I am 71. We don't need people of my generation running in 2020.

[wasupaloopa]

We've had our time on the stage.

What we need in 2020 is a young charismatic person who can get people out to vote like Obama did in 2008.

We can win if we all get behind that person. No third party, no independent, no Green Party candidates to split the vote or to be a reason to stay home or to be a reason to vote for the opposition.

They will run another crooked campaign and pit us against each other.

Pay attention to the past and see why we lose.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. As another older person I agree with you.

Another Obama will be hard to find but someone will turn up -- I hope. But Hillary and Bernie and Joe Biden - although I like all of them - should step aside.

[crazycatlady]

10. There's some dynamic up and coming candidates

(I'm in my 30s).

I worked last cycle for a now DA elect who would have been in my high school class had we gone to the same school. (I'm actually older than him but by months). I can't see him going to Washington, but I can see him becoming the state AG.

I interviewed for a candidate for governor that's two years older than me who's very dynamic (competitive primary and general-- results TBD)

Abby Finkenauer, running for Congress in an Iowa swing seat was born in 1989. If she's elected, she'd be the youngest member of congress.

Last but not least-- from one of the most watched races of 2017, Danica Roem, the first openly trans state legislator (to be), is 33.

[brush]

59. Keep 'em coming. They are the future of the party.

[crazycatlady]

62. Donate to a group called Run for Something

They;re focused on training candidates under 35 to run for local office

[brush]

67. Ok.

[nocoincidences]

2. I'll be 70 this month

and I feel the same way.

My political action began in '67 and went full tilt through the 70s, from Cesar Chavez and the UFW, civil rights, anti-war and right on through the fight for the ERA and Feminism.

It's time for new blood to bring passion and energy and focus. And the rest of us who stand behind them need to keep our focus on the prize, and not get distracted by anyone, no matter what party or position they hold.

Focus. Learn from the recent fuck-ups, and they were major ones.

[Hekate]

122. I turned 70 this Fall -- same thing. Started with Gene McCarthy in 1968...need some new folks...

...to step into the fray.

[magicarpet]

3. Don't run....

.... put your roller blades and crash helmet on.

[rzemanfl]

4. 70. K&R. n/t

[democratisphere]

5. History always repeats itself.

Usually not this quickly.

[pangaia]

30. So do post topics on DU.. LOL

[democratisphere]

45. You've got a good point.

[Susan Calvin]

55. .

[pangaia]

79. 'Sup Susan....?

Only 3 Nutcrackers to go....Then I fly to Florida to hear my favorite violinist. ssshhhhh

[Susan Calvin]

88. Love her so much.

[Yonnie3]

6. I am not quite that old.

I agree, depending on what you mean by young. I think below 55 years of age, charismatic, well educated, and experienced in the public sector (business experience is not important). Experience and maturity are as important as charisma.

Maybe a fiftyish constitutional scholar with experience in community organizing?

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. Agree, candidates need a longer shelf life.

We should learn from the past.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

8. I'm 65 and ITA.

[DangerousUrNot]

9. I respectfully disagree.

Why does age matter? If the candidate has the right policies, garners attention from all generations and has a good track record, they deserve to be considered. I’m not just talking about Bernie, I mean anyone who has those characteristics.

[wasupaloopa]

14. Because people of my generation do not understand what life is like for younger people.

It's almost like another culture living side by side with us that we can't begin to identify with.


They are the future. They have to solve the problems that will challenge their lives.

Much of what is happening in DC does not effect us but it sure as hell is creating the path that young people will have to travel.

They face the future of robotics. They must decide how to deal with employment problems in their lives. They will have to restore the environment that will be destroyed.

They will face choices like universal basic income or some model other than the working world we lived in.

We will be gone they will be here.

[DangerousUrNot]

17. Yes there is a generational gap between baby boomers and

Generation Y and Z regarding culture or the issues we face. Bernie understood the future issues with the younger generations. He did many interviews and panels where he identified with younger generations. That’s why most of the Bernie or bust crowd were younger people. I’m a millennial, 32 YOA and I don’t care that an older politician likes hip hop, movies of our generation or uses the same slang. I want them to understand the future issues that we will be facing. Age doesn’t negate data and statistics. We have political scientists that would be able to explain it to the candidate or all they have to do is actually listen to our generation. I’m not saying it has to be Bernie but I wouldn’t count him out just because of his age. He took time to understand and any good politician, young or old, should be able to comprehend. Now whether they decide to care is a different topic.

[wasupaloopa]

22. For me it is hard to relate without trying to

fit my past solutions on tomorrow's problems.

