As a Nation we are well into our third century for comparisons of historical, sociological and political significance.
We also have, more than we did during much of the 20th Century, a greater ability to calculate, process and disseminate; facts, figures and speculations.
So here is one more as we near the end of the first decade of the 21st Century.
Of all the U.
S.
Presidents, forty-four terms by forty-three different men, their ages at the time of inauguration average 54.
10 years old.
Those elected to office in the 1800's averaged 54.
7 years, while the leadership of the 20th Century average 54.
47 years of age.
If this follows through into the 21st Century, when will the Nation have its first true 21st Century president? When will a person born of the century lead the Nation in that century? George Washington and John Adams, the only two presidents of the 18th century were both born within it (1732 and 1735 respectively).
Of the 23, 19th century presidents twelve were born in the 1800s.
The 20th century presidents had 17 presidents from which eight were born after 1900.
The 2 president thus far elected since 2000 were born in the 20th century.
According to the Second Article of the U.
S.
Constitution, the President of the United States must be at least Thirty-five years of age.
As history accounts, the youngest person ever to hold the Oval Office was Theodore Roosevelt (42), while the oldest was Ronald Reagan (69).
So what of the laws of average? If the average tells us anything (54.
10 years of age), and this century follows the previous two, then we will not elect a 21st century leader until the presidential election of 2056 (2054 is a mid-term year).
In contrast, Franklin Pierce was the first true 19th Century leader (asserting that the 19th Century began with 1801).
Born in 1804, he took office in 1853, at age 48.
John F.
Kennedy is likewise honored with being the first true 20th Century leader, born in 1917 he was sworn into office at age 43 in 1961.
Following the Constitution the earliest we could see a 21st Century leader move into the White House would be 2035.
However, like 2054, 2035 is also a mid-term year, plus, factoring in the requirements of the 20th Amendment, an elected 21st Century president would not be sworn into office until, at the earliest January 20, 2037.
This possibility is not that far-fetched considering President Pierce who was born November 23, 1804, and could have become President in the election of 1841 -- 12 years and 5 presidents sooner than he did.
What of an individual born early into this new century, rising to the highest office of the land, in the shortest amount of time.
It is not very likely, yet is an interesting possibility to ponder.
It would require a life dedicated to public service.
It would also require, from an early age a parental mindset that, "I would like for my child to grow up and be President.
" Citizenship in American is not what it was in the mid-1990s.
We struggle today learning the subject and speaking pride in all things America.
True, there was a boost during the last election but it was not conceived from the hardcore bases of citizenship; hand over the heart, true-blue Americanism.
It was more a product of the MTV, fast-paced, get-to-the-plot in 60 minute, wiki-generation that lacks lasting substance.
So, avoiding the illusion of a Manchurian Candidate scenario, has the first true 21st century leader already been born? If so, what values will his or her parents instill, and what of the surroundings they grow up in? What will shape their political future? Only time will tell.
One last thought to ponder; Of all the presidents, Harding was born just after the Civil War, Kennedy during World War I, presidents Clinton and G.
W.
Bush during World War II and President Obama during Vietnam.
What of the lesson of war today? How will they shape the future candidate?