Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) returned to Congress this week after a months-long absence due to illness, but her appearance raised more questions than answers about her ability to do her job. The 89-year-old senator, who is the oldest member of Congress, looked frail and disoriented as she was wheeled into the Senate chamber on Tuesday. She also missed a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday morning, where she is the ranking member.

Feinstein’s prolonged absence has sparked debate among Democrats and Republicans alike about whether she should resign or retire. Some Democrats, such as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have argued that Feinstein’s health issues are jeopardizing the federal judiciary and the progressive agenda. They have urged her to step aside and let a younger and more energetic senator take her place. Others, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have defended Feinstein and accused her critics of ageism and sexism.

Feinstein has resisted calls for her resignation, insisting that she is fully capable of performing her duties. She issued a statement last week saying that she intends to return to Congress and work on passing bills that will improve lives. She also expressed confidence that judicial nominees who have stalled in committee will be confirmed upon her return.

Feinstein’s lack of engagement and effectiveness has raised doubts about her mental faculties and cognitive abilities. Some reports have suggested that she suffers from memory loss and confusion, and that she relies heavily on her staff for guidance and direction. Some sources have claimed that she does not remember conversations or meetings that she had just minutes ago. Some observers have noted that she often repeats herself or asks irrelevant questions.

Feinstein’s poor performance and condition have also raised concerns about her political judgment and loyalty. Some Democrats have accused her of being too moderate and conciliatory with Republicans, especially on judicial nominations. They have criticized her for praising Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for his handling of the confirmation hearings of Justice Amy Coney Barrett last year. They have also questioned her decision to hire a former Republican staffer as her chief counsel on the Judiciary Committee this year.

Feinstein’s return to Congress has been a disappointment and a disaster for Democrats and progressives who hoped that she would play a vital role in advancing their agenda and securing their legacy. Instead, she has become a liability and a burden, undermining their efforts and credibility. She has also become a target and a laughingstock for Republicans and conservatives who mock her weakness and incompetence.

Feinstein’s return to Congress has shown that she is unable or unwilling to do her job properly. She should heed the calls for her resignation or retirement, and let someone else take over her seat and responsibilities. She should not cling to power out of pride or stubbornness, but rather respect the wishes of her constituents and colleagues, who deserve better representation and leadership.

Dianne Feinstein, 89, returns to the Senate after being absent since February and recovering from shingles pic.twitter.com/FcMJr7ddni

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 10, 2023

Here’s the thing, when you’re that old and decrepit that you cannot get out of a car by yourself because you’re so weak and feeble and have to be pushed around in a wheelchair, you are definitely unfit to work at the capacity that your constituents supposedly elected you for. Surely, most people don’t believe that she was genuinely elected though, right?

Democrats are all about the new and hip congressmembers and supposedly hate establishment and career politicians. They complain about the white old men, but what about the white and extremely old women like Feinstein? She’s 89 years old! She’s the oldest member, followed very closely behind by Chuck Grassley who only trails by a few months.