I can listen but I can't experience.

[DangerousUrNot]

32. Ok

We want someone who cares about our student loan debt, social security for us, higher wages and climate change. All big issues for us younger generations. It shouldn’t be too hard to work on those issues. The thing is the candidate needs to care, we don’t care how old they are.

[SCantiGOP]

40. Im 66 and I strongly agree with the OP

You could have a close election and have an incident - fainting, mild stroke, etc - by a candidate in his/her 70s swing the election. The stress and ridiculous schedule a presidential campaign requires could easily be the trigger.
Also, as a person hits normal retirement age, as I and my long-time friends are doing now, your ability to synthesize new information and alter positions you hold becomes harder to do.
I know people in their 70s that are sharper than I was 20 years ago, but I know a whole lot more people in my age bracket who have definitely lost a step mentally.

[DangerousUrNot]

57. Well thats the thing

If we know they are not in good health or have mental issues then he/she shouldn’t run. Also that is what the Vice President is for. They know what the constituents wanted from the president, so if they pass away, the vice president should continue with policies.
If the candidate is in good health and fights for the right policies, I think it’s a bad idea to dismiss them because of age.
I mean, we shouldn’t let a younger candidate run if they had mental issues right, so of course that applies to an older candidate.
I respectfully stilll disagree with the OP.

[brush]

66. We need someone who we're sure is going to be here after 4 years, in 2 years for that matter.

We can't be sure about candidates approaching 80.

That's just life, how it is.

When generational change happens it happens. You can't stop it.

When Bill Clinton won he was the first Baby Boomer president. There hasn't been a non-Baby Boomer president since then.

The time for change is here again. Late 40s to mid-60 year-olds appeal to younger and older people.

That's who we need now and there are several on our bench — Harris, Kennedy, Brown, Newsom, Becerra and others who I can't think of their name right now.

I can't remember the name of the woman senator who acquited herself very well on that TV debate with Sanders and the repugs a few weeks ago.

[DangerousUrNot]

75. So even if they had most of the things you wanted in a candidate

You’ll skip over them because they MIGHT not be around for the full term? Even if they don’t make it, the time in office wouldn’t be worth it? And like I said, the Vice President, more than likely wouldn’t make drastic changes to the policies they were working on. It’s hard to find great candidates that are loved across the generational spectrum. I wouldn’t throw them away because they MIGHT not make the full term.

[brush]

81. You might but a lot of people won't vote for someone who they think is too old.

It's just how it is.

A good example: try getting a job when approaching 80. It ain't gonna happen.

Running for president is the hardest, longest job interview there is.

[DangerousUrNot]

87. A lot of people voted for Bernie

And Trump is the president and he’s in his 70’s. Sorry not buying it. If they have the qualities people are looking for and healthy, people will vote.

[brush]

95. Sorry, not buying that either. Neither was approaching 80.

[DangerousUrNot]

130. Well like I said I dont worry about age

I worry about their well being and attentiveness. The fact is a lot of people voted for older candidates this past election when there were a lot younger candidates to choose from. If they’re healthy, and what the people want, they will and should vote for them.

[JustAnotherGen]

128. It's our turn

Generation X. I have friends my age balancing the gap of their parents income to health expenses and trying to launch their 20 Something adult children.

We are cynical assholes -I get that. But there are also bright lights of forward. Think Booker.

He could stand in the middle of 202 during rush hour to help a baby deer across the street and this state would still vote for him. (We have terrible traffic on 202 during rush hour).

Give a boy scout a chance.

[airplaneman]

135. I agree with you and I am twice your age.

A good leader is hard to find. If you find a good one you don't discount them because of their age. Might as well discount everyone before you start if you are not going to latch onto a good one. Let me address what I see in your issues mentioned.
Higher wages - A livable wage now - a guaranteed income for all. Progressive taxation that will eliminate income inequality or at least move the problem in the opposite direction.
Student loan debt - It should be with no interest like they do in Australia. We should have quantitative easing for people and not banks where we buy up the bad debt of people in unfortunate situations - This includes student loans- bad universities, deaths, depressed areas where there are no jobs.
Social security - we should double the amount and or have a minimum guaranteed income.
Climate change - declare an emergency now and try to cool the arctic and stop / remove carbon dioxide and methane. 100% phase out of carbon based energy
Any candidate seriously promoting any or many of these would be a good leader.
-Airplane

[DangerousUrNot]

136. Yes

On the student loan debt, if you have any debt now, make it low interest or wipe it all away. There should no future student debt because college should be free or at the very least, inexpensive.
I’m sick old people saying “be pragmatic”, “You’re too progressive”, Fuck that, we are one of the only countries that burdens their citizens with such incredible student loan debt. It’s amazing! And yes we can make it free or really inexpensive by allocating discretionary funds from the military or raising taxes on the 1%.

