Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes that voters should be voting for a presidential candidate that they can expect to finish their term in office.
Mr. Kennedy made the statement on Friday to Newsnation when asked about recent comments from Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We should be voting for a president who we expect to complete the term,” Mr. Kennedy said. “I think we vote for a president for four years, understanding that they’re going to be able to serve four years.”
Ms. Harris told CBS News that she would be prepared to be president “if necessary.” President Biden, who at 80-years-old is the oldest president in U.S. history, has dealt with scrutiny regarding his age and health since taking office. That scrutiny has further intensified as the pair mount a bid for reelection.
“If Kamala Harris feels that she should be president, then let’s run and let’s, you know, let’s have a contest,” Mr. Kennedy said.
Mr. Kennedy’s statement joins a growing number of critics who have raised concerns over aging lawmakers’ health issues.
Health scares from 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican and 90-year-old Sen. Diane Feinstein, California Democrat, have driven much of the scrutiny.
Recent polling has shown that voters want younger lawmakers and leaders. For example, a Pew Research poll released in July indicated that 49% of voters believe the ideal age for a president is someone in their 50s. That would mean that Mr. Kennedy, 69, former president Donald Trump, 77, and Mr. Biden are too old for many voters.
A CBS News poll showed that a vast majority of voters want age caps set for lawmakers, with 40% agreeing that 70-years-old should be the limit.
Rep. John James, Michigan Republican, introduced legislation that would amend the Constitution to put an age cap on the president, vice president and members of Congress. However, Mr. James’ cap of 75-years-old appears to be too old for many voters.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washigtontimes.com.