TDS Time Machine | In the Field Pt. 2
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What are the cognitive challenges of older political leaders?
America's democracy may not be the strongest, but at least it's the oldest. There seems to be some sort of gerontocracy. We have the oldest leaders among rich countries, and we love all of them. Joe Biden, Donald Trump, this guy. But are there drawbacks to having our leadership with one foot in heaven? I spoke to Mark Fisher, Neuropolitics Researcher at UC Irvine.
We know that brain function tends to deteriorate with aging. One of the first to go of all the cognitive functions is called executive function. It's decision making. I see. And what could be more important for a political leader than decision making?
What am I going to have for freaking lunch? I'm president of the United States. What the heck am I going to have for lunch? That's a hard decision. And I hope that I have a burger for lunch. I guess I've had this freaky misconception that old people are wiser and smarter than me. And it feels like what you're telling me is that that's not true and I should never trust them.
Oh, I wouldn't say that. I wouldn't say that. No, I think that the experience that one gains over the course of a lifetime is extraordinarily important. But there are some measurable cognitive functions that do begin to decline over the age of 60.
So even though you have more experiences, you are still getting dumber.
I'm a neurologist. Dumb is not a word that we use. Okay.
All right. I'll say it then.
Don't worry.
So having a bunch of old brains in charge might be a bit of a problem, but this wise old neurologist actually has a solution.
How can cognitive testing improve political leadership?
our NeuroPolitics Center, we came out with a recommendation that cognitive testing should be done on all politicians, not just older politicians, all politicians. Woman, man, camera, TV.
Unsurprisingly, Trump says he aced his cognitive test already.
If you get it in order, You get extra points. An individual is given a number of things to remember, and then after a period of time, three to five minutes, they're asked to repeat that.
I mean, those aren't hard things to remember, right? Person, mama, dad.
It's only one part of the exam. Yeah, thank God. And by itself, it doesn't determine a whole lot. I mean, you have to look at the entire exam.
And you have to look at someone's personality. I mean, I have a really good personality.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
But that's not really, that's really not assessed in real cognizance.
It doesn't need to be. Without seeing his test results, we can only guess how well, or not well, Trump's brain is doing. But it did make me curious. Could my brain be president? My name, Grace. My date of birth, June 30th, 1995.
This first part of the exam, this isn't scored, so this is just identification material.
Okay, God, I would like to be scored on those two, actually, if possible, because I think I got them right. Do you have more difficulties doing everyday activities due to thinking problems? No, I have almost nothing to do on a daily basis. At the bottom of the very last page, write, I have finished on the blank line provided.
So this is a test of delayed recall.
Got it. This one is so easy. Can I call my mom to just double check? Last question.
In the course of just a few pages, we've covered many cognitive domains.
Sir. Did I pass? Let's hear it, brother. Come on. Come on.
You got it.
Woo! Let's go! Now, if only someone could go to Washington and get our elected leaders to take this test. Okay, fine. I'll do it. Hello.
Hey, how you doing? Good to see you.
You too. My name's Grace.
I'm Maxwell.
I'm looking for a congressperson.
Well, I am a congressman.
So who does, like, your Botox or your work? You look incredible.
I appreciate it. I'm actually 27.
Yes, most junior congressperson Maxwell Frost is the only person who would talk to me for this story. So how would you feel about having a cognitive test required for politicians?
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What are the cognitive challenges of older political leaders?
0:23–1:56
2
How can cognitive testing improve political leadership?
1:56–4:35
3
What went wrong with Foxconn's investment in Wisconsin?
4:35–5:23
4
What promises did Foxconn make to the community?
5:23–7:20
5
How do young politicians view the current political landscape?
7:20–8:07
6
What is the opinion on term limits for politicians?
8:07–19:05
Speakers
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