Senate minority Whipdick Durbin, D-Ill. suggested on Thursday that more senior lawmakers like him should consider when they want to leave politics and give way for the younger generation.
“To be honest about myself and my reputation, I want to leave when I'm out of the front door and not be transported through the back door,” Durbin told MSNBC in a tenor similar to how he retired at age 80 in front of a Springfield house later that day.
“And I, whatever your interests are, what the issue you want to focus on in Congress, in the Senate, if you stick to some conditions, your minor will age. You can see it. You can observe it.”
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But Durbin adds that if it's best to call on people to stay away from Congress forever, it's up to each lawmaker, suggesting that age could also be a number.
He noted that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is three years older than Durbin, but continues to attract a crowd of especially young, progressive Democrats at rallying against “oliheads” and other concerns.
Sanders is reportedly considering reelection to the 89-year-old in 2030 as the Federal Election Commission (FEC) recorded submissions from “Friends of Bernie Sanders” for the cycle.
“I think it's more complicated,” Durbin said. “The bottom line is, are you competent? Can you still do the job? That's the question voters should ask.”
“But should the new generation be interested in public services? You bet.”
As the proverbs start to depart, speaking about the future of the Democrats, Durbin was asked by his Illinois delegation colleague Barack Obama and how he first guided young demographics in the 2000s to lead the Democrats.
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“This is a moment of history that is different from what I have read or seen in my lifetime,” Durbin said.
“This is a moment where there is a threat to the US constitution and constitutional democracy. It's fundamental and before all the other policy decisions we may make. We have to put it together. I appeal to my Republican friends. I stand up to the constitution.”
“I think it's just replacing all the conversations about campaigns and issues for me.”
Durbin's retirement is said to be attributable to the “Biden effect.” This is a recent trend in which older lawmakers announced their retirement this month, and is said to have left their 2024 re-elected bid amidst stage pressures following a disastrous debate with current president Donald Trump.
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Senator Richard Durbin, D-Ill. (Getty.)
Durbin and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Dn. H., 78; Tina Smith, D-Minn. , 67; Gary Peters, D-Mich. , 66, and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. , 83 announced the exit in 2025.
“You can see it, you can observe it,” Durbin said generally about the aging of politicians.
“And you have to make that choice, that decision. I've made mine.”
