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Clinton Backer Says of McCain: 'It's No Old Man's Job'
Posted by Russell Berman
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 at 12:02 PM
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WASHINGTON — A prominent backer of Senator Clinton, Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, veered a bit off-message when introducing her this morning in Washington, saying in regard to Senator McCain that the presidency is "no old man's job."
Mr. Murtha, a congressman since 1974, noted that he had served with seven presidents and said they "all get older" during their time in office.
"This one guy running is about as old as me," the 75-year-old lawmaker said of Mr. McCain, 71. "Let me tell you: It's no old man's job."
A ballroom packed with union members from the Building and Construction Trades Department laughed and applauded.
Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, would be the oldest person ever elected to his first term if he wins in November. While polls have shown voter concern with his age, Democrats have said they will not make it an issue, at least overtly.
Mrs. Clinton was not on stage at the time, but she apparently heard his 5-minute remarks because she referenced parts of them in her half-hour stump speech. She did not mention the age comments, however, and she focused her criticism of Mr. McCain on his economic policies while saying she respected his long military service.
Asked about Mr. Murtha's comments after the speech, a Clinton spokesman, Mo Elleithee, said: "Senator Clinton has respect for Senator McCain and considers him a friend. But her problems with him are his ideas for the future."
There was no immediate response from the McCain campaign.
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