Age Discrimination: McCain was too old!

Not in years but in attitude, energy, and communication style.

Okay - I’m sure that I am going to step on some toes here but….I think McCain lost the election because he’s “old”. Why do I say this? His platform, knowledge, integrity, and experience were much stronger but he failed to deliver the message because he is uncomfortable with technology, publicity and this new age of communication that we are now in.

He had an territory to be on the O’Reilly show at the exact same time that Barack had his “payday” on the TV. He declined. Why? My guess: he was tired! Campaigning is rough work and he made a poor decision due to to his energy level. Of course, he didn’t let the young “whipper snapper” go on for him, how could he trust her…better to just decline. She was good enough to cause his ratings to turn and head north, but not worthwhile enough to trust with the “fresh new piece of humanity”.

Older candidates think that their incredible wisdom and experience is soooo fine. (and they do think they’re worth more money and they don’t wanna voyage as much and they are often resistant to change and Web 2.0). But if you can’t communicate that wisdom and experience in a format that people listen to - it is useless. In the case of the presidential elections, McCain was weak using the communication tools and Obama was super strong using the tools. This happens in interviews all the time. What can we learn from this? Embrace technology, embrace all styles of communication, and make sure you have enough Red Bull to get through the work of it. And remember that others feel the way I do, so be quick to show you aren’t like the rest of the mature.
Peggy
(aging rapidly in Texas)

To do items for those of you who feel aged:
Learn LinkedIn
Send a picture through email
Send someone a link to a great article (maybe this one)
Figure out Blogs
Get a blackberry
Use IM (instant messenger)
Set up an e-newsletter
Explore all of the Web 2.0 tools
Spend time with someone that is informed on technology changes….

Am I the only one that feels this way? Do you agree? Disagree?
Tell me about it in the comments.

Article courtesy of  Peggy McKee - Owner / Senior Headhunter at the nationally
recognized clinical and pharma revenue recruiting team of PHC Consulting.
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