Why Term Limits Won't Save America From Oligarchs Like Mitch McConnell? - Thom Hartmann

[Rhiannon12866]

Mitch McConnell and other geriatric members of congress are resurrecting talk of term limit laws after a series of "senior" moments left Americans uncertain about the health & ability of our elected officials. But will supplying “fresh blood” to Washington D.C. only feed the rich and their lobbyists? - Aired on 09/05/2023.

[burrowowl]

1. Kick

[Oopsie Daisy]

2. Oh, for Pete's sake! That's just tacky-tacky-tacky!

When I see "thumbnail" images like the one used for this video (adding saliva drool to McConnell's mouth) it makes things difficult for me to take Hartmann as any sort of serious source of reliable information and analysis.

But with regard to congressional term limits, I recall that Senator Bernie Sanders has expressed support for term limits in the past. I'm not sure what his current 2023 views are on the subject, I do know that positions and statements by politicians can evolve and change over time. Still, Sanders has been a vocal advocate for term limits during his very long political career (16 years in the House and 16 years --so far-- in the Senate.)

In a 2012 interview with C-SPAN, Sanders stated, "I have believed since I was elected that we need term limits." He argued that term limits could help bring new perspectives, ideas, and energy into the political system and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of long-serving incumbents.

I remember how the anti-incumbent people (and ageist critics) continued to attack Nancy Pelosi for being "too old." I guess those who attacked her because of her age placed zero value on her experiences, the alliances she had forged and the favors she had yet to cash-in on (along with, of course, her knowledge of "where the bodies were hidden" and "which closets had skeletons".)

[soldierant]

3. Thom is singing my song

but doing a much better job than I ever have of explaining it. I just observed that term limits ALWAYS favor Republicans, and didn't ask why.

"Lots of people are saying term limits are a good idea. They're really a terrible idea. What needs to happen is the naturally occurring term limits, where all the eligible voters come out and vote for their candidate instead of the puny turnouts we get from year to year." - Karoli Kuns for Crooks & Liars