Democrat Hopeful Calls For Mandatory Retirement Age In Public Office

The topic of a retirement age in Congress and public office has become a hot one in the last few years. Right now, over 119 members of Congress are over the age of 70, considered an age when most people are retired or are in the act of retiring. That means career politicians with old, stubborn ways of doing things remain in Congress, while younger, more engaging people sit waiting in the wings to impact change.

This is nothing against older people, or older Congressman. That is simply the viewpoint of the standard American as of the last few years. But as 2028 rolls around, and more candidates throw their hat in the ring for President, wild ideas from presidential hopefuls are already beginning to appear. Former Chicago Mayor, Democrat Rahm Emanuel, has now called for a mandatory retirement age of 75 for those in public office. Mind you, Emanuel is 66 years old.

The idea on the surface might seem logical, but it has a comedy of errors. Political commentator Chuck Devore says that starts with the fact the whole idea is unconstitutional.

"You cannot just put in statutes limiting the age of members of congress or the judiciary to 75 years old...you would actually need a constitutional amendment," says Devore.

First off, a Constitutional Amendment would require a two-thirds vote in Congress. Two-thirds of lawmakers today could not agree on what lunch they want to order, much less on anything of importance.

Republicans have done something similar to this, but within the bounds of the law. They have limited how long Republicans can head up committees, but not a full-blown age limitation.

But let's remember, Rahm Emanuel has hopes to run for President. Doing such a task requires a bit of a shock factor and some publicity. This is a catchy headline. We are writing about it, after all. So, a dash of political theatre is also at play.

"This is a way of trying to appeal to a sector of the Democrat party that has become very Left-wing and very progressive," says Devore. "You propose something, which will never happen...but propose it to get attention. I think it is just a cynical play on something people are concerned about right now."

So, in the end, it is all a fantasy land ide that will never happen. No matter if Emanuel actually becomes President or not. But it is something to kickstart an uphill battle of a campaign and relate to a voter base that has steered into insanity.