[LiberalFighter]

23. That could be said the same for the younger generation.

Any candidate needs to earn the right and just because they are older should not be a disqualifying factor.

It is not the Presidency that we need to worry about. Congress, state legislatures, local government are all important.

[crazycatlady]

24. Very few candidates talk about issues that young people care about

Perhaps if the candidates mentioned issues that pertain to them (student loans) then they'd vote in larger numbers.

Talking about Medicare isn't going to bring a 25 year old to the polls.

[CBHagman]

116. College affordability was in the 2004 Democratic platform...

...and it was one of the issues Hillary Clinton campaigned on.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/college/

Perhaps if the candidates mentioned issues that pertain to them (student loans) then they'd vote in larger numbers.

Talking about Medicare isn't going to bring a 25 year old to the polls.

Well, candidates do talk about issues that pertain to young people, and moreover we don't consign people to ice floes just because they're the so-called wrong age.

[crazycatlady]

141. Being in a platform and talking about it are different

One thing young people have is a master bullshit detector.

When they see a candidate doesn't care like people like them or prioritize issues that matter to them (it is one thing to have it in the platform buried on page 103, it is another thing to talk about it), they won't vote.

Part of running a good voter contact operation is knowing your audience. Constituency based outreach (ie women to women) works for this. Only one campaign I've been on did this with young people (under 30) and that was because I was in charge of it.

If all of the political ads on TV are about senior issues, it is very easy to draw the conclusion that the most important voters have gray hair.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

65. Age doesn't matter... leadership, vision, and inspiration are far more important.

[DangerousUrNot]

77. Thats what I try to tell people but they say age matters

[bdamomma]

112. a candidates

mental health to should factor in there.

[lexington filly]

84. Physically we don't have the energy required to

effectively lead the free world. It's science like eyes thin, ears thicken, skin thins, noses thicken. Our senses are literally on the down-hill slide. So is our energy level. Brains aren't?

Ballplayers age out, CEO's, teachers, FBI agents. So why in hell do politicians and Supreme Court judges think they're ageless? Because they are not.

Wouldn't it be a bit of a deterrent for a president to know she's/he's going to live well beyond a term and held accountable for decisions? Though the best thing that's happened to the last Bush is Trump being elected and he now glows by comparison.

[DangerousUrNot]

99. What are you talking about?! Haha

I never said people don’t age. Trump is in his 70s barely sleeps, eats junk food all the time but he is moving around well. He already had mental issues but his voters didn’t notice.
If the candidate is in good shape, we’re is the issue? You guys act like as soon as he steps foot in the White House he’s going to kick the bucket.
There are many accommodations that could be made to lessen travel. They have the best doctors around them and a personal chef that can make healthy food. They would be the president, yes a lot of stress but that means having the world at their fingers to relieve the stress.

[Chemisse]

91. Age matters, for a few reasons (and I am 63).

1. Running for president takes an enormous force of will and huge amounts of energy. Our party should not be represented by someone who is hobbling along, just trying to stay alive for another decade.

2. Older politicians all have some kind of baggage, votes or comments or actions from the past that will force us all into the same tired old arguments.

3. We must have new and fresh ideas to pull voters away from their entrenched positions, getting them thinking and considering in new ways, and out to vote for Dems. Let the Republicans be the only party that can't think past the Reagan days.

[DangerousUrNot]

108. Come on dude

The president is not a professional athlete lol. He’s not going to be shooting jump shots or running the ball up the middle of the field. Yes, it would be stressful but you can limit the travel, eat well. All kinds of remedies at the president’s finger tips.
I’m saying if the candidate has most of the qualities you’re looking for, healthy and attentive, why dismiss them because of what MIGHt happen?
Of course if the person is showing signs of mental issues or has some kind of disease, yes pass on them. I’m talking about a healthy older person.

Everyone has skeletons in their closet. And by the time they start the election, all the journalists would have them vetted by then. During the primaries is when most of the dirt comes out. Everything we knew about Trump came out during the running of the election, not after he was elected. Before you run, that’s your teams job to know any dirt the opponent can pull up on you. If there is something extreme, they make the decision not to run.

[Mollyann]

11. Agreed

I am also 71 and totally agree with you.

[oberliner]

12. With age comes experience

I'm all for someone in their 70s if they are the right candidate.

