
1577: Gerontocracy
Dianne Feinstein Confusion and Congressional Gerontocracy
Senator Dianne Feinstein appeared confused during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, beginning a speech instead of casting her vote until prompted by aides and Senator Patty Murray. This incident, following a public freezing episode by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has sparked renewed debate regarding gerontocracy in the United States government. Public interest in the term "gerontocracy" spiked as observers questioned the fitness of the oldest members of Congress.

