Feinstein Faces Growing Scrutiny, but Voters Are Still Divided on Her Fitness
Voters interviewed in California on Thursday had mixed views on the meaning and consequences of fresh and troubling revelations about Ms. Feinstein’s condition. But they did not seem to share the sense of urgency expressed by some of the state’s political players, the politicians, donors and activists who were distressed over the possibility that Ms. Feinstein’s condition would slow the Democrats’ agenda and effectiveness in Washington.
Denise Dixon, a lifelong Democrat who lives in Anaheim, southeast of Los Angeles, said she was still unsure of Ms. Feinstein’s mental capacity and whether the senator was able to carry on with her job.
“As a voter, I’d hope she would be responsible and make the right choice whether to step down now or later,” said Ms. Dixon, who voted for Ms. Feinstein in 2018.
After a New York Times report on Thursday revealed that Ms. Feinstein’s condition had been more severe than her office had previously disclosed, a spokesman confirmed that the senator’s bout with shingles — a virus that had caused vision and balance impairments and partial paralysis in her face — had also brought on encephalitis, a rare but potentially debilitating swelling of the brain. Ms. Feinstein returned to the Capitol last week after missing more than two months because of her illness.
The revelation has amplified calls for Ms. Feinstein’s resignation, especially among the most politically engaged. She has already announced that she will retire when her sixth term ends in January 2025, but there are growing doubts that she can fulfill her duties until then.
Source: The New York Times
