Champion of The Elderly

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If Pepper could wave "a legislative wand," he says he would "enact a Medicare bill under which the entire cost would be borne by the Government instead of just the 45% now." He would provide home health care, claiming that it would often save the Government the higher cost of putting people who need not be there in hospitals. And he would provide more preventive health coverage, in hopes of checking illness and prolonging life. Overall, Pepper is optimistic, even without his wand, because he feels that pressure is growing on the Administration to stop cutting social programs. "The Reagan era will come to an end. Already we're moving toward compassion in Government again."

When Pepper's admirers worry about his advancing years and how long he expects to be on Capitol Hill, he sometimes admits that he has retirement plans. "I've set the year," he drawls. As his listeners' concern grows, he adds without a smile: "The year 2000. But I reserve the right to change my mind."

In fact, Pepper has big plans for next year. He intends to lead a drive to elect some 500 delegates who are at least 65 years old to the 1984 Democratic National Convention. That would be about 12% of the total, and he wants to use their leverage to influence the choice of a nominee and the candidate's stand on issues dear to the elderly.

Already, the contenders for the nomination are seeking Pepper's support. Senator Alan Cranston has even listed Pepper as a possible running mate if the Californian were to succeed in his long-shot pursuit of the nomination. Such a Democratic ticket, with a combined age of 154 at election time, would accomplish the impossible: it would make a Republican team of Reagan and Vice President George Bush (combined age 133) look young.

Some of Pepper's most avid fans even urge him to run for President. He clearly considers himself just as physically fit as, and more capable than, the present occupant of the Oval Office. Claims Pepper about 1984: "I'll be better able to throw my hat in the ring at 83 than Ronald Reagan will be at 73." In less quixotic moments, Pepper admits that he is, at best, suited to the No. 2 spot. "It's easy to replace a Vice President," he says, in a rare recognition of his own mortality.

At an age when most people are savoring old memories, Claude Pepper never looks back. His latest legislative proposal is to create a House Committee on the Future of the U.S. He, of course, would like to stick around to help shape its vision, and to see that the recommendations are carried out. In the meantime, he plans to lead his graying army to greater triumphs—and to keep bugging Ronald Reagan.

An elderly woman spots Pepper on a Miami sidewalk and throws her arms around his neck. "I just want to thank you," she says, "for what you are doing for us. " —By Ed Magnuson. Reported by Hays Corey/Washington