What A Day Congress Ain’t Gettin’ Any Younger, Folks
7 snips
Jan 7, 2025 
Ken Klippenstein, an independent journalist specializing in national security, discusses the implications of an aging Congress. He highlights that with nearly a quarter of Congress over 70, there are significant challenges as older leaders grapple with economic issues affecting younger generations. The conversation explores the cultural dynamics favoring seniority and the disconnect between actual ages and perceived youthfulness in politics. Klippenstein also addresses shifting public concerns about age in leadership amidst recent political upheavals.
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Aging Congress
- America's government is facing a gerontocracy, with many leaders in their 70s and 80s.
- This age gap between leaders and the average American (39) raises concerns about representation and policy.
Kay Granger's Situation
- Texas Republican Kay Granger, 81, lived in a retirement home and hadn't voted since July while still in office.
- Her office never disclosed this information, highlighting the lack of transparency around aging politicians.
Gerontocracy and National Security
- Ken Klippenstein's interest in gerontocracy stemmed from a RAND Corporation report.
- The report highlighted concerns about dementia among senior officials with access to classified information.
