Last year, the New York Times reported that California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein sometimes struggles with her cognitive abilities. She can’t remember the names of colleagues and has trouble remembering what happened in meetings or what was said in conversations.
Feinstein and her team have denied the allegations of her cognitive struggles. But anecdotes just keep piling up.
Feinstein, 89, has been dogged recently by questions about whether she will run for another term in 2024.
The concerns from many were likely validated this week when Feinstein seemed to be surprised to learn of her retirement when asked again by reporters.
After a statement had already been made about the senator’s intention to retire, she responded to the press that she had not made the decision yet.
A staffer had to tell her that the statement was put out and she responded, “You put out the statement? I didn’t know they put it out.”
Feinstein was first elected to the upper chamber in a 1992 special election. She is currently the oldest sitting senator as well as the longest-serving female senator in the history of the United States.
The “surprise” statement that was released said, ”I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends.”
She went on to say that she remains focused on passing commonsense legislation. She wants to fight gun violence, preserve pristine lands and promote economic growth.
Feinstein said that even though we have a divided Congress, we could still pass bills that improve lives.
If she had run again, Feinstein would have been 91 on Election Day in 2024. And if she won the election, she would have been 97 by the end of her term.
I think it’s time for some younger leadership.
