but then we must remember presidents like FDR and JFK, both suffered from serious illness, but were amazing leaders.

Sid

We also need to give each candidate a psych eval. Authoritarian narcissism and sociopathy they get an automatic disqualification to run for any office, for life.

If they seem ok I’m fine. If I see red flags I’d like to know more.

Should be open for discussion.

And its within our right to vote based on what they give or dont give.

Because only a certified wacko would want to be President.

He went to very painful lengths to hide his limitations. He might not have been elected if people had known because of ableist bigotry, and I certainly don't think that would have been a good thing. Modern adaptive strategies and technology make it much easier to live with a disability and/or health difficulties. Unfortunately, public perception has not caught up. Unfortunately the response to that condition is to deny that it matters and not have honest conversations.
The way I see it, the health of our candidates and implications of any conditions (ie. aging, and medical history) which may correspond are relevant to the discussion and I think valid considerations for voters.
One thing that worries me most is the potential to try to hide or avoid the useful measures that help us all adapt to the natural bodily and mental changes that come with age. FDR deceived the country, Wilson hid out while his wife decided what was important to the presidency after he had a stroke.
I think it is in our interest to talk about the likelihood of the president's health influencing performance, and what it would mean to us as a country if a president were in a position of needing to step away from the post even for short times.

My mother was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment at age 78 and had full blown dementia by her 80th birthday. Died 2 years later. So no. If we have presidential candidates in their 70s, I want to know they are mentally and physically fit enough to handle the job.

And many here seem to think age is completely irrelevant.

I, on the other hand, think the age and health status of the candidates are hugely important. And should be not only discussed but taken very much into consideration when deciding who to support.

I'm 71 years old and I'm pretty much the healthiest person I know this age. I'm constantly horrified at the sad tales of illness and disability I see posted everywhere, both here and on FB. Dear lord, people are falling apart by age 50 for the most part, it seems.

I don't want someone older than I am to become our next President. For one thing, I think we Boomers have had a good run and need to let the younger generation take over. Obama was a step in the right direction. Even if Hillary had become President . . . . well all I'll say is that she's turning 72 in about three weeks.

The life expectancy of a 78 year old man is a little under ten years. Probably shorter if he's had a heart attack recently.

But more to the point, I want to see someone younger and more dynamic in the job.