EDITORIAL: It Is Time, Senator Reed

EDITORIAL: It Is Time, Senator Reed

The past few weeks' events locally and nationally are a reminder of the fragility of age.

Just over a month ago, Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio died in office, leaving the state with a massive void and a very poor succession plan. He had been sick for nearly two years.

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Over the past couple of weeks, it has become apparent that for years, there were clear signs that President Joe Biden was not fit for a second term.

Some would argue that his health in his first term had failed. If you listen to audio of Biden's October 2023 interviews with special counsel Robert Hur, it is hard to conclude he was fit to lead the country.

 

 

 

Biden's failure to step aside and allow the Democratic primary process gave way to President Donald Trump's return and has left the Democratic Party in continuous chaos.

Moreover, the Biden episode has severely damaged his legacy and the trust in the Democratic Party.

United States Senator Jack Reed has been a fine senator, and giving up his seniority is like trying to break an OxyContin addiction—necessary but not easy. He has served Rhode Island well, but it is now time. 

Time to step aside.

Reed is now 75 years old and has said he will run for reelection in 2026. That would be a mistake. He would be 76 at the time of the election and 82 years old at the end of that term. He was first elected to Congress in 1990. 

For Reed, a West Point grad, an Army Ranger, and the ranking member of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee, he understands service and the limits of age.

The mandatory retirement age for generals in the U.S. Army is 64 years old. That can be extended to 66 by the Secretary of Defense or 68 by the President of the United States, but no further.

Reed has already passed that extended age by seven years.

The danger for Reed to continue is not only that he will not be able to serve Rhode Islanders; it is more than that. The danger for Rhode Island is that a health/capacity demise ends in a chaotic and undemocratic appointment. The sitting governor makes the appointment for a replacement to serve out the remainder of a two-year cycle.

That creates a vacuum and manipulates the electoral process.

Moreover, for Democrats, U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo is an outstanding Democratic candidate to succeed Reed. He has impressed all. Even those who may not agree with his politics, they are appreciative of his energy and efforts.

Reed would best serve Rhode Island and the country not by remaining in office, but by stepping aside.

Obviously, his network, which thrives from his influence and power, will argue against it. They will tell Reed that he is indispensable.

Which sparks the quote, “Cemeteries are filled with indispensable men.”

The reality is that the country would be best served by the selflessness of Reed stepping aside, more so than the selfishness of continuing in office — SEE Joe Biden.

 

This editorial was first published 5/26/25 6:30 PM