Well, garcones?
Why does France get such young leaders and the US gets such old ones?
by Anonymous | reply 4 | July 8, 2024 10:26 PM |
This is actually a pretty recent development in France. Since Macron, really.
by Anonymous | reply 1 | July 8, 2024 5:08 PM |
Here's a piece from November 2023 that looks at that questions. It's written by a former speech writer for George H.W. Bush but I'd say her view of the question doesn't betray much party bias.
But yes, the trend to old geezer politicians is troubling. Only 11 of 44 presidents was first elected at age 60 or more - and it wasn't until 2017 and 2021 that we had presidents inaugurated at age 70 and then 78. Young people in Congress remain remarkable. Only 20% of Senators are under the age of 50, only 28% of U.S. Representatives are under 50. And it's Democrats who are on average older in both houses. I understand the impulse toward inertia (and a not so bad job with enviable perks), but way too many people stay on for way too fucking long.
by Anonymous | reply 2 | July 8, 2024 6:14 PM |
Frankly, air conditioning.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | July 8, 2024 10:24 PM |
They still get old First Ladies, though.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | July 8, 2024 10:26 PM |