On January 20, 1985, when Ronald Reagan began his second term as President, he was 73 years old, making him the oldest person ever to be sworn in as President of the United States. His age had, in fact, become an issue during the 1984 campaign, but Reagan used his characteristic humor to deflect the issue. During one of the presidential debates, Reagan turned to his opponent, Walter Mondale, and said: "I'm not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience." Even Mondale (56 years old) had to chuckle.