General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is arguing that older elected officials should make way for younger ones "Identity Politics?" [View all]SMC22307
(8,090 posts)In return, I don't like being told we need to choose Candidate X based on gender, race, orientation, etc. I couldn't care less how a candidate is wrapped, but I do want "the most qualified person" and won't apologize for that. And qualifications take many forms: education, background, public service, policy positions, ability to counter the morally bankrupt GOP, etc.
I have posted that we need "fresh blood" but not in reference to age. It's a reference to Americans not voting for candidates who have run before and lost. That rules out Al, Hillary, Joe and Bernie, who do happen to be older. I'm guessing even ol' Jeb knows not to run again.
I want people from all walks of life to run for office and to be given a fair shot at winning. Diversity is good. And there's nothing wrong with elder politicians mentoring the younger. Some may be couching it as "make way" (or others may be perceiving it that way), but I don't. They shouldn't be forced to pass the torch based on age, but if they're not getting the job done, then good riddance. (That's not a swipe at any one candidate...)