There’s been talk recently about whether Hillary Clinton, now 65, is too old to be president in 2017. Here in California, we have a chief executive who began his third term (28 years after finishing his second) at age 72. Just our luck, we happened to overhear this brief phone conversation between the former first lady, senator and secretary of state and the past and present governor.
HC: Hey Jerry. Calling just to check in, see how you’re holding up?
JB: It’s always good to hear from you, Madame Secretary.
HC: Have a question for you.
JB: Shoot.
HC: I see that your birthday’s coming up soon. So old man, you’re about to turn 75.
JB: Hard to believe.
HC: What’s it like – I mean at your age – governing the, you know, largest state in the country?
JB: Couldn’t be better. Feeling great and we’re getting California back on track.
HC: Does the job ever seem too much to handle?
JB: Just the opposite if you want to know the truth. Everything which used to drive me nuts – demands from friends, criticism from opponents, worries that I’m making big mistakes – I shake that stuff right off. At this stage in my life, I can rely on my instincts and my intellect.
HC: Hm.
JB: Sure, I can’t remember every detail. That’s why we have staff. But the big picture. That’s more clear to me than ever.
HC: Hm.
JB: They still can’t out-work me and they certainly can’t out-think me. Why do you ask?
HC: Don’t be coy with me, Jerry?
JB: Speaking of old guys, what’s your old man have to say about all this?
HC: It’s not his call, if that’s what you mean.
JB: All right, I’ll back off. But let me tell you, I’m having the time of my life.
HC: That’s what I wanted to hear.
JB: So you know – by the way – I’ll be terming out of this job in 2018. And I’ll only be 80. Maybe you’ll hold a place for me. Wouldn’t mind spending a few years in D.C.
HC: O.K. Gov, I’ll keep that in mind.
JC: You take care now.
HC: You too.