Good Wednesday Morning!

1. Question – “You already are the oldest president in history, and some of your staff say you were very tired after your most recent encounter with Mr. Mondale. I recall that President Kennedy had to go for days on end with very little sleep during the Cuba missile crisis. Is there any doubt in your mind that you would be able to function in such circumstances?”

​2. Thought ​- Finally, someone had asked him the question. It was on everyone’s mind – and being discussed all over the media – but nobody had asked it directly of Reagan himself. At age 73, was he indeed too old, or becoming too unfocused, to effectively lead the nation for the second term?

For a split second it seemed the whole country held its breath, waiting to see how President Reagan would respond. “Not at all,” Reagan began. “And I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue in this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience!” (emphasis mine).

The eruption and laughter and applause – as well as the look on Walter Mondale’s face – said it all. With this single response, President Reagan had moved from defense to offense, turning his greatest perceived weakness into a real asset, and it became clear in that moment that he had won the debate. (The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask by Mark Mittelberg)