Gransnet forums

News & politics

Joe Biden

(205 Posts)
Germanshepherdsmum Tue 25-Apr-23 11:05:50

Has announced he will run for a further term. I like him but have doubts about his mental capacity. I would rather see a younger Democrat running.

MayBee70 Wed 26-Apr-23 10:33:58

For some reason the gaffes he has made have been shown over and over again on the news media unlike his speeches etc.

Sparklefizz Wed 26-Apr-23 10:35:37

I came to that conclusion volver3 because you keep mentioning people's ages in comparison.

Looking back in this thread, I don't see that you have mentioned anywhere that his capabilities have to be looked at as an individual. I am the person who said that.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 26-Apr-23 10:37:00

I would/will be happy to have a leader with experience of being in and around government for many many years, which is where age has an advantage.

POTUS has the best medics (probably in the world) on hand 24/7, it’s not as if he has to worry about paying the bills and putting the bins out. He can focus 100% on running the USA.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 10:40:46

Sparklefizz

I came to that conclusion volver3 because you keep mentioning people's ages in comparison.

Looking back in this thread, I don't see that you have mentioned anywhere that his capabilities have to be looked at as an individual. I am the person who said that.

Me, 11:35, Tuesday.
Me, 11:50 Tuesday.
By mentioning people who are old but still completely capable of doing their jobs, I am making the point that being old is not in itself a reason to disregard him. I’m a bit surprised you don’t see that.

NanKate Wed 26-Apr-23 10:45:18

Yes Sparklefizz I’ve seen JB appear to look ‘somewhat lost’ for a few moments and I wonder how he will be in 2 or 3 years time. Have you noticed that sometimes when he comes on stage to speak he does a little run? I believe this is to show he is not old ! I have to admit when I am out with my DS I walk faster than normal, so he doesn’t think I am slowing down - ridiculous isn’t it?

Whoever runs as a candidate has to be very rich, so that knocks out many people who would like to put themselves forward.

I think a lot of us respect David Attenborough, he has been on tv all my life. I believe he has now stopped travelling to the far flung places in the world and he just does the voice overs now for the latest tv series. It will be the end of an era when he dies.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 10:45:44

You, yesterday : He's far too old and worryingly doddery to hold that post.

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 10:46:57

I remain to be convinced that he is still completely capable of doing his job. Having the best medics around 24/7 doesn’t prevent mental decline. I was listening to a commentator yesterday who has spent a lot of time around Biden. He said that his speech is noticeably slower now than it was four years ago. Which is not surprising but it’s a worrying observation. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem to like delegating much to his VP.

maddyone Wed 26-Apr-23 11:07:18

I remain concerned about how he might be in another five years, should decide to run and win. I remain extremely concerned about Trump running and winning again. Surely there is someone else in the 350 million or so population of America who is a tad younger, has energy and enthusiasm, and some governmental experience.

Callistemon21 Wed 26-Apr-23 11:08:36

maddyone

I remain concerned about how he might be in another five years, should decide to run and win. I remain extremely concerned about Trump running and winning again. Surely there is someone else in the 350 million or so population of America who is a tad younger, has energy and enthusiasm, and some governmental experience.

Well, you'd think so, wouldn't you!!

It's quite astonishing.

foxie48 Wed 26-Apr-23 11:55:55

I think any employer would think seriously about giving someone a very important job when the contract is effectively until the applicant is 86. It's not ageism, it's common sense.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 12:04:02

That would be illegal in the UK.

karmalady Wed 26-Apr-23 12:10:02

he is good as a puppet, controlled by the rest of them

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 12:22:09

Exercise of common sense has yet to become illegal volver.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 12:28:45

Hesitant as I am to argue with a lawyer...

Age discrimination occurs when someone is unfairly disadvantaged for reasons relating to their age which cannot be objectively justified. It has been illegal in the UK since 2006, with the law now incorporated into the Equality Act 2010. People of all ages can be affected, including younger and older workers, and the growing number of older people in employment makes this group a key focus.

www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/emp-law/age-discrimination/factsheet#gref

grandtanteJE65 Wed 26-Apr-23 12:47:09

I am inclined to think that all politicians should have an enforcable upper age limit, but as there isn't one, I shall be charitable here.

Perhaps President Biden does not feel he can in decency leave the ship of state to the tender mercies of Mr. Trump, whose supporters could be stupid enough to vote him back into power.

President Biden could also rightly feel that wit war in the Ukraine, civil war in Sudan, the Middle East in its usual turmoil, as is more than Sudan in Africa, and China casting lustful eyes om Taiwan that now is not the right time to stand down.

If he becomes President again, what is the worst that can happen? The vice-president having to step in if Biden becomes seriously ill or dies while in office, might be a very good thing.

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 12:49:06

I know all that volver, coals to Newcastle. I suggest you consider what I actually said rather than twisting my words. Also the meaning and significance of the words ‘which cannot be objectively justified’ in your quote.

Calendargirl Wed 26-Apr-23 12:51:01

Neither Attenborough or Farage are aiming to be POTUS.

Big difference.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 13:00:58

Germanshepherdsmum

I know all that volver, coals to Newcastle. I suggest you consider what I actually said rather than twisting my words. Also the meaning and significance of the words ‘which cannot be objectively justified’ in your quote.

If something can be objectively justified them it not ageism, is it?

If someone says they're not employing somebody just because they are old and might go senile, that is ageism

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 13:21:21

Alleged discrimination is not against the law if it can be objectively justified. You quoted the statute yourself.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 13:26:29

And...

If someone says they're not employing somebody just because they are old and might go senile, that is ageism.

Isn't it?

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 13:38:30

They wouldn’t say that though would they? Employers aren’t daft. But look at the man, look at his frailty. By an objective standard, is he a suitable candidate for this fixed-term contract?

Oreo Wed 26-Apr-23 13:39:15

Relevant ageism I’d say tho.
This isn’t an old guy stacking shelves at B&Q we’re talking about.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 13:41:33

If people decide to dissemble in an effort to not be accused of breaking the law, that doesn't mean they are not doing something illegal.

I can't believe I'm having this conversation with a lawyer - more fool me! 🤣

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 26-Apr-23 13:48:24

You are making up hypothetical scenarios. Do I have to point you yet again in the direction of the objective standard? That requires objective consideration of suitability of candidate for role.

volver3 Wed 26-Apr-23 13:51:12

You are making up hypothetical scenarios.

I'm trying to define what ageism is. Which I thought would have been of interest on a forum for older people.

Seems not. And no, you don't have to point me at anything.