If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m not a big fan of Joe Biden. But in this case, I’m defending him against what he was subjected to last Thursday night on television. Senator Julian Castro’s mean spirited attack on Biden’s memory was a sign of blatant ageism during the Democratic National Committee debate.

Once a person hits 70 , they’re apt to be a victim of ageism, whether they realize it or not. It could happen when the sales person at the electronics store spouts a bunch of techie-speak, and shakes his head in amusement when you ask him to translate in plain English. Or the rental agent at your vacation apartment puts you in a shoddy, overpriced place and refuses to give you a refund or find a better place. Then, the mechanic at the tire store who says you need a new tire, even though you actually just need a small repair. These are things that don’t happen to men and women under 50.

To tell the truth, I don’t remember much about the DNC debate. There was a lot of talk about free healthcare. Bernie Sanders ranting and raving, and Elizabeth Warren promising us the moon with no tax increases. (Hello: Have you talked to your Italian and Canadian friends about their tax rate?)

But three salient moments remain in my memory.

First, Julian Castro verbally pummeling Biden , accusing him of forgetting what he just said. What was the point of that? Except to say: “you’re too old and senile to be president”.

Mayor Pete was the voice of reason crying in the wilderness — Once again, Mayor Pete was the most rational candidate when defending Joe Biden

Second: , Hoosier Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s rational response: “This is why Presidential debates are becoming unwatchable. It reminds everybody of what they cannot stand about Washington…poking at each other…” .

Third, when Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar, said, ,” I don’t want to be president for half of America—I want to be president for all Americans. I want to represent all of this country, not half of it. “

Amy Kloubucher seemed like the most sensible candidate at the DnC debate — Amy Klobuchar said what is needed to bring this country together

Sadly, if you look at the Vegas Odds on the 2020 Election, you will find that Buttigieg and Klobuchar are way down on the list of those predicted to win. Apparently, common sense, courtesy, and respect are no longer an asset when running for president.

After watching the Democratic debates, I find myself disagreeing with the three most likable candidates.

I really like Pete Buttigieg. I think he has the perfect style befitting a president of the United States. He’s cool, calm and collected. He’s intelligent and articulate. He appears to be kind, tactful and diplomatic. And, I’m proud he’s a fellow Hoosier. But do I agree with his proposed policies? Not so much. Here are his policies I don’t like: open borders, popular vote. I like the idea of Medicare for all, but don’t think it’s economically feasible right now. Maybe later.

Mayor Pete came into the debate as a lightweight underdog, but came across as a classy intellectual

Mayor Pete came into the debate as a lightweight underdog; he came out as a classy intellectual

Obviously, an octogenarian’s opinion such as mine will not be mainstream. Most Democrats seem to like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but they strike me as far too strident. When Bernie starts shouting and waving his arms, I’m afraid he’s about to have a stroke. Elizabeth is a fireball speaker, but somehow, I don’t trust her. Even Canada doesn’t offer a free college education for all. I can’t imagine how we would pay for that, or all the money that would be wasted on kids who don’t want a college degree so much as a free ride for four years.

Biden? Way past his time. And, I don’t like his touchy-feely-smelly style with women. Kamilla Harris? I don’t see a former prosecutor as presidential material. The way she attacked Biden during the first debate may have been her break out moment, but I think it was mean spirited and uncalled for.

Booker and Gabbard have that likability factor

Besides Buttigieg, I like the way Tulsi Gabbard says it like she sees it—but her plan to pull out of Afghanistan is worrisome. Cory Booker reminds me of a better looking Obama. He’s got that spark, but his minimum wage plan is myopic. $15 an hour in my city would result in a much different lifestyle than in The Big Apple.

After watching the Democratic debates on television, my top likability picks are Booker, Buttigieg and Gabbard. But if I ever met them face to face, we’d have to agree to disagree.

Tag: Elizabeth Warren

BLATANT AGEISM DURING DNC DEBATE

To tell the truth, I don’t remember much about the DNC debate. There was a lot of talk about free healthcare. Bernie Sanders ranting and raving, and Elizabeth Warren promising us the moon with no tax increases. (Hello: Have you talked to your Italian and Canadian friends about their tax rate?)

DISAGREEING WITH LIKABLE CANDIDATES

After watching the Democratic debates, I find myself disagreeing with the three most likable candidates.

After watching the Democratic debates on television, my top likability picks are Booker, Buttigieg and Gabbard. But if I ever met them face to face, we’d have to agree to disagree.