Since this change would require an amendment to the Constitution we need a rule that will be relevant for decades/centuries. Therefore, I propose the top age be limited to any candidate with a PLE, Probable Life Expectancy* of 25 years or greater based upon the candidate’s critical health factors at the time they first announce their intention to run. (1)
* Probably life expectancy is determined using the best available actuarial data and the candidate’s personal health factors including: height, weight, personal habits, smoking, exercise, alcohol and drug use.
Until the election all candidates shall agree to random drug screening, (urine test) at the behest of any opposing candidate. The cost of administering and performing said test shall be defined as one quarter of the annual salary of the POTUS and totally borne by the party calling for the test. (2)
Justification and clarification.
1) The total cost to society of a US presidential election has been estimated to be anywhere from $5 Billion to $30 Billion (2012 dollars.) The POTUS’s health is a significant portion of the country’s GDP and must be considered in economic terms.
2) Certain jobs or positions are of such importance and require such clear thinking and quick reaction times that they already have the requirement of random drug or alcohol testing as a condition of employment. These positions include:Truck drivers, ambulance crews, some engineers, surgeons, etc. Certainly the position of POTUS is critical to the well being of the country and no less important than driving an 18-wheeler, hauling a 20 ton load of cabbage down I-95. The demonstration of sobriety during the run up to the election is the best indicator we have of continued sobriety while serving.
(Bernie Sanders would pass)