As the Democratic Party continues to push their progressive agenda, one of their key players has raised doubts about her ability to serve. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s recent memory lapse about her lengthy absence from Washington, D.C, has left many questioning her fitness to hold office, especially given her advanced age of 89. Her long absence and subsequent slow return to the Senate has frustrated many Democrats who are struggling to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees. Is Senator Feinstein’s time finally up, or will the Democratic Party go to great lengths to protect one of their own? Let’s jump right in.Â
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has raised serious concerns about her ability to serve in the Senate after exhibiting a severe memory lapse about her long absence from Washington, D.C. Despite her extended leave being well-documented and widely discussed within political circles, Feinstein appeared oblivious to what was going on around her, leaving a reporter confused in her response. The exchange has been audio-recorded, showcasing the clear lack of acuity of the senator.
Given her critical role not just on the Judiciary Committee but as a pivotal Democratic vote in the full body, her insistence on not resigning despite her absence has been one of the biggest political stories of the year.
Although it is true that Feinstein has been in Washington and voting for the past week, her physical absence for the two-and-a-half-month stretch between February and last week is a cause for concern. Her absence, which amounted to 91 missed floor votes while recovering from shingles, has significantly slowed down caucus efforts to confirm Biden’s judicial nominees. Without Feinstein, the Judiciary Committee went from an 11-10 Democrat majority to a 10-10 deadlock, thus highlighting the adverse impact of her extended leave.
Feinstein, who is the oldest member to ever serve in the Senate at 89, announced that she plans to retire at the end of 2024. However, her age and frequent absences from the Senate floor raise doubts about her ability to serve effectively, and the message it sends to her constituents is one of indifference to their representation. Her recent return to the Senate, aided by staff members, also raises concerns about her physical capacity to carry out her duties competently.
The senator’s memory lapse adds to the growing list of concerns, which has been compounded by her inconsistent attendance at committee hearings, only attending on a need-to-be-there basis. Last Thursday, for example, she attended a Judiciary Committee hearing to approve several partisan nominees who had been held back by her absence. However, it is not enough for a senator in her position to attend sporadically, especially given the critical role she plays in the Democratic Party
Senator Feinstein’s severe memory lapse and extended absence from the Capitol raise some serious concerns about her ability to serve effectively in the Senate. The audio recording of her recent exchange with a reporter reveals a clear lack of acuity. The fact that she forgot about her absence, which has been widely discussed within political circles, is alarming. It is imperative for the Senate to have competent and reliable leaders, and Feinstein’s recent behavior suggests otherwise. The senator’s constituents in California deserve better representation, and it is essential for her to reconsider her continued presence in the Senate.
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