Democratic Leadership in Congress Is Too Old to Not Make Room for Its Younger Members
I don’t want to disrespect my elders, but ‘Do you want to die in your seat?’ is a valid question
Earlier this month, James Clyburn, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives presently serving as the majority whip, responded to a question about keeping his job the way you would expect many active 80-year-old Black men to.
“Not just yes,” he told the Post and Courier as to whether he’ll be seeking reelection. “But hell yes.”
The author of books such as Blessed Experiences: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black — also known for playing a very active role in the civil rights movement — knows how to make his position clear.
Considering Clyburn’s role in helping to salvage Joe Biden’s presidential campaign with his endorsement last year, I can see why he might’ve responded so emphatically. He’s more politically relevant than ever, so it’s not like he’s simply up there merely taking up space (like most members of Congress). And when he uses that influence for good — say, not being not afraid to call out moderate Democrats such as Sen. Joe Manchin for not doing enough to protect Black voters and democracy writ large — it does serve a greater good. (Less…
