‘Why are grandma and grandpa running the country?’
Speakers discuss age in politics at University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder Conference on World Affairs panelists brought up questions of representation and inclusivity in politics in the panel, “Why are grandma and grandpa running the country?” Thursday.
The panelists contended that there are major obstacles to younger voices being represented in politics, including financial barriers.
Rebecca Buckwalterpoza, an activist and advocate, said there’s an urgent need for new voices in politics. She stressed that people who want to get involved in the political world need to leverage their social circles to be able to challenge entrenched norms.
“Billy” Carney, cofounder of Rocanews, a digital media company, highlighted the value of diverse perspectives. During a discussion about aging leaders’ impact on politics, Carney expressed concerns about potential cognitive decline among senior politicians, particularly questioning Joe Biden’s mental capacity.
“I think there are serious questions about Joe Biden’s mental state,” Carney said. “Look at Bernie Sanders. He’s 82, but he’s sharp as a tack.”
The panelists also emphasized the role that money plays in politics no matter what a person’s age is. They pointed out that running for political office demands substantial financial resources, putting younger candidates at a disadvantage compared to their more established and well-funded opponents. The influence of money in politics further solidifies the dominance of older individuals, who may have collected wealth and connections over their careers.
Devon Gray, president of End Poverty in California, said, “(Money) makes it very difficult for people today to sustain that lifestyle, and if you don’t already come from means, at the end of the day, it always comes back to financial power being sort of the lubricant for achieving political success.”
Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox who focuses on the Supreme Court and the U.S. Constitution, was also on the panel.
The long-running Conference on World Affairs has brought speakers to the CU Boulder campus for more than 75 years. It wraps up today. Events are free and open to the public.