SouthernWorldwide.com – Mitt Romney, a prominent Republican figure with a distinguished career as a former Massachusetts governor and U.S. senator from Utah, has voiced his opinion on the age of leaders, suggesting that individuals aged 80 and above should not be at the helm of the nation.
These remarks were made during an interview on the “Deseret Voices” program. The conversation took an unexpected turn when host McKay Coppins jokingly inquired about Romney’s potential bid for the presidency in 2028.
Romney humorously responded that he “would love” to run again, adding with a smile, “and this time I might get it right. You know, third time’s a charm.”
Following this lighthearted exchange, Coppins commented on the changing perception of age, stating, “80 isn’t what it used to be.”
Romney then referenced Bill Bryson’s book, “The Body,” recalling that the author points out a significant physiological change. Bryson’s work suggests that the human brain can shrink by as much as 20% by the age of 80.
Elaborating on this point, Romney firmly stated his belief: “I basically think people who are 80 and above really should not be, uh, running the world or running the country.”
The discussion inevitably touches upon current political figures and their ages. President Donald Trump recently celebrated his 80th birthday last month. He would be 82 by the end of a potential second term, a milestone that would make him the oldest man to ever serve as U.S. president.
Former President Joe Biden, who was 82 upon leaving office, holds the record as the oldest person to have served in the U.S. presidency. This fact underscores the ongoing national conversation about age and leadership capacity.
The age of political leaders has been a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny. A recent observation from an Atlantic writer highlighted that Donald Trump’s age does not appear to be receiving the same level of critical examination as Joe Biden’s did during his tenure.
Romney’s own political journey includes seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, though he eventually withdrew. He successfully secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 but was ultimately defeated by the incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama in the general election that year.
