Patti Davis, the daughter of President Ronald Reagan, has expressed support for the administration of cognitive tests to older presidential candidates.
Her endorsement comes in light of recent history, with Reagan being the oldest president inaugurated at the age of 69 in 1981.
Davis believes cognitive tests would be a “good idea” to ensure mental fitness for individuals aspiring to the highest office.
Trump and Biden Shatter Reagan’s Record
While Reagan held the title of the oldest president until leaving office at 77, both Donald Trump and Joe Biden surpassed this record.
Trump, inaugurated at 70, and Biden, taking the oath of office at 78, have prompted discussions about the mental fitness of elderly candidates for the presidency.
Calls for Heightened Requirements Gain Traction
Various figures, including political rivals and critics, are advocating for heightened requirements for older presidential candidates to guarantee their mental aptitude for the demanding role.
Notably, 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley, aged 52, supports the idea of candidates aged 75 and older undergoing cognitive tests.
Justice Department Report Sparks Concerns
The push for cognitive tests gained momentum following a report by Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Hur, raising questions about President Biden’s “poor memory” and “diminished faculties in advancing age.”
The report cited instances where Biden forgot crucial dates, contributing to concerns about his cognitive abilities.
Patti Davis Reflects on Reagan’s Era
In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Patti Davis shared her perspective on the current political landscape and its divergence from her late father’s era.
Davis believes Reagan, if alive today, would be appalled by the lack of civility in contemporary politics.
She highlights Reagan’s disapproval of cruelty and expresses concern for the state of democracy in the face of modern political dynamics.
Reagan’s Legacy and Today’s Political Climate
Reflecting on Reagan’s legacy, Davis noted the stark differences in political discourse between Reagan’s presidency from 1981 to 1989 and the present day.
She believes Reagan would be disheartened by the current lack of civility and the prevalence of personal attacks in today’s political arena.
Davis underscores Reagan’s commitment to a more civilized political discourse and expresses his hypothetical fear for the state of democracy in the present.
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