Aging Politicians and the Struggle to Step Down
As 2025 looms on the horizon, I find myself hoping for one simple resolution from our elected leaders: know when to quit. While this might sound harsh, it’s becoming a necessary call, particularly when it comes to our older politicians.
The recent political landscape has been dominated by aging figures who, despite their physical and mental decline, refuse to step down. This issue became painfully clear during the 2024 presidential race, with President Biden’s health struggles taking center stage. After a difficult debate with now-President-elect Donald Trump, Biden’s decline was evident to the public, yet his campaign team had worked tirelessly behind the scenes to shield the nation from the true extent of his condition.
But Biden isn’t the only politician in the spotlight. Across the nation, similar stories are unfolding. Whether it’s in Congress or state legislatures, many of our most senior lawmakers are struggling to perform the duties they were elected to do.
The Case of Kay Granger: A Warning Sign
Take the case of 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger from Texas. A 14-term Republican, Granger has been absent from votes in Congress for over five months and is reportedly living in an assisted living facility due to her deteriorating health. Her son confirmed she has been struggling with dementia, yet she remains one of the most powerful members of the House Appropriations Committee. How long can we expect lawmakers in this condition to continue holding such significant power?
This isn’t an isolated incident. In Georgia, 79-year-old Rep. David Scott, a 10-term Democrat, has been seen in public appearing frail and confused. Recently, he became the center of attention when he cursed at a journalist while being wheeled into the U.S. Capitol. It’s a sad reality that many of our politicians, despite their evident decline, are kept in office longer than they should be.
Other Politicians Who Should Have Stepped Down
The problem isn’t just confined to these two. Rep. Gerry Connolly, 74, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, are both continuing to serve in powerful roles despite age and health concerns. Pelosi was recently overseas, working behind the scenes on leadership decisions, but during this time, she fell and broke her hip. It’s clear that these individuals, despite their storied careers, are struggling to keep up with the demands of public office.
Back in New Jersey, we saw two long-serving House members, Reps. Donald Payne Jr. and Bill Pascrell Jr., pass away after hospital stays this year. Pascrell, at 87 years old, had been visibly diminished in recent years, and his death came after key election deadlines, allowing party bosses to appoint his successor. These kinds of situations highlight the need for a real conversation about whether our leaders should continue serving beyond a certain point.
The Debate Over Age Limits
The issue of aging politicians has sparked a debate over whether there should be age limits for elected officials. Recent polling indicates that most Americans believe there should be some sort of age restriction. But is that really the solution?
Gerontologist Tracey Gendron, executive director of the Virginia Center on Aging, offers a nuanced perspective. Gendron points out that aging is a unique experience for everyone. The simple number of years someone has lived doesn’t tell us much about their health, capabilities, or willingness to serve. There are 80-year-olds who are sharp as ever and 40-year-olds who are too out of touch with reality to do the job effectively.
“Knowing that somebody is 65, 75, or 85 is meaningless,” Gendron explains. “It doesn’t tell you how healthy they are. It doesn’t tell you how engaged they want to be. It doesn’t tell you anything.”
Age vs. Ability: A Call for Accountability
This is a fair point. Age alone shouldn’t determine someone’s fitness for office. However, when a public servant no longer has the physical or mental capacity to effectively carry out their duties, it’s a disservice to the public to keep them in power. Biden, McConnell, Scott, and others are examples of individuals who clearly should have stepped aside long ago—not because of their age, but because they are no longer able to perform the job to the standard that voters deserve.
It’s about the job, not the number of candles on a birthday cake. Voters trust their elected officials to represent their best interests, make tough decisions, and lead with clarity. When these abilities begin to fade, it’s not just a matter of personal pride—it’s a question of responsibility. For the sake of the country, and for the sake of good governance, it’s time for some politicians to know when to quit.
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