WASHINGTON, D.C. Feb. 26 (DPI) – The NYT’s “California Today” column pointed out that 84-year-old Dianne Feinstein got shouted off the podium at the state’s Democratic Convention this weekend, and – somewhat sadly – many readers piled on with vituperation.
It’s of course hard to tell how many of the comments originated from an organized opposition to Feinstein, who has been the state’s US Senator for 25 years and is seeking yet another term in office. The state’s Democratic party, though, declined to support Feinstein, who these days is seen as too moderate and too close to corporate power for her leftward-leaning base.
It seems likely that Feinstein, after this weekend, will change her mind and choose not to run again, leaving the Senate seat to another Democrat.
Many readers tried to be gentle in their efforts to discourage Feinstein from running again. But many others were harsh and mean – too mean to someone who has spent her life representing the state’s interests in Washington.
Among the most popular comments on NYTimes.com:
Makes no difference if she is the single most astute and alert 85 y/o in history. If reelected, she will be 91 when her term expires. Her time is up. Get out.
Feintstein is 84 and has held that seat for 25 years. That ought to be enough power for anyone. Time to retire and let a new person have a crack at that seat.
Whether or not she’s too “moderate,” the Senator has been a D.C. fixture for far too long. Time for someone else to get a shot and to ignite the place with a measure of passion.
Senator Feinstein thank for you years of dedication and service but at 84 it is past time to retire. We need some younger people with fire in their bellies to take on the Republicans.
From a story in the Sacramento Bee: “As her primetime speech at the California Democratic Party convention ran long Saturday, an orchestral recording drowned out Sen. Dianne Feinstein. “I guess my time is up,” she said, as she walked off stage midway through her remarks. “Yeah! Your time is up,” supporters of her primary challengers, state Senate leader Kevin de León and attorney Pat Harris, shouted, leaping at a chance to tell California’s senior senator to retire.”
The is is US Senator they were talking about. A woman, to boot. Who has served as a Democratic Senator since 1992.
I’m appalled by the California Democrats’ treatment of her. If they want to pick someone else, fine. But show Sen Feinstein the respect she’s entitled to.