[rickyhall]

93. Experience?

And dementia. Ever heard of young blood?

[oberliner]

103. Yes

If one has been on this planet for 70 years one has a perspective that might elude someone who has only been on the planet for half as long.

I would agree that someone with dementia should not be a candidate. Most people in their 70s do not suffer from that condition.

[colsohlibgal]

13. I agree

I am several years from my 70s but it is time to turn the page. Like Joe Biden a lot but it is time for him to be an elder statesmen for the Dems. Remember Reagan in his last two years when his Alzheimer’s was almost certainly in its early stages?

I am looking at people like Kamala Harris, Joe Kennedy, and if that Ruiz lady who is mayor of a San Juan is eligible her too.

But we also have to worry about voting procedures stealing more elections or it may not matter.

[Freedomofspeech]

15. I totally agree.

We need young blood!!!

[Jarqui]

16. I'm entering mid 60s and I agree with you.

I felt Ronald Reagan was not up to the job due to him showing his age and because of it, I feel he was a bit of a puppet - having to delegate more because he was not up to it. He seemed mentally sluggish a number of times.

Trump is 70+ and has signs of dementia and other mental health issues that could be exacerbated by his age, weight and fast food diet.

I'm still fond of Bernie. I eventually campaigned for Hillary. Both will very arguably be too old for a very tough, stressful and physically demanding job. Bernie has remarkable energy but he's 76 now. I think the 2016 campaign took it's physical toll on Hillary who is 70 now. I like Joe Biden too but feel the same way. I could easily live with one of them as VP.

I think Jimmy Carter has proven he could handle the job well into his 70s so it is not purely an age thing. It's whether they have the good energetic health to do the job.

[delisen]

38. Clinton looked great in Pasadena yesterday. signed books for 1200 people and chatted them up

Human seemed a bit tired though - working long hours, baby to care for.

[enough]

18. I'm 73 and agree. NT

[Binkie The Clown]

19. I'm 72 and I absolutely agree. Our generation screwed it up, give to the next generation to fix. nt

[delisen]

76. For almost 75 years we have avoided having Nuclear War.

It is, to me , an amazing achievement.

We have moved out beyond our planet

We have made some amazing advances in public health and medicine

I think there is a long list of positives. (Yes I know the list negatives is long)

[Susan Calvin]

124. Thank you.

[IphengeniaBlumgarten]

20. 78 and I agree, too.

In addition to the reasons already mentioned, a younger candidate will not have been subjected to 30 years of spurious attacks, like Hillary had been. People here know enough to discount them, but the public at large just absorbs the negative publicity. In fact, this may be why we are suddenly hearing so many stories about Al Franken -- the R's are already trying to tear him down as a possible candidate.

[fierywoman]

21. I'm 66 and agree. Let the elder statesmen mentor the younger ones. nt

[Tiggeroshii]

25. Someone young new, not white, non Christian and progressive would be ideal.

[RKP5637]

26. Agree!!! n/t

[matt819]

27. Early sixties

Couldn’t agree more.

[pangaia]

28. I'm 74 and ready to run! If I could just remember where my car keys are...

And the chord progression in SLEIGH RIDE !!

[Susan Calvin]

49. Sorry,

I know only 12 bar blues, Cherokee, and Rhythm... ;->

What *is* the progression for Sleigh Ride....?! Does Leroy have any other iconic progressions?

[Scruffy1]

74. It's a 1,6,2,5

But Icheated and looked it up. C, Am,dm7,G in C. other than that I forgot the chord progressions I knew this morning. Getting so I need a fake book to play anythin. That's why we need somer younger people. I'm 69.

[Susan Calvin]

110. .

(65 here.)

[pangaia]

78. Something like this

C - C - G7 - G7 - G7 Dm Em F C G C

Then the bridge


Sleigh ride and the Nutcracker are dancing like sugar plums in my head all the time... christmas performances time...

[Susan Calvin]

90. Next time I hear it,

I will listen for the progression.

[Willie Pep]

29. I don't think age is an issue for us.

I see this come up a lot, the assumption that the "olds" just need to step aside and things will get better. But I don't really see any evidence that younger, more charismatic leaders will make a difference. Obama had those qualities and the Democratic Party was decimated at the federal and state level while he was in office.

The problem is more prosaic I think. We simply allowed the party infrastructure to decay especially at the state level. The Republican strategy after 2008 was to pour money and manpower into state elections and win at the state level in order to control voting rights and redistricting. The Democrats were caught with their pants down and failed to adequately fight back and that is how we got to where we are today.

