apparently... Senator Feinstein experiencing sharp cognitive decline, Schumer having talks with her

[Demovictory9]

Jane Mayer of the New Yorker is out with a new story that will make for uncomfortable reading for supporters of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Citing anonymous sources familiar with the 87-year-old California senator, the story asserts that Feinstein's memory and overall cognitive ability have dropped sharply. The issue came to the forefront last month when Feinstein—as the ranking Democrat on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee—asked a sharp question of Twitter's Jack Dorsey in a hearing. The problem is that after he answered, she immediately asked the exact same question again, "seemingly registering no awareness that she was repeating herself verbatim." Mayer also writes that staffers have been struggling to brief Feinstein on various issues because she sometimes forgets she's been briefed.

In one of the more troubling anecdotes, Mayer writes that Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had multiple "serious and painful talks" with Feinstein about relinquishing her leadership spot on the panel. But Feinstein kept forgetting they had the talks, and Schumer had to keep re-raising the issue, writes Mayer. “It was like Groundhog Day, but with the pain fresh each time," a source tells Mayer. The insider likens it to having a talk with an elderly relative about giving up the car keys, but this time, "it wasn’t just about a car, it was about the US Senate." Feinstein has since agreed to give up her leadership post in the committee. Read the full story, which includes the sentiment of some that Feinstein's problems are being exaggerated. It also explores how Congress' old-age problem applies to both parties.

https://www.newser.com/story/299857/for-feinstein-a-painful-groundhog-day-over-age.html?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_top

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Senator Feinstein

[Demovictory9]

2. yeah..oops

[DURHAM D]

3. I noticed that she was no longer wearing a mask

in meetings, in the hall, etc. and no longer social distancing and then she gave Lindsay G. a hug the other day after a hearing/meeting.

[Demovictory9]

4. no so good to do at her age.

[CincyDem]

22. If she's really suffering memory loss, she may not know she's not wearing a mask.

[BrightKnight]

43. I have seen Covid in someone with mild dementia

and it is not a good combination. The person I know had mild Covid symptoms but the dementia was much worse. It improved after time. Has she been tested?

[handmade34]

5. it is a very difficult discussion

age doesn't determine ability but at times (dis)ability comes with age...

[CrispyQ]

6. We have minimum age requirements; we should have maximum age limits.

And term limits.

[maxsolomon]

10. No term limits. Term limits are a GOP idea.

Experience in office plays a critical factor in gaining power and influence.

[GopherGal]

19. Term Limits

are yet another tool to stymie the voters' will.

Everybody wants to put a term limit on the other states' congressmen and senators; not so much on their own senators and congressmen who have risen to positions of power.

No wonder the GOP deplorables love them.

[msongs]

54. the "voters' will" is expressed thru elections nt

[NYC Liberal]

66. I want term limits for my own representatives not just others.

I wouldn’t mind not having term limits if other representatives had no effect on me. The problem is, someone like Mitch McConnell is only elected by voters in Kentucky yet his actions affect several hundred million people who have no say.

[Polybius]

70. I once talked a Deplorable out term limits

I said "OK, Jesse Helms served five terms in the Senate, imagine if he had to leave after two." He was like "You're right, I never thought of that."

[choie]

35. No - we should not have maximum age limits

for any job, except those that require extraordinary physical abilities (firefighter, etc.) Capacity to do one's job should be the determinant, not one's age. Promoting ageism isn't okay.

[Act_of_Reparation]

48. How about minimum age limits?

Can a 16 year old be president?

[Act_of_Reparation]

52. This isn't complicated.

They said there should not be maximum age limits. I am asking them if there should be minimum age limits as well.

Whether or not there are age limits currently is irrelevant to this question.

[choie]

68. no, there shouldn't

how about that?

[Polybius]

71. That's different

It's ok to set minimum age limits, because that 16 year old won't have to suffer forever, only till he or he hits the minimum age. If you set maximum limits, that poor person has to suffer forever, because there's no going back in time.

[CrispyQ]

56. Why isn't it ageism when we have minimum age requirements? -nt

[Mariana]

75. It is ageism. nt.

[Mosby]

59. Are you OK with an 85 yo commercial pilot? I'm not.

[lunatica]

73. I agree 100%!

It’s just pure ageism at its worst. People in this country are so ageist that they want to kick experience, institutional memory, and maturity to the curb so they can take their place with inexperience, immaturity and no clue about historical knowledge.

