Are Jokes About McCain's Age "Dirty Pool?"

Yes, heaven forbid we would discuss the fact that if elected, John McCain would be the oldest president entering his first term of office, and wonder openly if his age might affect his ability to lead. ABC's Good Morning America, broadcast August 10, 2008, wondered if age jokes should be off limits in this presidential race.

A couple of examples:

David Letterman:

"John McCain looks like the guy that picks up his tv remote when the phone rings. Hello, hello, hello."

Jay Leno:

"McCain spoke about his vision -- which he said is a little blurry and not good at night."

Meanwhile comic Kathleen Madigan said:

I don't think he'll win because I think a lot of people who like him will forget to vote. I mean white comics aren't going to become black, and black comics aren't going to become white, so you can't say "oh, I can make fun of them because I'm going to be that," but we're all going to get old.

They went to a retirement home, and most didn't object, but Dick Shaw, 85 said "It's a form of discrimination, and I guess in that sense it's not appropriate."

In this case, however, is it discrimination? After all, if this guy's going to go senile ... and let's face it, he seems to make a lot of mistakes, why would I want to vote for him? Additionally, McCain's running mate would take on added importance.

As ABC News reported, one recent poll found that 20% of voters said they were less likely to vote for McCain because of his age.

Watch the report: