I was going to post the clip from 1984 Reagan-Mondale debate where Reagan jokes about his old age, but someone already posted that particular clip.  In relation to Reagan's humorous response to concerns about his old age, McCain took a similar comedic approach (to the age issue) when he appeared on SNL earlier this year and claimed, "I have the oldness it takes to protect America..."



I think this is a good example of the way modern media has altered presidential campaigns and elections. Today, critics use the media to exploit flaws in candidates that, earlier in history, would likely have been disregarded or ignored. However, candidates use the very same medium to refute any uncertainty the exploitation of their flaws may inspire and depending upon how they do so, they may even succeed in making themselves appear more likable and competent in light of such faults.