The aging of America’s office holders: solution needed

Being an “elder statesman” used to be something of a distinction but in today’s political world, there doesn’t seem to be any other kind. Though there are more elders than statesmen.

Fortunately, the men and women who actually practice diplomacy are relatively young but our elected political leaders — the senators, representatives and also our past two presidents — are showing their ages in various ways, not always to their advantage.

It makes one wonder why people should be running for president at that advanced age. Let’s explore, starting at the top.

President Biden will be 80 in November; if he runs again in 2024 and wins, he’ll be 86 in 2028 when his second term ends.

Donald Trump, the leading Republican contender, is 76; if he runs again and wins, he’ll be 80 when his term ends. The four years between them make no difference.

There is no way to tell which of these two old men will retain his greatest accumulation of marbles after the 2024 election.

True, your physical or mental health can fail at any time in your life but the later years are, of course, the most vulnerable. And while failing health can be treated over the course of months or even years, it isn’t very convenient for the individual — or the nation — when one is president.

The 28th president of the United States was Woodrow Wilson in his first term from 1912 to 1916 and Wilson, his second wife, Edith Wilson, and his doctor, Cary Grayson, for part of his second term, 1916-20.

The wife and doctor secretly handled most presidential matters after Wilson suffered a disabling stroke midway in that second term and Mrs. Wilson was derided as “the first female president” at a time when women couldn’t even vote for the office. Steps have been taken to prevent much of this from happening again.

This topic was prompted by two recent news stories about people holding important positions in government and the private sector.

First, there was a troubling story about the mental state of a senator, the influential California Democrat Diane Feinstein. “Four U.S. senators, including three Democrats, as well as three former Feinstein staffers … told the (San Francisco) Chronicle in recent interviews that her memory is rapidly deteriorating,” wrote Deputy Editorial Page Editor Ruth Marcus in the Washington Post.

“Colleagues worry Dianne Feinstein is now mentally unfit to serve, citing recent interactions,” the headline read.

Feinstein and her staff denied everything but after an erratic performance at Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearings, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer persuaded her to step down as ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She’s up for reelection in 2024.

Then there was a happier story from the private sector, announcing the retirement of Dean Baquet, the executive editor of The New York Times, who just turned 66, and the appointment of the paper’s highly regarded managing editor Joe Khan, 57, to succeed him.

The announcement noted in passing that 65 is an age that has traditionally meant retirement for top editorial posts at the Times. Those with lesser responsibilities might be permitted to work longer, but at 65, the most responsible posts should be refreshed with younger blood. That’s the policy of many institutions with a responsibility to the public and/or their shareholders but presidents and members of Congress — and justices of the Supreme Court — go on.

Feinstein is not the only octogenarian in a high Senate or House post. She’ll be 88 in June; Republican leader Chuck Grassley will be 88 in September. James Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican, is 86, so is Vermont Democrat Pat Leahy. The retiring Richard Shelby (R-ALA) is 87 and majority leader Mitch McConnell is 80. Bernie Sanders, who wants to join the old man presidency, is also 80.

Senators 75 and over are too numerous to mention but it should be noted they include Richard Blumenthal, whom you may know. He’s up for reelection in November.

And we can’t ignore the House because there’s Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, and fellow Californian Maxine Waters, 84, along with Democratic leaders Jim Clyburn, 82, Steny Hoyer, 83, and New Haven’s own Rosa DeLauro, 79.

So what are we to do about this troublesome phenomenon?

Supporters of term limits — and there are many — would be quick to speak up with their solution but I’m not so sure. Term limits would interfere with the basic right to vote and prevent the nation from obtaining the services of some valuable public servants. Revolving doors in the House, and especially the Senate, would transfer a lot of power to the permanent, unelected staff.

But what about age limits? After all, we already have minimum age limits for the presidency, the Congress and the courts.

It could happen but the way things work, some aged office holder will have to do something really dreadful first.

 

Simsbury resident Dick Ahles is a retired journalist. Email him at rahles1@outlook.com.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

HVRHS triple jumper places 9th in New England
Anthony Labbadia set a new HVRHS record with a 44-foot one-inch triple jump June 14. The distance earned him 9th place at the New England track and field championship, which this year was held in New Britain, Conn.
Photo by Riley Klein

NEW BRITAIN — Anthony Labbadia soared to 9th place in the triple jump at the 2025 New England track and field championships Saturday, June 14.

On his first attempt of the event he leaped 44 feet and one inch, qualifying for the finals and setting the new Housatonic Valley Regional High School record. The previous school record of 43 feet eight inches was set by Don Hurlbutt in 1967.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less