Aging Candidates' Health Is Voters' Concern

Like all of us, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are going to die. Will it be in the next four years? Probably -- ideally -- not. But for voters, that’s a reasonable question, especially given that Clinton is 68 and Trump, 70. Clinton’s hasty exit from a Sept. 11 ceremony on Sunday, later revealed to be pneumonia-related, followed days of questions about her coughing. Unfortunately, both candidates have refused to divulge the kind of information that would enable anyone to arrive at an informed opinion about their health.

Citizens weigh many factors when selecting a president, and health is a legitimate one. If a candidate is pushing past the traditional retirement age, and especially if voters have concerns about his or her vice-presidential pick, health may weigh heavily. That was the case for some Americans in 2008, when Senator John McCain –- who was 72 on Election Day –- chose Sarah Palin as a running mate.