Nikki Haley’s request for competence tests for office was deemed “absurd” and ageist by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who made the statement on Sunday.
Haley, 51, made the decision last week when she declared her intention to run for president in South Carolina. Nevertheless, Sanders, an 81-year-old former presidential contender, told CBS News on Sunday that voters should place more emphasis on ideas than age when evaluating candidates and could evaluate their competence by looking at them.
“You know, we are fighting racism, we’re fighting sexism, we’re fighting homophobia, I think we should also be fighting ageism,” (…) “Trust people, look at people and say, you know, this person is competent, this person is not competent. There are a lot of 40-year-olds out there who ain’t particularly competent.” Senator Sanders stated.
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Haley’s campaign is focused on electing a “new generation” of conservative leaders.
Haley lashed out at career politicians and the gerontocracy in American politics during her first rally on Wednesday in Charleston, South Carolina. The perpetual politician will eventually retire in the America I envision, according to Haley who proposes term restrictions for Congress and required mental health screenings for elected officials over 75 years old.
Asserting that women in their mid- to late-40s are past their prime, CNN’s Don Lemon criticized Haley’s remarks and proposal. The commentator apologized later for his comments which were considered sexist.