In my area the Democrats tried the "young, charismatic" strategy by enlisted a professional Millennial woman for a state legislative seat and she was a complete flop. She was defeated because the local Republican had built up a strong local machine and people knew him and he had a reputation as a "good guy" despite his ultra right-wing voting record. The Republicans today are doing what the Democrats used to do. Focusing on local races, glad-handing, going to every Boy Scout or Girl Scout pancake breakfast. That stuff makes a big difference to people especially because most people aren't policy wonks and don't pay that much attention to politics.

[Skid Rogue]

31. In Birmingham, AL

we just elected our youngest mayor, Randall Woodfin. He's 36. Everyone is very excited. Not only is he a bit more socially liberal than the majority of Birmingham Democrats, he doesn't possess the same "old crony" business ties that have hampered our last few mayors.

[Susan Calvin]

47. Wahoo! Should I move there? nt

[Skid Rogue]

52. I'll let you know in a year from now...

but I'm hopeful. XD

[Susan Calvin]

107. Please do.

I'm absolutely serious. I plan to visit there and take a civil rights tour at Christmas.

[Lunabell]

33. This old lady wants new blood.

Our own Justine or Justin Trudeau.

[delisen]

61. Sounds like a vampire call. n/t

[Crunchy Frog]

34. I will happily support Liz Warren if she decides to run.

[StevieM]

35. Well I think a lot of older candidates are going to run.

Bernie will be 79 in 2020. Biden will be 78. Warren will be 71. I expect all three to run.

My favorite candidates are Tom Steyer, who will be 63, and Jay Inslee, who will be 69.

I don't think age should be an issue.

[Susan Calvin]

46. No Biden. No old guard. Please. nt

[TheCowsCameHome]

70. Yup, you're right.

No Bernie, no HRC, no Warren, the list goes on.

Time for younger rising stars.

[StevieM]

83. Everyone who wants to run is welcome to run. The voters will decide.

In the end, if an older candidate wins it probably means that they did something right to make that victory possible.

I am not looking to vote for either of the two major older candidates, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden, but I don't want anyone disqualified.

[Susan Calvin]

92. I don't want anyone "disqualified"

I'm just saying I personally don't want Biden. Or any other old guard.

[Pris]

36. This is hilarious

First, one person is never a standard for every 71 year old in the country. Second, narrowing our field of candidates based on ageism makes no sense.

If we pay attention to the past we see Wikileaks, #fakenews, collusion.

The first female feminist children's rights candidate for POTUS in the USA was robbed. Justice must be demanded.

[lunamagica]

131. + a million!

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

37. Amen to that!

57 yrs here. Time to look to someone in their 40s/50s

[NCTraveler]

39. Looking forward to anyone wanting to test the waters.

I’ll judge them on their positions, how I feel they will be able to push through those positions, ability to win, and health. I wouldn’t outright dismiss someone in their early seventies.

Like 73 or so. Just kidding on that one.

[LeftInTX]

41. I'm 61 and I feel old

Arthritis, chronic dry mouth, fibromyalgia, wrinkles, bad teeth (although Biden's are capped and Hillary's appear to be partially capped, so I guess with $$ can be fixed), hair that needs constant dying, saggy boobs, belly flab and flabby arms....(I'm not overweight, just saggy from age) chronic, constant need for exercise to fight aging.

I would spend more time looking presidential than doing the business of being the president.

[Susan Calvin]

60. Yeah, but..

Bernie's way more fit than I was in my 30s, I bet.

[mshasta]

42. Very true

Candidates need to be Between 40

[leanforward]

43. I can agree with all of the above.

Personally, I see a lot of angry old guys running for office or in office. I'm in my 70's.

Who ever it may be as our next leader, needs to have the ability to think critically. How that is determined comes from your gut and commentary. I started following President Obama after I watched his speech at Democratic Convention in 2004. He made a reference to John Maynard Keynes.

When I compare 44 to 45, I come up with "does not compute."

Age does not help a person to think critically.

We need someone younger. So far, Jason Kander of Misssouri, Kamala Harris of California, or the Senator Kirsten G of New York come to mind. To me Senators Bernie and Elizabeth are great resources. They are both in their 60 plus. How about Michelle O?

We need a critical thinker. If I can see them in a public forum and make sense to me. It has got to make sense in the realm of Public Financial Management.

We have to give the younger and future leaders a chance and our advice.

[Susan Calvin]

44. IMHO, it's not generational, per se.

It's old-guard party elite.

None of *them*, I agree.

