Biden’s age problem (with signs of possible dementia) isn’t going away. I learned some new terms this week, like sundowning. I also learned that the average age of a US Senator is 65. 

Hell, they’re all old. Biden is 81, Trump 78, McConnell 82, Pelosi 84. Sure, some of them seem to be operating on better batteries than others, but regardless, they ain’t young. Most Republicans and Democrats would like someone else on the ballot, but Biden and Trump seem to be the best that we’ve got. A felon and a jello eater — what terrible choices! 

So, why has Washington politics become “Grampa Government”? Why aren’t there more perfectly nice, middle aged Gen Xers seeking political office? I think the problem starts at home. 

Our national leaders are so old, because the pipeline of leaders, from town leaders to Senator, is broken at the bottom. Local government is plagued by covert power players, unchecked social media, an information vacuum caused by the death of local media, and excessive unpaid work loads. To thrive in local government and move onto higher office, one needs leather skin, the right networks, and more fortitude than the average mortal.

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