Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential contender and former governor of South Carolina, recently claimed that the United States requires younger leaders. During an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation,” the former US Ambassador to the UN raised concerns about the country’s aging politicians, notably those in the Republican Party.
Haley’s remarks came after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly lagged off and gazed blankly for 30 seconds during a press conference on July 26. While she commended his decades-long tenure, she hinted that the 81-year-old Republican chairman is too elderly for his current position.
Haley explained that McConnell has done an “amazing job” in terms of the judiciary, citing “the judges” and the “Supreme Court” as his most outstanding achievements. She also said that Americans need to stop voting people because of the way they “hold a baby” or because they have been in Washington for “a long time.”
McConnell’s delicate moment occurred in Washington as he commented on Republicans’ efforts to finish the National Defense Authorization Act. Colleagues stepped in after seeing the Senate Minority Leader was awkwardly silent for a few seconds. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso took his arm and asked if he had anything else to say or if he would want to return to his office.
McConnell reacted by stepping to the side after hearing him. South Dakota Senator John Thune and others addressed journalists and began discussing the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act until McConnell returned to end the conference.
In another segment of the conversation, the former South Carolina Governor proposed that Congress institute not only term limits, but also a mental competence test for presidential candidates. According to reports, this was an oblique shot at President Joe Biden, as she has previously stated that the commander-in-chief isn’t mentally ready to lead.
Haley said she believes these measures are useful as politicians like McConnell, Biden, or Senator Dianne Feinstein will “know when to walk away.” She also noted that the United States has to choose new “generational leaders,” as the country is facing “huge issues” that need “new solutions.”