It just pisses me off!

[Hortensis]

57. There's a far more crying need for basic character and judgement requirements

for voting, but then we wouldn't have government of, by and for the people.

If I were cutting people out, I'd base it on willingness to discriminate broad-brush against whole groups on any arbitrary basis that had nothing to do with an individual's ability.

[karynnj]

64. I disagree on term limits because their constituents have the choice to retire them

As to age limits, I suspect there is too much variation. For instance, the oldest Democratic Senator is Pat Leahy, who is very good.

I remember years ago, when I young someone, whose memos I read years before, in one of the other analytical groups came to a meeting. He was near 65, but he clearly was having major problems with even relatively simple concepts. Later talking with my boss, I learned many of his peers knew this person was clearly not who he was even 5 years before, but his boss wanted this long time employee to not be asked to retire before he turned 65, which was a few months after this meeting. (Large corporations were very different in the 1970s)

On the other hand, I know people in their 80s and 90s who are very good, sharp, and focused on non profit boards.

I would hate it if there was an age limit that ignores these differences.

[Polybius]

69. No and no

She won reelection legitimately.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. And I just had an exchange here on DU

suggesting there ought to be some sort of maximum age for people in Congress, and got some pushback for it.

I am very bothered by the continued aging of our Representatives and Senators. I am not in favor of specific term limits, because that way you lose institutional knowledge. But I am in favor of an upper age limit. I recall reading that the last few years Strom Thurmond was in office, he was almost completely senile and non-functional.

[maxsolomon]

9. The Ageism accusation is really popular here.

The notion that an 87 year old might be in cognitive decline shouldn't be controversial. Feinstien running for reelection in 2018 at 85 was pure hubris and egoism.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

15. Right. I get tired of the Ageism claim.

I'm 72 years old myself, and I'm constantly astonished at how so many of my age mates have serious medical and sometimes cognitive issues.

And yeah, it shouldn't be controversial that someone in her late 80s might be in cognitive decline. I don't live in California, so my opinion here is irrelevant, but I thought her running for re-election was irresponsible.

[maxsolomon]

36. so did millions of California Democrats, but the other choice was a Republican

I'd vote for a yellow dog before I'd vote for a Republican.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

55. The only other choice was a Republican because Feinstein

wasn't willing to step down, and there was probably no point in another Democrat primarying her.

[Sympthsical]

63. The other choice was a Democrat

California has a jungle primary. Whoever the top two are go on to the general, regardless of party. So Senator Feinstein faced the Democratic President of the State Senate, Kevin de Leon in the general.

I voted for de Leon. He didn't win - it was 54% - 46%.

I think she should've retired. I think a lot of older politicians should retire. They've held the reins of power for too long. If you've been in leadership for twenty years, look around the country today, and think, "Yes, we should keep doing what we're doing and keep the same people in power!" I don't know what to say.

Yes, Republicans are a horror show. But our leaders haven't done a great job at defeating them. Our messaging alone is a mess. We need a new approach. We need change. We need to develop our bench.

I swear, looking at some strong Democrats in their 40s and 50s not even being groomed for power because those above them won't give it up is like watching a painful, cringe-worthy Prince Charles spectacle.

[myccrider]

74. Yeah, I voted for de Leon, too.

If I’d known about the mental decline, I would have lobbied more strenuously for de Leon. I think it would have made a difference to other voters if they had known she was having problems, too.

I’m not sure about an upper age limit, what might be more helpful is if people past a certain age, say 70, have to take a serious mental acuity exam to continue in powerful positions. I just turned 70 and I’m beginning to notice things going south a little - short term memory, spelling, logical thinking, etc. Not in a big way, but mental decline has definitely started.

Some people stay pretty much on top of things until they die. My husband had a cousin who was still cogently arguing investments and politics with me just before he died at 100! My grandfather was still mentally alert when he died at 98, but my aunt, his daughter, died of Alzheimers around 75 and had been in decline for at least 5 years.

[choie]

37. um, there is such a thing as ageism..

just because Feinstein is experiencing a cognitive decline doesn't mean another 87 year-old is. This should be on a case by case basis and not based on age itself.

