Letters to the Editor
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only In America?
Sadly, in the UK, it's not so much jowls and wrinkles but actually age itself that's the problem, and that goes for males too. Once upon a time (yes that long ago) age would have been a factor in a politician's favour; gravitas, experience and all, but no, now it has to be some young thing who's hip and happening. Recently, Sir Menzies Campbell was forced into resigning as leader of the Liberal Party mainly because of the brouhaha over his age (mid 60's). Vince Cable temporarily replaced him and did a really great job, but at 64 he smells too much of the graveyard as well. The new leader was elected today, one Nick Clegg, age 40 but bland, smooth and inoffensive to the eyes. All style over substance.
As long as they're not political party leaders, women politicians are allowed to age here, as long as they don't do it too obviously, like developing a humped back or needing a hearing aid. But since American trends take about 10 years to travel across the pond and become established here, I should think ageing will soon be banned here too.