What an absolutely ridiculous statement from Murtha! I’m just astonished and really at a lack for words! I have heard a lot of garbage from this guy in the recent past, but what is this ultra left wing liberal smoking?!!!!!!
Looking at just a persons age is nonsense. You need to look at their health and history of health. If this is just a political jab that turns me right off from the party that does this. I have been leaning towards the Democrats on this election but this will change me the other way.
The number one porkbarreler in the country doesn’t want John McCain as president. McCain has been very vocal in his criticisms of the earmarks and has vowed to veto them. I think Murtha’s entire district is on a congressional welfare program.!
If Mc Cain is too old for President, maybe Rep. Murtha the Mouth is too old to be in Congress.
Murtha has been in the House of Reps way too long and I don’t think he should be spared for use age discrimmation aganist someone. It shows how low dems will go to hurt someone running aganist them. I could say one of the contenders is too young and arrogant.
You know things are not going well for the Dems when John Murtha pulls the “age” card. McCain is too old? Really? Do we need to institute an age limit for all governmental employees? Coming from a 75 year old man, this is such a ridiculous comment. I believe he has actually lost his mind.
It’s ok for him to serve the country, but McCain can’t be president? Maybe I think a woman isn’t capable of being president. Maybe I think a black man isn’t capable of being president. What about people that are over 6 feet tall? Are they qualified to be president? Maybe we shouldn’t let people who are under 5′5 run for president. Do I need to go on? I guess handicapped people are just out of luck too according to Mr. Murtha’s theology.
I just want to know if we can have more regulations to be enforced by the liberal democrats, because we all know they are smarter than every single person that lives in America.
sincerely,
Dan in California
Murtha has been in the House of Reps way too long and I don’t think he should be spared for using age discrimmation aganist someone. It shows how low dems will go to hurt someone running aganist them. I could say one of the contenders is too young and arrogant.
Mr. Murtha: go home and stay there. John McCain is THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES NOW. He stands for what this country needs - experience and stability in judgment and values.
AND….some Congressmen are too old!
I like McCain better than Murtha. McCain seems to be smarter than Murtha. I also am a Vietnam Veteran.
It is most unfortunate that we have to endure people like Murtha.
He is a tired, old, and very bitter man and needs to find better things to do than waste taxpayer money.
Mikel Atkins
Coronado, CA
As a older citizen I understand how we cannot discount years of experience and wisdom built on that experience. Some people seem to become foolish with age, example: Murtha. But I believe McCain is wiser. He certainly comes from great stock, him mother is amazing.
No one would say that if … say… Willam were to run. I believe he’s older than McCain and definitely has more energy than the bunny himself.
DEAR SIR,
THE ONE TIME RECTLY THE DEMS . SHOWED SENSE, WAS IN 2006 WHEN THEY REJECTED MURTHA. THIS MAN HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON THE CORP. AND IS NOW AGAINST ANYONE IN THE MILITARY. SO I HOPE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL REJECT HIS STUPID COMMENTS. AS JUST THAT.
SINCERELY,
CLARENCE E. BROWN
I think most Senators and Rep’s of Congress are to OLD for there job, most everyone of these people are Millionaire’s ; how can they represent our values; strong national defense, strong economic’s; when there pocket is in the hands of forgien investor’s and all the lobbyist that located on Capital Hill; Sure McCain not’s a spring chicken; but he’s better than the rest that’s running. Mr. Murtha you can lead by example TURN IN YOUR WALKING PAPERS…………..
Murtha’s just worried that McCain will veto all his earmarks. Murtha is a joke.
John Mccain has lived an honorable life and endured hardships and pain that Murta couldn’t dream about…Murti= idiot
Of course John Murtha would say John McCain is too old. And you better believe it’s not the last time we will be hearing this. Certainly they can be more creative than this. Does this mean that Obama is possibly too young (46)???? Hmm bet you won’t hear that!
Well, if Murtha who is 75 years old thinks McCain is too old to be president, how about we get rid of all Representatives and Senators over the age of 72 years. Senator Bird can be the first to go. He’s not even health enough to still be servicing anyone.
Murtha should take his own message and leave political office. he’s a joke.
And you are too old for me to take your opinions seriously. I would assume then, that you have been too old for your political job for a number of years now, and probably should retire before you make an ass of yourself. Oops…Sorry you already did that when you tried to defame the Military. All you really accomplished is embarrass yourself and show the world how stupid and petty you truly are.
As a firm believer of the Civil Rights movement, I get a bit miffed when I read moronic comments such as these. Saying that a person can’t be hired for a job (or elected in this case) because he’s too old is just as offensive and distasteful to me as someone saying that a person can’t be elected as President because she’s a Woman or because he’s Black.
I thought that as a nation, we were slowly getting beyond this silliness. The fact that Sen. Murtha, one of our Democrats Leaders, had stated this is simply mind boggling… Is Sen. Murtha truly a Democrat who believes in our Democratic values?
The fact that people applauded this ridicules comment is disheartening…And they should ALL be ashamed of themselves. Question to those who rejoiced in this discriminating rhetoric… Was the Civil Rights movement only intended for Democrats or ALL Americans?
Murtha proves, once again, that he doesn’t have enough sense to get in out of the rain!
I am 78, almost 79, and working hard every day. I think McCain will do that too!!
Wait a minute? You can get a ticket for referring to annoying neighbor kids as “monkeys”? Everytime I read something like this I feel it’s high time I get out of the United States. The land of the Free Eh? More and more, this country finds it’s self at the mercy of the utterly stupid, and what’s worse, we elect them to do it.
Maybe he should retire , he can’t seem to keep a train of thought…
This Murtha is nothing but a traitor. He should be the last one anybody should listen to on anything. He called our Marines murderers with no evidence at all. How this traitor is still in congress would amaze me except for one thing. He’s a democrat. The one’s that voted for him are as guilty as he is.
I find your conclusion that JOHN McCAIN is too old to be PRESIDENT is typical of a Liberal Democrat who have nothing positive to say about anybody. Given the fact you are 75, you should give serious thought to resigning ASAP. You have passed what is called the PETER PRINCIPAL. This principal is based on one who has been elevated to his level of Incompetence. You are there and have been there for at least two (2) terms in the House. So maybe you should resign and if you do, take your buddy Nancy Pelosi with you as she is well beyond her PETER PRINCIPAL.
the difference is mc cain is growing old gracefully and remains productive.
guess we should just ignore mutha’s comments like obama did with his “crazy OLD uncle”.
Every time Murtha opens his mouth it reminds everyone what a peabrain he is. Mainly in office because he is a master at bringing pork projects to his District.
McCain’s family is very long-lived (Mother is 95) and only a couple months ago the Media was wild with rumors that he was having an affair with a 41-yr babe. But I would agree that Murtha is too old.
When will we be rid of John Murtha?? He may be an old fool. McCain is not!!
Maybe Rep. Murtha should look in the mirror and see he is to old to be a Rep. and should retire. After all in the last few years he has made some pretty off the wall statements which show he is maybe loosing touch with reality. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
I agree that McCain is a bit on the “older side”. But he has a strong backbone and as President will lead us through these tuff times. Moreover, at this point we have to “stay the course” and I am just not confident in the other candidates abilities to do so.
Personally, I think Murtha needs t