What Is a Gerontocracy? A Government Ruled by the Elderly
August 14, 2023
With many leaders showing their age recently, a previously somewhat obscure word, “gerontocracy,” meaning “a government ruled by the elderly,” is popping up everywhere.
With many leaders showing their age recently, a previously somewhat obscure word, “gerontocracy,” meaning “a government ruled by the elderly,” is popping up everywhere. President Biden , frontrunner among 2024 Democratic presidential candidates, celebrated his 80th birthday in November, becoming the first octogenarian to occupy the Oval Office. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is 90 and has missed significant time at work due to shingles complications. Recently, 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) froze for an uncomfortable 20 seconds during a news conference.
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Meanwhile, organizations like Justice Democrats and Run for Something are trying to recruit and train more young people of color to run for elected office. The Millennial Action Project works to support young candidates from both parties who win their elections.
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