It was October of 1984, and the night was set. It was going to be arguably the most important debate leading up to Ronald Reagan’s second term as the president of the United States. He had done fine work in his first presidency and earned the trust of most every American. The problem with electing him for a second term? Reagan was going to be the oldest president ever to take office on behalf of the people. There were obvious concerns about this, and those concerns were heightened when the former president took a long pause before completing his answer to a question in debate, and seemed to completely lose his train of thought leaving viewers with doubts about his ability to serve as president now at his older age.
With age being the highest concern, Reagan was sure to get a question about it. What might be even more sure was that the way he would answer this one simple question could be the defining moment in his political campaign. The moderator, fully aware of the public’s concern finally asked the question.
“You already are the oldest president in history and some of your staff say you were tired after your most recent encounter with Mr. Mondale…Is there any doubt in your mind that you would be able to function…?”
Mr. Reagan, in a moment of great temperament and wit replied back, “Not at all Mr. Truitt. And I want you to know that also, I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I’m not going to exploit for political purposes my opponents youth and inexperience.”
With a great roar, the crowd, the moderator and even Mr. Reagan’s opponent, Mr. Mondale all broke out into laughter as the camera panned over to get both debtors in the shot, showing that Mr. Mondale thought the comment was funny.
Sometimes in life, we come to a natural moment when it’s time to give a report. There may be questions and concerns about short comings of the past. We may come to the harsh reality that recently our lives have been defined by lack of focus and commitment. Regardless of what’s happened, it’s time to look forward and decide who we will be. Maybe the best thing we can do is decide to have total confidence in our faithfulness towards God, and recommit to having him as the Lord of our life.
