Dick Durbin Calls on Elder Lawmakers to Step Aside Before 'They're Carried Out'

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, the Illinois Democrat, made waves Thursday by suggesting that seasoned lawmakers—himself included—should consider making a graceful exit from politics before they're "carried out the back door." Durbin, who just announced his retirement at 80, wasn't mincing words about the realities of aging within the halls of Congress.

"If you're honest about yourself and your reputation, you want to leave when you can still walk out the front door," Durbin remarked, echoing the kind of blunt wisdom you’d expect from someone who’s seen it all. He noted that even the most passionate politicians eventually find aging as their new side gig, whether they like it or not.

Of course, Durbin was quick to say the choice to step down is a personal one, and that age is, sometimes, just a number. He pointed to Senator Bernie Sanders—three years his senior and still drawing crowds of energetic young progressives like a political rockstar—as an example that not all octogenarians are ready to hang up their hats.

Sanders, for his part, is reportedly considering a re-election bid in 2030, when he'll be 89. Apparently, there’s no retirement age for rallying against oligarchy.

But Durbin insists the real question for lawmakers isn’t how many candles are on the cake, but whether they’re still up for the job. "Are you competent? Can you still do the job? That’s the question the voters should ask," he said, while also urging the next generation to get off the sidelines and into public service.

The senator reflected on the changing tides of Democratic leadership, recalling how Barack Obama once brought in a new wave of youthful energy to the party. Now, with a string of retirements—including Durbin’s own—there’s a fresh opening for younger voices in the Senate.

Durbin framed this political moment as unlike any he’s seen before, citing threats to the Constitution and democratic norms as the top priority. He issued a plea for unity, especially to Republicans, to put country over party and defend democratic principles.

His decision to retire comes amid what some are calling the "Biden effect," as several veteran lawmakers have announced their own exits following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race after an infamous debate with Donald Trump. This year, Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Tina Smith, Gary Peters, and Mitch McConnell are all on the farewell tour alongside Durbin.

"You can see it, you can observe it," Durbin said, reflecting on the visible impact of aging in politics. "And you have to make that choice, that decision. I’ve made mine."