Torchbearer - A Heavy Burden

In politics, leadership is often associated with experience and wisdom that comes with age. However, transferring power from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris has raised questions about the role of age in leadership. This shift signifies a new era in politics, where younger leaders are taking on positions of authority and challenging traditional notions of ageism. In contrast, the GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is a convicted felon and approaching 80 years old. As a result, Trump is now seen as an older candidate (the old guy in the room) who may have possible cognitive impairments and rambles.

The Influence of Age on Political Leadership

Age undeniably plays a role in assessing a leader’s capacity to govern effectively. The accumulation of experience and knowledge that comes with age can aid in deciding and navigating political landscapes. It is crucial to acknowledge that age should not be the factor determining leadership potential. Leadership traits, like resilience, adaptability, and innovative thinking, can be present in leaders across age brackets.

Studies show that older political figures may possess experience, which can be beneficial in specific scenarios. However, it is important to balance leaders and fresh perspectives. A diverse array of voices, including leaders, fosters a dynamic and inclusive political sphere.

Furthermore, the impact of age on leadership goes beyond experience and perspective. Age can also shape leadership styles and approaches to governance. Older leaders may bring a sense of stability and wisdom to their roles, drawing from years of service in office. But, they also signify Conversely, younger leaders might offer a forward thinking approach using their energy and innovative ideas to promote change and advancement.

It’s essential for societies to embrace a diversity of age groups in leadership to ensure a rounded decision-making process. By encouraging collaboration across generations and mentorship, nations can capitalize on the strengths of both leaders and up-and-coming talents, fostering a resilient and adaptable political landscape for the future.

The Rise of Ageism in Politics

Ageism, which involves discriminating or stereotyping based on age, is becoming an issue in politics. In the process of societal advancement, it becomes imperative to confront ageist beliefs and debunk the misconception that older individuals are inherently more suitable for leadership roles.

A research study reported by VCU highlighted how ageism within organizations can impede the career growth of younger politicians. The study showed that younger candidates often encounter skepticism and doubts about their abilities because of their age.

This bias not only restricts the opportunities for leaders, but also maintains a narrow view of what defines effective political leadership.

Furthermore, age discrimination in politics can also appear as assumptions about politicians. While experience is important, it’s crucial to understand that age does not always correlate with wisdom or forward thinking. By labeling politicians as “out of touch” or resistant to change, we miss out on the perspectives and innovative ideas that people of all ages can offer.

A strategy that promotes collaboration and cultivates a culture is necessary to tackle ageism in politics. Giving priority to candidates’ qualifications, values, and future goals is crucial for political parties and voters, rather than being swayed by age biases. Embracing age diversity in leadership not enhances democracy, but also leads to a more dynamic and representative governing system.

Perception by the Public: Does Age Truly Matter in Politics?

The public perception significantly influences dynamics. Opinions in politics differ for age. Some argue that age is a number and should not be the factor when evaluating leadership potential.

Some people argue that older leaders bring experience and wisdom to tackle policy issues.

A recent survey revealed that an overwhelming 72% of participants believe that a candidate’s age should not determine their ability to govern effectively. This shift in opinion shows a growing acceptance of leaders of all ages. Recognizes the unique skills and strengths they offer in the political arena.

Age has long been an issue in politics. Throughout history, junior leaders have made contributions that challenge the idea that competence is tied to age. Alexander the Great became the ruler of Macedonia at 20. Historians point out that life expectancy was shorter during that time, so his age was relative to that era. Despite this, he accomplished remarkable feats and showed exceptional leadership skills.

Conversely, seasoned politicians like Angela Merkel, who assumed office as Chancellor of Germany at 51, have proven that experience and maturity can also be crucial in governance. Merkels’ steady guidance during crises has garnered praise. She commanded respect from both friends and foes, like Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.

Kamala Harris: A Chapter for the Democratic Party

The inauguration of Kamala Harris as Vice President signified a momentous shift in the American political landscape.

At 59, Harris is part of a wave of leaders who are pushing boundaries and reshaping power dynamics.

Harris’s journey to the forefront showcases her knack for connecting with communities, bridging generation gaps and developing policies that resonate with an array of people. Her leadership embodies values like inclusivity, thinking and a dedication to tackling issues head on.

Being a female, the first Black and first South Asian Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris has broken barriers in one groundbreaking moment. Her path from prosecutor to senator to the country’s vice president’s office reflects her resilience, intelligence, electability, and commitment to public service.

Throughout her career, Harris has been an advocate for issues such as justice reform, healthcare accessibility, stopping fraudsters, and climate change. Her policy ideas aim to foster a society where all individuals have opportunities for success. With her background as the daughter of Indian immigrants, Harris brings a fresh perspective to politics that inspires a new generation of diverse leaders to pursue impactful roles.

Navigating Change

Hurdles Await Vice President Harris

As Kamala Harris took on the role of Vice President, she encountered a range of obstacles to her position as a leader. Transitioning from being second in command to becoming a figure in her own right means navigating political landscapes that may resist change.

To tackle these challenges effectively, Harris must form partnerships. Cooperate with leaders while using her fresh perspective to bring about significant changes. The key to shaping her identity and leadership approach lies in maintaining tradition while advocating for innovation. She has kept Biden’s campaign manager and has received an enormous amount of endorsement from democratic leaders, female organizations, and industry labor unions.

Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States. She brings representation for diverse backgrounds as a woman, a Black individual, and from South Asia. Harris represents marginalized communities throughout their history. People will scrutinize her actions and choices to assess their consequences and their impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. This added responsibility changes more challenging.