Bernie is an exception to me, although I'd really prefer a younger-gen person with similar ideas and clout. I'm just not sure that currently exists. I sure thank Bernie for generating that clout.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

48. I am 69 years old and I absolutely agree.

Quite frankly, even if Trump weren't such an idiot, I wasn't happy by how old both of the candidates were. People here keep on screeching about how wonderful and qualified and so on that Hillary was, but quite frankly she looks older than her age. Yes, she'd be a vastly better President than Trump, but we should have gone with someone a decade or two younger in the first place.

It is past time for the older generation to gracefully move aside and let the younger ones take power.

[Pris]

51. a decade or two younger?

Might want to rethink that if you want to win elections:

"Today, 40 million people in the United States are ages 65 and older, but this number is projected to more than double to 89 million by 2050. ... By 2050, the oldest old will number 19 million, over one-fifth of the total population ages 65 and older."

http://www.prb.org/Publications/Reports/2011/americas-aging-population.aspx

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

56. Just because there are a lot of us old people who vote,

doesn't mean we should persist in electing other old people.

Here's another crucial factor: The Republicans have been doing a very good job of moving younger people into elected positions, and in Congress, in positions of leadership. The Democrats in Congress adhere to a strict seniority rule, so the very oldest Democratic Senators and Representatives are the ranking members on committees. I don't think that's a good idea.

I won't name names, but some of our very oldest members of Congress need to be replaced. One huge problem with them is that they are clinging to power, and absolutely nothing is being done to cultivate new, younger members.

And it's only going to get worse if everyone fiercely clings to the status quo.

[Pachamama]

50. 4 years ago I saw at my Alma Mater (Univ of Penn) a fascinating presentation about the Generations

It was a fascinating presentation that described various markers and events in history and a description of the various Generations and the events that shaped and marked their generation and their "experiences" and characteristics.

That means generations like the current Generation Z (born through 2010) and X, Y, and Baby Boomers etc.

He described the Silent Generation but said specifically at the time that there has never been, and never will be, anyone from that generation (which he defined as born between 1925-1942 who has ever been elected President nor ever will be. I found that to a fascinating statement back in 2013 and I then saw this same person lecture in 2015 and asked them again if they thought that Bernie Sanders could ever be elected. He answered based on his studies and statistical analysis from this era and age group, Never.

I was so struck by his certainty and the lecture and I remember it and always will. So when I hear that Bernie wants to run again in 2020, I cringe. Bernie shouldn't run for President. He should (if he is alive) or anyone else from that era, helping elect and speak for a younger newer generation that can take the torch and rebuild this country.

And statistically speaking and assuming that this data that he went by is true, if I were a betting person I wouldn't bet on anyone born in those years.

[INdemo]

53. or 2018. We need new younger leadership in the Party and in

Congress.

[NRaleighLiberal]

54. this 61 year old completely agrees!

[delisen]

58. Do we always need an out-group to dump on? I think we should

resist scapegoating. There seems always to be more of it in authoritarian times. Are we just making it ok to be a transgender or female candidate-only to try to limit some other group? Ys we can becomes No you can't.

Candidates self-select- then we vote -I do not believe in either voter suppression or candidate-suppression. either stance is undemocratic.

The worst leader of the 20th century were relatively young and charismatic-they ended up running what were essentially massive death cults.

I don't believe in limiting others based upon my own limitations or health issues.

As for Reagan, not only did he win, he won lots of union workers and the youth vote.

[Susan Calvin]

97. Good point. nt

[Tiggeroshii]

63. If your ideas can build our future

I will welcome you from the past.

[Susan Calvin]

64. Way too generalized.

We need people new to the system, with new ideas. But we also need clout. I am happy to say that it appears that Bernie now has clout.

[USALiberal]

68. I agree! Thanks for your OP!! nt

[homegirl]

69. Amen...

Age limit-no one over 65 should run for public office
Term limits-2 for Senate
House=term extended to 4 years with a three term limit
President- one six year term

No pension benefits and no health insurance after leaving office
No passing legislation which they are excluded from.

And we need a system that does not permit them to raise their wages without voter consent. Or maybe we need a baseline pay rate that is adjusted to inflation every five years.

And absolutely Public Financing of Campaigns!

[Susan Calvin]

100. I like your ideas except for the age limit.

That *so* depends.

[Atman]

71. 58 and I totally agree.

We're running people who were running before I could even vote! It's insane. We tend to think of "conservatives" as being old codgers, but it's the Democrats.

