I mean look at Clinton, Carter even....and both Bushes!
2007-02-28 16:34:40 · 21 answers · asked by A Box of Signs 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I'm sure it does! My family is aging me way beyond my years and so I can imagine what a whole country can do!
2007-02-28 16:59:03 · answer #1 · answered by Mercadies2000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The stress has to be incredible. First, even in an idyllic best of all circumstances, there is the pressure of just doing the job the best you can. Add in the lack of sleep (you're tired? the world is run by tired men, skippy! deal with it). You have fellow politicians, aides, advisors, and bureaucrats on both sides of the aisle scheming how to take you down or make you look bad, you have your own genuine, bona fide baggage, complete with a skeleton in every wardrobe, you have the people to whom you owe favors all looking to be repaid, you have job seekers, lobbyists, and hangers-on all trying to get you to throw them a bone, and you have terrorists and other unbalanced people plotting how to get you. You live in a fishbowl of public scrutiny in which about half (or more) of the country disapproves of whatever you do, say, or think, and on top of that, you have about a third of the country rip-roaring mad at you, stirred up by a media that is hostile to you and depends on president-bashing in order to interest people in watching/listening/reading.
You are overworked, underappreciated, overcriticized, manipulated, flattered, and pulled in every conceivable direction and a few new ones as well.
Yeah, I guess it ages you prematurely. Last one to weather it well was Reagan, and that is probably because he was so old when he started it didn't matter as much (diminishing marginal erosion of faculties). Either that, or as an actor, he learned how to hide it from the public (makeup, costume, lighting, and acting) and it helped him in the presidency.
2007-03-01 00:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Captain Obvious! 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe- it does. I've lived through 10 presidents in my life thus far- and ALL OF THEM came out looking alot worse for wear by the time they left Office. Being president- for all its "perks" -must be a BRUTAL job. The traveling, the responsibility, the "always ON" 24/7 lifestyle, the constant problem solving...-the toll it takes would turn ANYONES hair grey.
2007-03-01 00:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For Bill Clinton it does, he went from dark grey to white in 8 years, both Bush's haven't.
2007-03-01 00:46:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it does. All of the presidents look much older when they become presidents. We all like to poke fun at them but they are really under a lot of stress. It is almost magical what happens when they age. Carter-? Who cares about Carter. I do not think he even realizes he was president. Sort of a denial thing. What a bad dream he was.
2007-03-01 00:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, absolutely. I think Carter is the most significant example.
2007-03-01 06:51:51 · answer #6 · answered by Charlie S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems like it. Gotta be high stress. Long hours, lots of travel. Never knowing someones political motive. Being criticized by someone no matter what you decide. It's gotta wear ya down.
2007-03-01 00:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by shogun_316 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe the stress and pressure does age them.
As for Clinton, you would age too married to Hellary.
2007-03-01 00:41:00 · answer #8 · answered by For_Gondor! 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Physically at least by four to eight years. In terms of experience and stress, it probably accelerates mental experience by lightyears.
2007-03-01 00:38:52 · answer #9 · answered by TCSO 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Stress will do that to you. Being President & being judged constantly will age you.
2007-03-01 00:39:56 · answer #10 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