Harris’s background as a prosecutor and senator brings valuable skills to the Vice Presidency. Her expertise in law enforcement and legislative affairs allows her to address justice reform, immigration policies, and healthcare legislation with a thorough understanding of the complexities involved.

Balancing her roles with her position will require skill and thoughtful decision making. However, she has showed these characteristics and performs well on the campaign trail.

For instance, during a recent campaign event, she seamlessly transitioned between delivering powerful speeches and engaging with voters on a personal level. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and genuinely listen to their concerns showed her strong decision-making skills. Additionally, she effortlessly juggled her responsibilities as both a leader and a team player, collaborating with fellow campaigners and effectively delegating tasks to ensure smooth operations. This remarkable balance between her roles not only showcases her skill but also highlights her dedication to achieving success in her position. Not to mention, the 20K individuals, who have since her announcement to run for President, have volunteered for her campaign. I feel like the current energy surrounding VP Harris is reminiscent of 2008 Presidential Democratic campaign.

The Gap Between Generations: How Voters View Age in Politics

The public influences the trend. In politics, voters of different ages often face a tough choice between valuing experience and embracing new ideas. Politicians need to understand how voters feel about age to connect with and represent them.

A recent study conducted found that 45% of voters appreciate the ideas younger political leaders bring to the table while an equal portion value the wisdom that comes with age. This divide underscores the importance of encouraging conversations across generations and seeking ground to unite age groups.

For me, the key difference is the former President and convicted felon, Donald Trump wants to reinvent a past the country struggled to break free from and Vice President Harris wants to advance the opportunity and welfare for all people to create a better future and not return to the chains of the past. Donald Trump, at 78, does not reflect the vision of someone who cares about the future because he won’t be able to live in that world and harbors a seething resentment and contempt for the younger and more energetic former prosecutor, State Attorney General, minority female, and Vice President (VP) Kamala Harris.

The GOP’s presidential and vice presidential nominees reveal that older white men in positions of power mostly compose it. On the other hand, the Democratic party in both the Senate and House of Representatives represents a diverse coalition that better reflects the country’s diversity. So, a valid question for MAGA and GOP supporters is, “Why do you fear and hate diversity in America?” The answer lies in their fear of losing white supremacy and becoming a minority by 2040, which could cause facing discriminatory laws and practices of their own making. The GOP’s base, primarily dominated by non-college educated non-Hispanic white males, holds the party hostage with their angry, frustrated, and generational racism harbor.

“The Republican Party now holds a 6 percentage point advantage over the Democratic Party (51% to 45%) among voters who do not have a bachelor’s degree.” PEW Research

Furthermore, upon examination of the survey findings, variations in priorities among generations significantly influence how voters perceive age. Younger voters prioritize issues like climate change, social justice, and student loan relief, whereas older voters may focus more on security, economic stability, and healthcare reform. Recognizing these distinctions can assist candidates in crafting messages that resonate with individuals of all ages. VP Harris recognizes the nuances of voter diversity because she embodies an America that continues to benefit from the strength of diversity through technology innovation, economic, scientific and medical breakthroughs. We still have a long way to go to achieve racial harmony, economic party, justice, and equality but that’s the point and importance of the Harris for President campaign. She working towards a better future, not going backwards toward old white supremacy and harmful Jim Crow era.

Additionally, one must not ignore the impact of age on engagement.

In the past, older generations typically had higher voter turnout rates. Nowadays, younger age groups are getting more involved in politics through grassroots movements and online activism. In fact, grassroots donors gave a whopping $81 million toward the new Harris for President campaign in the first 24 hrs after President Biden withdrew from the campaign. This shift in participation highlights how democracy and the voter base are changing. Why it is important to have a broad spectrum of ages represented?

It is important to have a broad spectrum of ages represented because it promotes diversity and inclusivity. When people of different age groups take part in decision-making processes and discussions, they consider multiple perspectives. For example, in a workplace setting, having a diverse age range can lead to more innovative solutions and problem-solving approaches.

Trump and Margorie Taylor Green promote a stale, outdated, and false narrative that disqualifies individuals based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, falsely claiming that they benefit from leftist DEI programs instead of earning their positions. Younger employees may bring fresh ideas and technological expertise, while older employees may contribute with their wisdom and experience. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, fosters a more inclusive culture, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.

In summary, the transition from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris represents a poignant moment in politics. It highlights the impact of age on leadership roles, but it’s important to note that age should not be a limiting factor for effective leadership. Embracing leaders from different generations promotes creativity, inclusivity, and a democracy that truly reflects the people. As society evolves, the political landscape should adapt to welcome leaders of all ages who prioritize skills and diversity.

President Biden’s transition to Vice President Kamala Harris not only symbolizes a shift in generational leadership, but also signifies a broader shift towards a more diverse and inclusive political landscape. The mere thought of leadership sends shivers down the spine, fearing the weight of responsibility that comes with it. But the military taught me the simplicity in “Lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way.” With a heavy heart, I reflect on the missed opportunities and stagnant growth that could result from excluding leaders from different generations, robbing decision-making processes of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. In this ever-evolving world, the thought of leaders who resist change and lack understanding sends a chill down our spines, as uncertainty looms. As we prioritize skills and diversity over age, a sense of uncertainty settles in, making us question the stability and effectiveness of our democracy.

But it’s important to remember that valuing skills, and diversity over age strengthens our democracy. When we value skills, we make sure that qualified people are in charge, making smart choices and pushing us forward. Highlighting diversity brings in different viewpoints and experiences, so policies can be more inclusive and address everyone’s needs. This approach is great for innovation because it gets people thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas to solve societal problems. In the end, focusing on skills and diversity can strengthen our democracy by promoting fairness, equality, and a more exciting political scene.