“Like jokes about President Bush being stupid, cheap shots at Sen. John McCain’s age are largely unfunny. More importantly, they deflect crucial concerns about the men. … Ridicule of McCain’s age (along with paeans to his war record) distracts from hard critiques of his record and policies. McCain’s age is irrelevant unless it affects his ability to function in a world that has radically changed since his formative years. McCain’s computer illiteracy, for example, is not the result of advanced years. Rather it suggests someone who is coddled, out-of-touch and loath to learn new things. Nor is McCain’s history of cancer tied to age. But some things are, such as the less-publicized array of his potentially compromising conditions, ailments and medications.” (07/17/08)