Submitted by robert chapman, Jan 21, 2008 11:48

To dismiss John McCain from consideration because of his age is bigotry, pure and simple.

But one can challenge Senator McCain's work habits and what they show about his suitability to serve in the Presidency.

Clearly Senator McCain is up to the demands of the Senate and campaigning. Does success in these roles indicate success in the Presidency.

The obvious answer is no. The Senate is no where near as intense as the Presidency. Senators specialize on issues, the President must be responsible in everything. Senators vote on matters and then leave them, Presidents live with the consequences of Senators' votes. The Senate ends it session and leaves town, the President is always responsible for the government. Senators can leave the office behind, the President is always liable to face difficult crises. Senators can hide behind their leaders, their colleagues or the President, the buck stops at the desk in the oval office.

Senator McCain has compiled a distinguished record in his decades of service in the Senate- but will he be able to change the habits of a lifetime and at age 72 adjust to the new and expansive demands of the Presidency?

There is nothing in the Senator's make-up to indicate an affirmative answer.

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