Oct 5, 2026 · 53 min · 21 segments
Older Americans control more political power and wealth than ever before. It's the topic of a special series from On Point all this week -- starting with America's aging politicians. \*\** Thank you…
Meghna ChakrabartiHost
Samuel MoynGuestJesse GreenGuestWe're starting a special week-long series, Senior Class, Gerontocracy in America, where we'll explore the political influence and financial wealth controlled by American seniors.
Now, no one should be surprised by the fact that America's national politicians are becoming the elected elderly.
The very next day, July 27, California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein needed help casting a simple voice vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Clerk will call the roll.
Senator Feinstein.
Say aye.
Pardon me? Aye.
Yeah.
You heard Senator Patty Murray there whispering to Feinstein, just say aye.
And it funds priorities submitted.
say aye.
Okay, just...
Aye.
Thank you.
Of course, not every superannuated lawmaker suffers a decline in mental capacity.
Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley is 93 now and the Senate's oldest member.
And just days ago, he talked openly about the possibility of dying in office.
We're starting a special week-long series, Senior Class, Gerontocracy in America, where we'll explore the political influence and financial wealth controlled by American seniors.
Now, no one should be surprised by the fact that America's national politicians are becoming the elected elderly.
The very next day, July 27, California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein needed help casting a simple voice vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Clerk will call the roll.
Senator Feinstein.
Say aye.
Pardon me? Aye.
Yeah.
You heard Senator Patty Murray there whispering to Feinstein, just say aye.
And it funds priorities submitted.
say aye.
Okay, just...
Aye.
Thank you.
Of course, not every superannuated lawmaker suffers a decline in mental capacity.
Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley is 93 now and the Senate's oldest member.
And just days ago, he talked openly about the possibility of dying in office.
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