[maxsolomon]

41. So what is it in this case?

As DU's foremost Ageist, I thought her run in 2018 at age 85 was an ego-fueled insult to California Democrats. Now I think that she can't see herself, and no one had the ovaries to tell her the truth back then. Not that surprising, frankly.

Now, Pelosi is still sharp as a tack, as is the World's Greatest Asshole, McConnell (much to my chagrin). But there is a difference between 87 and 79 or 80.

[George II]

67. My father lived to be 85, and the last time I saw him he was sharp as a tack. He still....

....had politicians in NYC calling him for advice, and they respected what he had to say. They weren't just being nice.

[smirkymonkey]

17. I agree with age limits as well.

I think the maximum age to remain in office should be 85, possibly even younger. I don't think that is unrealistic considering how functional most people are at that age.

[treestar]

27. The problem is that it is different for everyone

Each person - it should be considered via that person rather than setting an arbitrary age and kicking out people who are at it but still have good minds and leaving in people who are younger but declining already.

[choie]

39. thank you, treestar

agree completely.

[Jim__]

8. People on Medicare are given tests for cognitive impairment as part of normal check-up.

I don't see any problem with these tests. People's cognitive abilities do decline with age. I think the government should mandate cognitive testing for all government workers over a certain age.

[marybourg]

11. I've never been given such a test, nor had my late DH.

He was referred, however, to a neurologist when appropriate.

[CountAllVotes]

16. True

They only thing they asked my 84+ year old spouse was "Do you make your own breakfast every day?".

End of discussion.

[maxsolomon]

38. did he?

that's the only meal my dad's ever made!

ok, sometimes he grilled.

[Sgent]

49. The MMSE

is intended to show cognitive decline in daily functioning -- can you take care of yourself. You would need a much more in depth instrument to determine if there was a more minor decline in mental acuity.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

65. I don't remember being given such a test. Should I be worried?

Maybe they gave me the test, I don't know. I seem to remember a pin-like thing that flashed brightly ....

[Budi]

12. Her incredible long list of success & fights throughout her career

..I hope will be the focus as she retires.

From LGBTQ to women's rights, Diane Feinstein was a leader when the Senate & House was run solidly by men.

I detest the focus of this woman's career being one of mocking & demoralizing as a disease of aging that touches most everyone's life in some way, now takes hold in one of our most accomplished women of our legislature.

I find it utterly disgusting that articles are now being written critiqing Sen Feinstein's health & with the focus on her incapacities with scant honor towards her lifelong works.

I am still waiting for some actual journalist to write a tribute of honor for all the barrier breaking & hard fought successes Sen Feinstein has clawed her way through to hand dignity to women, LGBTQ & so much more.

Media can & should do far better for our aging heros, whether it be celebrities, Politicians or our own blessed Parents & Grandparents.

The comments denigrating Sen Feinstein I've been seeing is a damned shame on this society.

[Totally Tunsie]

20. Thank you for your positive comments on Senator Feinstein

and her accomplishments.

[Hekate]

25. What you said, Budi

[niyad]

46. Please post this as its own OP for visibility, and so that I can rec it.

[BlueNProud]

13. At least she remembered to vote against Zany Covid Carrot

[jalan48]

14. Not sure the taxpayers are still getting their money's worth with Diane.

"The issue came to the forefront last month when Feinstein—as the ranking Democrat on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee—asked a sharp question of Twitter's Jack Dorsey in a hearing. The problem is that after he answered, she immediately asked the exact same question again, "seemingly registering no awareness that she was repeating herself verbatim."

[Budi]

23. Wow. That is a disgusting comment about Feinstein's cognitive issues.

You said:

"Not sure the taxpayers are still getting their money's worth with Diane."
*******

OK , Lets name all the legislatures of all ages & degrees of health that we don't think we're getting our money's worth.

We can start with the oldest to youngest.
Its a long list.

I can't believe you even said something like that about one of our Democratic leaders.

Shame the on you. Grow up.

[Turin_C3PO]

26. Sorry but I disagree.

I admire Feinstein for all she’s accomplished in her storied career. She has a lot to be proud of. That being said, if she’s truly experiencing the level of decline indicated in the article then it’s time for her to step aside. No one has an absolute right to hold on to a seat forever, especially if they’re no longer capable of serving the public. Age limits might be a good idea. Until then, it’s up to Feinstein and/or the people of California to decide if she should continue to represent them in the Senate.

