The average age of a U.S. Representative is in the 50s. In the Senate, it's in the 60s. Many Congressional members are also white and wealthy. And this is not representative of the country as a whole. So, what's keeping Congress from being more reflective of nation's population, and therefore, actually getting things done? So. Many. Things. 

Bob calls up political scientist Maya Kornberg, author of Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress, to unpack why Congress feels frozen in place ... and how we can fix it. 

From campaign money and social media to political violence and the rise of “performative politics,” Maya explains why younger leaders struggle to break through. 

 

The average age of a U.S. Representative is in the 50s. In the Senate, it's in the 60s. Many Congressional members are also white and wealthy. And this is not representative of the country as a whole. So, what's keeping Congress from being more reflective of nation's population, and therefore, actually getting things done? So. Many. Things.&nbsp;
Bob calls up political scientist Maya Kornberg, author of <a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/54126/stuck?srsltid=AfmBOorOCOG8K4fHJWYs7wz6jK9n8E3-Oq5onseahbsgfHUPX7VODSLC">Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress</a>, to unpack why Congress feels frozen in place ... and how we can fix it.&nbsp;
From campaign money and social media to political violence and the rise of &ldquo;performative politics,&rdquo; Maya explains why younger leaders struggle to break through.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history — from the Revolutionary War to rock & roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history &mdash; from the Revolutionary War to rock &amp; roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

American History Hotline

American History Hotline with Bob Crawford

Why Is Congress So Old? And How Can We Change This?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/04921526-7eb9-49cd-b2ca-b44900fda5c0/transcript