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BeyondGeography

(39,226 posts)
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 07:38 AM Aug 2018

Democratic congressman says party leaders' rising ages are a 'problem'

The leader of a centrist bloc of Democratic lawmakers expressed concern Friday that the party's top three House leaders are in their late 70s, joining a chorus of younger Democrats questioning older leaders' ability to overcome the party's "generational gap."

Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the chairman of the centrist New Democrat Coalition, told CNN that party leaders' rising ages are a "problem" and declined to say whether he would support House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for speaker if Democrats take control of the House in the midterm elections.

...Acknowledging he is a "huge admirer of Nancy Pelosi's operational ability," Himes, 52, said Democrats will soon need leaders who can communicate effectively with younger voters.

"The fact that our top three leaders are in their late 70s - I don't care who those leaders are - that is, in fact, a problem," he said.

"We are at a moment in time where young people are involved as they never have been before," he said. "I don't care how good you are - there is a generation gap.”

More at https://m.ctpost.com/news/article/Democratic-congressman-says-party-leaders-rising-13164315.php
18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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beachbum bob

(10,437 posts)
1. there are elections for leadership positions in every congressional term, so if
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 07:42 AM
Aug 2018

"younger members" want some new, they have to fight for it in the same manner as we do in getting our candidates elected

 

beachbum bob

(10,437 posts)
3. the "old guard" still have support, among the members, among voters and among donors. So an
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 07:49 AM
Aug 2018

effective argument AND replacements need to be made/found. Just saying, there is always dissension between those in power and those seeking power.

 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
9. For the good of the party long term, they should be helping bring along younger leaders
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 08:12 AM
Aug 2018

When somebody as effective as Pelosi leaves, there will always been at least some leadership gap, but if they are better at putting the next generations in positions to be effective, the party will be better situated long term.

But also we, meaning people as a whole, benefit from a diversity of ideas. Having all of our leaders fall into any one demographic bucket, limits the ideas leadership is putting forward. Just like as a straight white guy I will have a hard time understanding what a lesbian black woman needs, older rich people who have been in power for years may not understand what younger voters/potential voters need.

 

beachbum bob

(10,437 posts)
12. you are assuming that "younger members" are not being brought along,
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 10:43 AM
Aug 2018

first step is placement on the proper committees, followed by being the minority (or majority) person on the committee, followed up by placement with in the party's structure in the House (or senate) by being a "Whip" or a member of that team. It takes time and work, not just complaining about the "old guard".

How the hell do these people think the "old guard" got where they got?

BeyondGeography

(39,226 posts)
14. Committee chairs are based on seniority
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 02:27 PM
Aug 2018

So the “old guard” when it comes to the top spots got there by being there longer than anyone else. Not everyone finds that to be impressive, or motivating. Why the hell do you think so many House Democrats want things to change?

JI7

(89,151 posts)
4. "chairman of the centrist New Democrat Coalition"
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 07:50 AM
Aug 2018

these guys want a mediocre white male to hold all the top spots.

gulliver

(13,142 posts)
15. To some extent, we should go by who votes.
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 02:33 PM
Aug 2018

It's not that we need to punish younger voters for shirking their duty to vote. Maybe we find an appropriate way to give their concerns more of a voice if they do vote. Carrot, not stick.

eleny

(46,166 posts)
16. Institutional knowledge is why Rep. Nadler tied Goodlatte into knots during recent Judiciary hearing
Sun Aug 19, 2018, 02:39 PM
Aug 2018

Chairman Goodlatte was a mess by the time Nadler and other savvy Dems were done that day.

More on Dem actions taken regarding the Committee and how well the Dems could take action because they have deep knowledge based on many years of service in the House of Reps.
https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/news/press-releases/judiciary-democrats-committee-has-been-hijacked-its-most-extreme-republican

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