68-year-old congresswoman says she's retiring to 'set a better example' amid concern over aging politicians
68-year-old congresswoman says she's retiring to 'set a better example' amid concern over aging politicians
The average American retires at age 62, but in Congress, many lawmakers hang around well past their 70s.
Summary
Rep. Annie Kuster, a 68-year-old Democrat from New Hampshire, retiring after 12 years in Congress, cites a desire to “set a better example” and create space for younger leaders.
Her decision comes amid growing public concern about aging politicians, with about a quarter of lawmakers over 70. Kuster’s successor will be Maggie Goodlander, 38.
Democrats are increasingly elevating younger leaders following setbacks in 2024, which some attribute to the perception of aging leadership, including President Biden’s controversial reelection bid.
Calls for age limits remain popular but face significant legislative hurdles.
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Oh great, now the Democratic pols are going to step down to "set a good example" while their doddering GOP counterparts will lurch around until their 90s with, staffers following them around with portable defibrillators so if they die in hallway somewhere they can be revived before the next vote.
If that means the Democratic Party starts to transform by bringing in younger, more left people while the Republicans stagnate, this could be good.
"Best we can do is younger, neoliberal folks." - Democratic Party
Well, where are all the people voting progressives in the primary?
Younger folk tend to be more adaptable and likely more in tune with actual working class issues. So more of a chance than before at least.
Well... I'll be damned. You've changed my mind. Thanks.
As long as they keep putting in replacements that's are younger, this is a good strategy. The problem would be if they lose their seats, but if it puts the GOP further out of touch with voters and pushes Democrats closer, I'm all for it.
It’s progress.
now the Democratic pols are going to step down to “set a good example”
Republicans used to do this as a party function. The idea of seats, particularly at the lower tiers of government, being term-limited and up-or-out helped create new opportunities for younger aspiring politicians to participate in the party and aspire towards higher office.
If your only way into the next rung of office is through a miserable primary against an entrenched incumbent or patiently waiting for a 70-year-old politician to die of old age, you've got very little reason to try and climb the ladder. But if you know each seat opens up every six to twelve years, and the line of aspiring politicians is forever moving forward, then there's a reason to be a mid-level party official competing with other mid-level party officials looking for the next opening in the rooster.
Same thing happens in business with C-level executives. You have a bunch of hungry VPs all gunning for the next President/CEO job. Then you have your CEOs/Presidents retire onto the corporate boards every few years to make room for the next crop of talent. People want to join your company at the junior level because they see a path to seniority, rather than a dead-end role doing middle management bullshit for the rest of your life.
Yeah, I don't understand why Democrats always think they must unilaterally disarm. It's nauseating, honestly. How well did that work out for Al Franken, for example? We still have the orange pedo sitting in the WH here in a few weeks...