“Red and White” and “Gray”: Key Findings from Insider’s Series of the US Gerontocracy

• The oldest two US presidents are Congress and President.
• The age gap between those leading the government and the Americans being led is growing.
• Some young officials claim they feel trapped by those who cling to power, and their problems are downplayed.

The United States’ elected officials are among the oldest ever.

The age gap between government and governed is greater than ever.

And the notion that the nation is now a gerontocracy — which the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary defines as “a state, society, or group governed by old people” — is decidedly real.

Four months of research by Insider journalists has seen hundreds of sources interviewed and gigabytes of data analyzed to help understand the origins of the United States.

In “Red, white, and gray“Insider” explains what this means for a country that is, on balance, many decades younger than Washington, DC’s representatives.

These are the highlights and key findings of this ongoing series, which was launched September 13.

• Nearly one in four members of Congress are in their 70s or 80s — a level Never before in US history.
• Half of Americans under 40 are in the minority, but Only 5% of Congress members are eligible.
• Joe Biden ran for the White House in 2020 before he was elected. Confided in a friend, and quoted a life-defying lineDylan Thomas, the poet: “Do not go gently into that good evening.” Nicole Gaudiano described it as a window into his view of his role.
• One of the most powerful legislators during modern US history Kimberly Leonard was acknowledgedWhile addressing a White House meeting, President Ronald Reagan once seemed to forget who he was.
• Current and former congressional staffers Warren Rojas explained.The lengths they went to keep their older colleagues engaged and focused.
• The theme of the presidential race has been old age. It can be a liability. As Leonard and Darren Samuelsohn say, “But it’s a liability.” Sometimes, it’s not so easy..
• Jake Lahut spoke to six former members of Congress Why they quit Capitol HillIn the prime of their political careers.
• Sen. Jon Ossoff, Reps. Alexandria OcasioCortez, and Lauren Boebert are just a few of the many young legislators. Oma Seddiq was told why youth is an advantage in Congress despite the high-profile flameouts of some peers, including Rep. Madison Cawthorn.
• Senator Biden, 1977 has some Many different ideason important political issues than President Biden in 2022.
• The majority of Americans support term limits and age ceilings in Congress. An Insider/Morning Consult Poll.
• Special elections are frequently held Chaos that could have been avoidedGrace Panetta writes that lawmakers should have resigned earlier.
• At this stage, the 2024 presidential campaign is becoming an epic game. 3-way geriatric Chicken. 
• Retirees are on the rise Most powerful political financial forcesMadison Hall wrote about it in The Nation.
• Tech policy can Members of Congress can be confused and misunderstoodThe public isn’t going to be pleased with the outcome, write Hanna Kang & Kayla Gallagher.
• Young people are most affected by the climate crisis, but The planet’s future is being decided by the older generation, Eliza Relman explains.
• These young candidates Could have been next AOCJohn L. Dorman writes. They ran headlong into political power.
• Redistricting? Gerrymandering? They do. significant ramificationsFor youthful representation
• The Soviet Union’s fall was due to the efforts of its old leaders. There are Lessons to be learned for the United StatesJohn Haltiwanger writes:
• Americans love the idea age caps for legislators. Here’s Why this won’t happenPer Bryan Metzger and Brent D. Griffiths
• Federal judges are so concerned about losing their mental edge, they’ve created a website. Secretly entered into “retirement deals”Report C. Ryan Barber, Camila deChalus. 
• Generation X may be here There has never been a president that the nation could call its own., writes Darren Samuelsohn.
• Elvina Nawaguna reports that some young Black activists believe the John Lewis generation is holding on to power and hindering their rise.
• Descendants to five US presidents You should have serious thoughtsYouth and politics
• Do you think running for Congress could be a one-man show? You They aren’t completely wrong.

New installments for “Red, white, and gray“Will be This article was published hereAs voters prepare for the midterm elections, they will be open until October.

Insider’s “Have a tip”Red, white, and gray“Reporting team?” Confidentially email us at insider-dc@insider.com.