South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial nominee Joe Cunningham is proposing a maximum age limit for politicians in the state, which he suggests as age 72, the same age that judges in South Carolina have to retire. AP notes that would exclude the incumbent Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who’s 75. The 40-year-old Cunningham says in a campaign video, “Our country and our state are being run by a geriatric oligarchy, people who stay in office way past their prime. Some of these folks have been clinging onto power for 30, 40, even 50 years. The folks who are making a career out of politics are making a mess of our country.” McMaster’s campaign manager told AP that Cunningham’s proposal was, quote, “an insult to every senior in this state.” (Assciated Press)
YOUR TURN:
- What do you think of the idea of a maximum age for politicians holding elected office?
- If you agree with the idea, what age should it be? What do you think of Cunningham’s suggestion of 72, which is the age judges must retire in his state?
- What do you think of his contention that we’re being run by a “geriatric oligarchy”?
- Do you think this will resonate with some people as President Biden’s age is a concern for many voters?
- Do you agree with Cunningham’s apparent argument against having career politicians? Would you favor instead politicians who hold office for a certain number of years and then go back to their lives? Why/Why not?