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.
How would it be age discrimination? There are plenty of fields where you are no longer able to work at a certain age such as being a pilot or air traffic control. If we can’t trust a 70 year old pilot to fly a couple hundred people then why the hell can we trust a 70 year old politican to steer the entire country with policy?
Flying a plane just isn’t analogous to being a politician though.
As in, if a politician has a heart attack or stroke it doesn’t put hundreds of lives at a grave and imminent risk.
Politicans still hold millions of lives in their hands. Sure, if they kick the bucket there can always be a replacement before any damage is done but they need to be cognizant enough to make decisions. They can’t be so old that they aren’t able to keep up and adapt to new things.
I absolutely agree, which is why we shouldn’t elect septuagenarians.
However, because there’s no imminent threat to life involved, laws precluding their election would probably be discriminatory.
I don’t think we’re going to agree on this. I don’t give a fuck if it hurts some old people’s feelings. If you’re over 65 you likely don’t have the mental capacity to run a country and make decisions daily that affect the lives of everyone in said country. It flat out should not be a possibility for someone to make policy when they won’t even be alive to see the consequences in 5-10 years. Even Bernie should not still be in congress, the man should be enjoying his retirement.
Again, I agree with everything you’ve just said, which is why we shouldn’t elect septuagenarians.
Making a law against old people holding office is a whole other thing though. Laws about who can stand is antithetical to democracy.
There is no age limit for pilots. As long as you pass the health checks you can keep flying.
https://www.faa.gov/faq/what-maximum-age-pilot-can-fly-airplane
You can keep flying, just not commercially after 65.