[MarkT]

Using the Social Security tables is probably not entirely appropriate. For males, it uses all subsets (e.g. race, smokers, alcoholics, dope addicts, diabetics, cancer victims, chemical workers, military) and projects them into one class; then that 'one' class is projected into one actuarial estimate, on a year by year basis.

A U.S. President will have the finest medical observation and treatment available. He travles with a doctor in tow; nothing is over-looked medically speaking. So, I think a gross estimate by Social Security over-estimates mortality for that sub-set of males who are, or have been, President.

[gundog]

Anyone that portrays McCain as a man with one foot in the grave should be mindful of what his other foot is doing.

[rlmorel]

My counter to this when I hear the "heartbeat" comment (this is the "gravitas" theme of the 2008 campaign) is:

"Would you rather have someone with her qualifications a heartbeat away, or someone with Obama's unarguably weaker qualifications IN the Presidency?"

Folks, if you haven't seen it, you have GOT to go see this video: Newt Gingrich verbally emasculates a liberal reporter who criticises Sarah Palins qualifications!

The last 50 seconds or so are worth the price of admission...the reporter is speechless, and I am guessing his days of being assigned to this type of reporting are over. They will be merciless on him back at the newsroom.

It is simply delicious, and highlights why liberals are so worried about her: They have no answer and no argument for her.

[brytlea]

Every VP is a heartbeat away from the presidency. Scarier is that every House Speaker is TWO heartbeats away from the presidency.....

susie