Is Congress too old?
By Evan Dawson, Megan Mack, Julie Williams
July 14, 2026 at 8:46 AM EDT
12:00: Is Congress too old?
1:00: 'Connections Summer Sessions:' Writer and photographer Chris Arnade, documenting the 'forgotten Americans'
Is Congress too old? Some are asking that following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the health questions surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell. The average member of the United States Senate is significantly older than the average American. Elected leaders commonly serve for decades. Our guests discuss whether this is a benefit or a problem, and whether anything could be done to change it. In studio:
1:00: 'Connections Summer Sessions:' Writer and photographer Chris Arnade, documenting the 'forgotten Americans'
Is Congress too old? Some are asking that following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the health questions surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell. The average member of the United States Senate is significantly older than the average American. Elected leaders commonly serve for decades. Our guests discuss whether this is a benefit or a problem, and whether anything could be done to change it. In studio:
- Patrick Coyle, chief of staff of the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation
- Mark Johns, Monroe County Legislator for District 8
- Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America"