As the old saying goes, there’s no time like the present. With that in mind, it’s time to talk about Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Feinstein has served in the Senate since 1992, and has long been a respected figure in California politics. But now, as she approaches her 90th birthday, it’s time for her to step down from her role as the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
This isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Feinstein has been a stalwart defender of the rule of law, and her experience and knowledge of the judiciary are invaluable. But there’s no getting around the fact that age has taken its toll.
In recent years, Feinstein has faced increasing criticism for her performance. Most memorably, during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, she was criticized for her handling of questions around sexual assault allegations against him.
But it’s not just that one incident. Feinstein’s questioning has often been rambling and unfocused, and she has struggled with basic facts and legal principles.
It’s an uncomfortable truth, but it’s time for Feinstein to step down. The job of a senator is demanding and complex, and it’s not one that can be done effectively by someone whose faculties are failing.
This isn’t to say that older people can’t be effective in politics. There are plenty of examples of people who have continued to serve effectively into their 80s or even 90s. But it’s clear that in Feinstein’s case, her time has come.
It’s not just the right thing to do for the Senate and the country – it’s the right thing to do for Feinstein herself. She deserves to spend her remaining years surrounded by her family and loved ones, not in a demanding and stressful job that she may no longer be able to handle.
It’s easy to gloss over the issue of ageism in politics. But the fact is, there’s a real danger in having people in power who can no longer fulfill their duties effectively. It’s time for Dianne Feinstein to step down, gracefully and with dignity, and for the Senate Judiciary Committee to find someone who can carry out its important work with the vigor and clarity it deserves.
The time has come. The question is, will Feinstein do the right thing?
