After a few elderly members of Congress had some concerning health episodes in recent weeks, many are calling for them to step down and retire.
The biggest question is who would replace them and the impact their retirement could have on American politics.
And Gavin Newsom is at his wit’s end over the growing backlash to his latest move.
California Democrats cannot wait for Dianne Feinstein to step down as Senator
90-year-old California Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein has faced some health concerns in recent weeks and is under tremendous pressure from both sides of the political aisle to step down and retire.
Although Feinstein is retiring in 2024, many on the Left are bickering over what will happen if she is unable to serve the remainder of her term.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) believes she will be the top choice for this role.
However, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently squashed these aspirations on national television and created a firestorm on the Left.
On Sunday’s broadcast of NBC’s Meet the Press, Newsom told host Chuck Todd that any hypothetical appointment would be temporary.
“I don’t want to get involved in the primary,” he said in reference to the ongoing Democrat battle for Feinstein’s seat. “It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don’t want to tip the balance of that.”
These comments drew the ire of Barbara Lee, who took to X to tweet her outrage at Newsom.
“I am troubled by the Governor’s remarks,” Lee wrote. “The idea that a Black woman should be appointed only as a caretaker to simply check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election.”
Although Gavin Newsom did not mention race as a primary reason for these comments, many on the Left believe that race is motivating his decision on this front.
Democrats are showing how power-hungry they are in California
Typically, bickering over the seat of a politician still in office would be regarded as rude.
But this is exactly what California Democrats are doing, which demonstrates just how power-hungry they truly are.
To make matters worse, Lee demonstrated that she will bring race into the fold every chance she gets, which ought to serve as a warning sign for Governor Gavin Newsom and California voters.
As of Monday, Senator Dianne Feinstein is still alive and well.
That’s why any mention of replacing her ought to be treated with sensitivity and dignity.
Patriot Political will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
