Matt Schiavenza From the Dragon to the Apple- A Sinophile in New York

The Swiftly Aging President

Here is a photo of President Bush appearing on television to urge the House of Representatives to resolve the bailout legislation as quickly as possible. Bush is 62 years old, but here he looks north of 70. He also looks haggard and exhausted, undoubtedly due to dealing with the recent financial crisis. Still, though- wow. I'm surprised he hasn't started drinking again.

As a contrast, below is a photo of Bush when he was first elected president, in 2000. He was 54 years old.

Here is a recent photo of former president Bill Clinton, who is the exact same age as Bush.

And here are the two men together, taken (I presume) earlier this year

I wonder what a President Obama or President McCain will look like in eight years. Scary thought- in 8 years John McCain will be 80 years old.