General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Dianne Feinstein, 88, Failing to Recognize Senate Colleagues, Say Sources Fearing for Her Health [View all]Caliman73
(11,760 posts)I have had my disagreements with her, on many occasions, but I would say that she has tried to be a good public servant. Like in boxing (but obviously with larger ramifications) the worst thing is not knowing when to retire. For the boxer, it carries personal consequences to health and family. For a politician it carries consequences to legacy and more importantly, to the people represented.
I can even see that the situation with her husband dying would definitely affect her ability to focus. The sad reality of life however, is that as we age, we lose physical strength, mental acuity, and our resilience just isn't as high as when we were younger.
I am in the camp and of the opinion that it is better for her to retire and allow a Democratic Governor to select a replacement. I don't think that there is too much fear that a Republican will be in office in California in the near future, but it is better to be safe and get a younger person in to build their own legacy representing the people of California.