[GusBob]

34. wrong poster

that poster never said that

[Budi]

44. Thank you.

I am so pissed at what I'm reading about those who politicize & moneticize diseases of our aging generation of Dem leaders while brushing off an entire career.

This is straight up RW talking pts, not the human concerns long fought for within the Democratic Party.

This is the very flippant & degrading targeted talk that is being told on RW media.

Its appalling to see society sink to that low.

[niyad]

47. They did speak. They re-elected her in 2018.

[Turin_C3PO]

61. Oh ok.

For some reason I thought she was up for re-election in 2022. But I still think, if the article's correct, that she should step aside. Of course it's ultimately her decision.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

18. Cognitive abilities does not discriminate regarding age....

But those in their mid to late 70's, well into their 80's , show more of the signs of decline.

Nor are reflexes as sharp when people age, vision problems, bone density, overall health as well.

If Sen. Feinstein is showing signs of decline, then she may need to step aside for the sake of her health. Chuck Grassley is another one in his late 80's as well. Both must take care.

[Klaralven]

21. Normally a senator wouldn't have to do anything but be wheeled in to vote occasionally

Normally all the work would be done by their staffs.

But there is more of a problem because the margin between the parties is so thin that all senators will have to be on their toes.

Secondly, the seniority system means that the most senile are in charge of the most important committees. This needs to change.

[madaboutharry]

24. Her term ends in 2025.

She will be 91 years old at the time. It really does sound as if it is time for a family intervention and that she will need to be persuaded to resign at some point.

This is always a sad story. No doubt there have been many incidents that the public does not know about.

[PoliticAverse]

30. It's the difficulty of dealing with these situations on a case-by-case basis

that is often the impetus for having a fixed retirement age.

I've seen the problem a few times when people tried to convince older relatives they shouldn't be driving any more.

[Fiendish Thingy]

28. Way past time for her to go - plenty of young, progressive blood waiting in the wings. Nt

[Polybius]

31. I actually am one of the few here who love her

I think she's done a great job as Senator since being elected in 1992. I wish her well.

[Budi]

33. Thank you. That's really all that should be said about Sen Feinstein

Her creds to society are lifeling & honorable.

[Hekate]

62. I agree. She's became San Francisco's Mayor in a hail of gunfire, so to speak, when Harvey Milk...

...was assassinated. People forget that, how incredibly gutsy she was from the start. She’s been a star for Democrats and I’ve always admired her.

However, the complete article by Jane Meyer is absolutely devastating.

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/dianne-feinsteins-missteps-raise-a-painful-age-question-among-senate-democrats

[Brainfodder]

32. Hugging LadyG was a clue?

[DeminPennswoods]

40. There could be an underlying medical condition

I know when one or the other of my parents would get a urinary tract infection, they'd act totally crazy and out of character. Neither would present any other symptoms except for a change in mental status.

[Budi]

45. Why is Warren, Markey, Sanders still there, if a set age is the qualifier

Targeted Ageism for some but not for all?
Is that how it is?
I would hope not.

[maxsolomon]

50. One's 70s are not one's late 80s.

It's not the number of her age, it's her cognitive decline. 70 year old Chuck Schumer evidently agrees.

[Budi]

53. But that's not how the previous post addressed it. (Now removed)

I've noticed what one may consider cognitive decline with some legislators in their 70's.

Who gets to decides the age cutoff, or degree of decline.

The poster I replied to was far more blunt about this issue.

[Autumn]

58. I'm glad he's doing this. I was always an admirer but this had been going on for a while.

Aging in the Congress and the Senate is a real problem. Strom Thurmond served 48 years, at the end his aids were doing the job.

[Hekate]

60. Newser looks dubious, but it does link to Jane Meyer's article in the New Yorker...

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/dianne-feinsteins-missteps-raise-a-painful-age-question-among-senate-democrats

This is a devastating read. I don’t think any of us voters in California knew she was on the skids like this, but it certainly explains why the LA Times ran an editorial urging her to not run last time, but to let a younger up-and-comer like Eric Swallwell run for her seat instead.

Do read the whole thing at the New Yorker link.

[milestogo]

72. Senator McConnell has been in sharp moral decline since he's been in the Senate.

Let's ask him to step aside.

[roamer65]

76. She should step down.

I’d love to see Governor Newsom appoint Katie Porter to the senate.