[rpannier]

72. I agree in part with what you said

I want younger people to run because I want us to build a stronger bench for the future

[efhmc]

73. Mayor Eric Garcetti is the new blood we need.

This owl (old white lady) agrees. We need new blood.

[Susan Calvin]

119. What city, please?

(I'm looking to move.)

[efhmc]

132. https://www.ericgarcetti.com/

LA

[Susan Calvin]

143. Oh phooey. Can't afford it. :-( nt

[walkingman]

80. I'm 67 and I think my generation is responsible for this mess.

[marble falls]

82. I'm 66 and we don't need people my age in government right now. 2018 I am voting for those under....

50: women, only males who are of color - only people who don't look like me.

My generation and my parent's have only managed to make my children and my grand children responsible financially for our wars and national debts that doesn't begin to answer our social needs.

[Susan Calvin]

94. As a generalization, that is a good one. nt

[marble falls]

101. I try not to generalize - I love Bernie and Elizebeth, but this is one time a generalization ...

is going to have a strong influence in how I vote. We need a government that reflects all of us. Not fat old white men like me.

If Bernie or Elizabeth or Hillary Clinton get the nod in 2020 I will support them, but I do want younger candidates.

[Susan Calvin]

104. Yep. nt.

[blueinredohio]

85. I'm 60 and I agree.

[Caliman73]

86. I think that the candidate with the best ideas and best reach should run

We should not discount people because of their age or the generation in which they came up. If the person is healthy, has the energy, and has the message and values that can bring people out to support the party, then I think that the person should be our nominee.

[Xipe Totec]

89. Time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans--born in the late XXth century. nt

[Butterflylady]

96. 71 here.

Glad I have so much company here. Totally agree

[TheCowsCameHome]

98. Younger and squeaky clean.

With the emphasis on squeaky clean.

[Susan Calvin]

102. Depends on squeaky clean about what.

I don't want immoral assholes, but I don't want people tiptoeing around either.

[TheCowsCameHome]

105. How about honest and free of baggage?

That works for me.

No more lesser of two evils for this kid.

[Susan Calvin]

109. Oh, me too.

But I am all about lesser of evils, because it's our system. Would love to change it.

[bronxiteforever]

106. In my sixties and totally agree with you.

To do these jobs well requires great stamina as well as the ability to quickly process information.
Teddy Roosevelt , JFK and Obama had the strength of being younger and the enthusiasm and love of the Office. Compare that with Trump who can’t find his way out of the Oval Office and literally watches Fox News all day yelling at his TV.

[Susan Calvin]

117. I'm 65 and

Based on my current job I'm sure I could physically and mentally do it.

Background experience-wise? Sadly, no.

Emotionally? Oh, god no. I'm just grateful there are people who can.

But write me off solely because of my age? I might run just to spite you.

[bronxiteforever]

144. Insurance companies know the cold hard truth

It’s their business. It’s why insurance becomes expensive with age. I am sick and tired of a society that runs constantly from the truths about our mortality and aging.

It is a fact that with age comes “chronic disease”, cancers, dementia and mobility issues. Nature doesn’t care about attitude-it just is. Can you beat the odds-sure. But go into hospitals, nursing homes and orthopedic rehabs and take an age census.

Then add to this job the enormous amount of travel a President does. Does travel and jet lag get easier with old age-the answer is obvious. We have a 70 something dotard who needs a vacation every 5 minutes. How was Reagan? he was probably suffering from Alzheimer’s at the end of his term. That is scary stuff.

There is a reason why we use the phrase “youthfull enthusiasm”. Yeah with age comes wisdom. It’s why we used to pick older folks to be judges-because they lived a life and could deliberate at slow thoughtful pace with some cases taking months and years to complete. The job of President in the digital age requires sound but sometimes rapid decision making capabilities. I read a book on how President Obama made the decision to strike Bin Laden. I can’t imagine the orange crap fest doing that.

For most, old age requires a toll be paid and make no mistake- the grim reaper uses his scythe on the age group where he can gather the most souls.

[Susan Calvin]

145. Yes, they know it statistically. Not individually. nt

[AllaN01Bear]

111. since the 2016 election a friend who is on the dcc in our district has

reported that all kinds of ppl have come out to run and challenge the rs in their own game here . a former county supervisor is running again , to upset the old boy mentality here .

[Susan Calvin]

113. Yep, this is happening.

I am so grateful that I may run. Already blockwalking.

[Guilded Lilly]

114. Pah. Its all about the brain and heart and passion

of whoever runs.

I’m 64.
I’ll support and advocate for whoever fiercely stands for and courageously fights for liberal ideals with intelligence, focus and a serious fire in their soul.

