I first had the pleasure of meeting U.S.SenatorMitch McConnell of Kentucky in 1987 at Scottsdale, Az., roughly six months into his first term.McConnell was energetic, vibrant, quick-witted, and very thoughtful in his public policyposition statements.
McConnell is now retiring as U.S. Senate Minority Leader after leading the GOP Senate Caucus since 2007.While still a brilliant political strategist and tactician, following a fall and reasonably severe concussion roughly 18 months ago, the senator is clearly missing a step.
Though given a conditional clean bill of health by the U.S. Senate physician, McConnell is pale, appears fragile, speaks slowly, and in a softer timber these days. In addition to his two highly documented “freeze” moments, some of McConnell’s public speaking has been on occasion non-sensical lately. McConnell has the good sense and wherewithal to know his best days are likely to be behind him, and though he has not yet announced any planned retirement from the U.S. Senate, he is voluntarily leaving his post as Minority Leader at the end of this year.
Power and fame are two highly addictive, as well as fleeting, circumstances in life for some.Voluntarily letting go of either can be challenging. But perhaps even harder for those who become accustomed to that life is justknowing when it is time to go home. I started this column discussing Senator McConnell, though the effective service warranty and date of expiration on PresidentJoe Bidenhas been blinking red hot for nearlytwoyears now.Yet McConnell, 81, and Biden, 80, appear asyoung pups next to SenatorCharles Grassley(R-Iowa) at 89.Meanwhile, former House SpeakerNancy Pelosi(D-San Francisco) is 83 and again seeking re-election in 2024 as a member of the House Democratic Caucus, while former President Donald Trump, 77, has also repeatedly demonstrated episodes of cognitive dissonance out on the campaign trail.
I don’t believe in term limits and there is almost no place where more value is placed on seniority than on Capitol Hill in Washington. However, when “senior moments” become daily or weekly occurrences, it becomes time for some self-evaluation and medical assessment.
Congressional staff often tend to be closest, even making policy decisions in the White House or on the Hill for aging and failing elected officials.But that isNOTrepresentative democracy. There is some incredible staff in government at all levels, but staff members’ desires to maintain their own power and position do not justify propping up public servants who also endanger their own health by staying past their effective expiration dates.No matter how much coddling you might receive from staff and some party officials, public life is no picnic. The hours are long, and the schedules are demanding.
Here in Georgia, Senator Johnny Isaksonresigned when his Parkinson’s Disease had too fully compromised his ability to serve.Still, for several years after his diagnosis, he put in 10 miles a day on a treadmill.
SenatorSaxby Chambliss, after receiving a cancer diagnosis, decided not to seek re-election and to focus on his family and remaining time, which thankfully has likely been years more now due to stepping back to a lighter and less demanding lifestyle and schedule.
So, I’m not suggesting that we codify age limits, particularly as modern medicine andnew treatments can slow, or in some cases, even roll back the clockadvancing.But as with periodic tests forthere-issuance of a driver’s license largely beingaboutkeeping our roads safe, perhaps we need to consider basic fitness and competency tests for continuing service after a benchmark birthday, such as 75.
I am a big believer in the many values of proven performance and experience, but there comes a time when the best leaders realize it is time to step aside or focus on shaping and building that next leadership team.At least to my knowledge, none of us live or performat near-optimum levels in perpetuity.To slightly misquoteKenny Rogers’song,The Gambler, “Yougot to know when to hold’ em, know when to fold’ em … Know when to walk away, and know when NOT to run.”
So, thank you, Senator McConnell, President Biden, and others for your decades of public service, please consider making the smart choice before a stroke or possibly worse makes that next selection for you.It is time to plan for your successor, get your affairs in order, and then take that long road home.