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Joe Biden and Mitch McConnell struck up a friendship during their nearly quarter-century in the Senate together. Now in their 80s, the Democratic president and the Senate GOP leader appear to be giving political cover to each other as they fend off questions about their advanced age and health issues.

Notably, McConnell, R-Ky., 81, hasn’t joined Donald Trump, 77, and other Republicans who have attacked Biden’s age, health and mental acuity as he seeks re-election.

And after McConnell’s second freeze-up last week, Biden was one of the first to call McConnell, telling reporters that his “friend” sounded like “his old self” and that such episodes are a “part of his recovery” from a fall and a concussion this year.

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[-] VegaLyrae@kbin.social 76 points 1 year ago

I do have to admit, after getting concussed I also appeared to freeze but I was thinking hard of what the right word is to say next.

That said, probably anyone in concussion recovery should be on leave from legislating. The brain will heal more slowly, and your work will be of poor quality.

That's all before getting into the actual politics of having a gerentocracy.

I know a lot of people have talked a out adding an age limit, but it seems to me most of the ancient ones are skating by on incumbent effect. If we had term limits it would resolve that. Alternatively something like the Virginia Gubernatorial rules where you cannot hold the position successively.

[-] Jah348@lemm.ee 13 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I have the same occasional issue with forgetting words after a TBI, and have worked with people in recover who have it much worse than I. It's an interesting outcome when simple words just cannot be recalled. To fabricate an example; I know what this object is, a tool for writing, it's in my hand, it has ink, but what the hell is it called. (a pen) - it can be for the most mundane and common words.

However; I don't go slackjaw and become completely nonresponsive for 10-20 seconds. This guy needs to be in medical care.

[-] VegaLyrae@kbin.social 4 points 1 year ago

You're right, it's never as long as this. I am young, though so I don't know how it would show in an ancient man hahaha.

I don't see the appeal in insisting everything is fine. I would rather see my leaders saying "hey, I don't feel good so I'm going to take some time to get healthy".

[-] Jah348@lemm.ee 7 points 1 year ago

The hubris of man

I appreciated that about Fetterman. I feel as though he presented his injury as something humans go through. He will continue his job, at times with assistance, and do the best he is able. He didn't need to step down and he is not incapable of doing his job, but he has a flaw and is honest of it.

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this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2023
691 points (96.5% liked)

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