[llmart]

115. Almost 69 years old...

and I agree. I always tell people, "We've had our day in the sun so to speak and it's time to step aside, enjoy the simple things in life until such time as we shuffle off this earth."

I am extremely healthy and fit and have no issues with learning new technology or my memory, but I still think it's time to let the younger people run things because it's not us that are going to have to live with the results. I do disagree with some of the baby boomer statements on here that we screwed things up. I like to think we made many, many worthwhile changes through our activism and shouldn't discount what we accomplished in our younger days.

[Hekate]

118. I'm with you, upaloopa. "How terribly strange to be 70," indeed. I keep pointing out...

...the very strong slate of younger Dems in the House and Senate, at least half a dozen from California alone, every time some lost soul here wants Bernie or Joe to run for POTUS next year. They are worthy men, but -- I'm with you. They need to look to our collective future with clear eyes and prepare to throw their considerable strength behind a younger man or woman.

No Spring chicken myself,
Hekate

[Thirties Child]

120. I'm 82, and I agree.

Much as I love Bernie, going on 80 is too old.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

121. Age is an issue, but only part of the issue

We need candidates who are nationally competitive and not just someone youthful from California who will deliver an identical electoral map to that of Hillary Clinton.

[SergeStorms]

123. I'm only a few years behind you, and....

you're 100% correct. I'm at an age where I don't want to keep up with every nuance this world has to offer, and anyone my age or older shouldn't either. The world is going so fast I can't keep up with it. I know I'm not representative of everyone my age, but the future belongs to the young, not someone who was in San Francisco during the "summer of love". The Woodstock generation should be enjoying their grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. That doesn't mean I'm going to ignore the world or the politics that run it, but those issues should be handled by someone young enough to have new ideas of how to navigate the future. Old ideas are not going to cut it.

Democrats must realize this if we're going to involve the millennials in the process, and get them excited about their future and how they want to shape the world. I think it's pretty much a certainty that Republicans are going to stick with their 60 and over candidates, at least for the time being. We have to beat them to the punch (for once) and have younger, more vibrant candidates on the Democratic slate.

Just my two cents.

[TexasBushwhacker]

125. The older generation can offer their expertise by serving

in a younger President's cabinet. That's been one of the really horrifying things about Trump. Not only is he stupid and nuts, all his cabinet positions are filled with incompetent ass kissers.

I'm 60 BTW.

[Mz Pip]

126. Me, too

We need new blood and fresh ideas. Thats what i liked about Obama.

[Laffy Kat]

127. I only half agree with you.

Wisdom must be learned the hard way, you can't teach it.

[lillypaddle]

129. I'm 70 and I agree with you

time for some new blood.

[doc03]

133. I am 69 and I agree 100% nt

[williesgirl]

134. I'm 72 and agree.

[Vinca]

137. Agreed (almost 69). It's not that we aren't totally capable, it's that the next generation

needs a chance to prove itself. We can advise, help and cheerlead from the background. Plus we get to take a nap in the afternoon if we feel like it.

[DFW]

138. Though I am against a set cut-off age and always up for exceptions, I agree in principle

Two prominent Democrats (Howard Dean and Hillary Clinton) agree with you, and they are actively doing something about it. They are supporting and advising a number (and not just two or three) of initiatives to recruit younger Democrats to run for office.

[DrDan]

139. so would you vote for a 70 year-old Dem if on the ballot?

I think we should see who can pull the party together based on ideas, and not base our preferences based on demographics.

[NNadir]

140. I have long felt that the generation to which I belong, baby boomers, have been irresponsible...

...to the highest degree.

I must say that I am very impressed by my sons' generation however, the oft maligned millennials. I wish I had worked as hard as my sons and their friends do to make the world a better place.

Unfortunately, our generation has left them a huge mess, in particular, an environmental mess which is actually more exigent than the political mess we are in.

They, not us, are my last best hope.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

142. I'm over 70 and agree with you completely! Time for candidates like Sen. Kamala Harris to lead party

We need to appeal to a younger, more diverse constituency if our party is to win going forward.

[skip fox]

146. I just turned 71 today!

Loved to see the subject line.

And I agree with what you say.

[MountCleaners]

147. I'm fifty

No disrespect to the boomers here - I am happy to see you represent your generation, and am grateful for all you have done for us. But it feels as if my youth has come and gone without us getting to see our own lead. It feels like we have always been in the boomers' shadow. Someone younger will convey to the electorate that the party hasn't run out of ideas. Not that older people can't have new ideas, but we do need to sell ourselves.