Henry Kissinger, 99, shares views on elderly presidential candidates.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger Talks Age and the Presidency

At the ripe old age of 99, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is opening up about fellow older folks running for president. In an interview with veteran journalist Ted Koppel for CBS News, Kissinger expressed skepticism about anyone of an advanced age as commander in chief.

The Advantages and Dangers of Age

“It takes a certain capacity, physically,” Kissinger said. “There’s some advantages in maturity. There are dangers in exhaustion, and a limited capacity to work.” The issue is a relevant one, as two of the leading candidates for president in 2024 are older than 75. One of them is President Joe Biden, who announced his re-election campaign last month. Already the oldest person to be president at 80, Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term. The other is former President Donald Trump, who is 76.

Concerns About Biden’s Age

Some Democrats and a recent New York Times editorial raised concerns about Biden’s ability to serve a full eight years in office considering his age and signs of slowing down. Still, the president’s allies have rallied behind Biden, and he received an early endorsement booster from 81-year-old Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who is eschewing a third consecutive run for the White House.

A Vote of Confidence in Kamala Harris

Should there be a reason for a back-up, Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) offered a vote of confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris, saying last weekend that she is prepared to become commander in chief. “The vice president’s ready to run and ready to be president should that ever happen,” Coons said on ABC’s “This Week.” “I know our president has great confidence in her, and so do I.”

Kissinger’s Age-Defying Work Ethic

Kissinger, who is set to turn 100 this month, reportedly remains very active and visible on the global stage several decades after his time serving as secretary of state and national security adviser. Kissinger says he works about 15 hours a day following multiple heart surgeries and despite being blind in one eye and hard of hearing, according to Koppel’s report.

Kissinger’s Willingness to Advise

When asked if he would fly to Moscow to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin upon the request of the president, Kissinger said he would be “inclined” to do it as an adviser, not as an “active person” in a role such as secretary of state. Despite his age, Kissinger remains a respected voice in global affairs and a testament to the power of experience and wisdom.

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