Mar 24, 2023 2 min read

I am approaching 80, and as much as I approve of Joe Biden’s presidency, I have reservations about anyone running for the office who is near or over 80.

Your editorial, which points out the popes who have served well into their 80s, is like comparing the proverbial apples and oranges. The U.S. president makes difficult decisions that often impact the entire globe. We have watched much younger presidents age in office, with their hair turning white. It is a hard job. Many want it because of the power involved. Power is an aphrodisiac. Money is another attraction.

My question is, why does the Democratic Party, of which I am a member, not do succession planning? Sure, we elect a president and vice president. But businesses plan for succession, not only of their top job holders but also middle managers as well. Grooming future presidential candidates should be part of what the party does. We should have a bench of potential presidential candidates ready to step in if the vice president may not win the nomination and/or doesn’t want it or dies.

Making us choose between Republican and Democratic candidates who will both will be well into their 80s by the time they leave office just is not acceptable.

Mary Lou Burger

Upper St. Clair