LaffyMay 18, 2023

🧵 1/...“Many described it as “frightening” to see her operating in Senate in current state:

#Feinstein [had] complications after hospitalized for shingles, some not disclosed… spread to face & neck, causing vision & balance impairments & facial paralysis known as Ramsay Hunt syndr…also brought on prev unreported case of encephalitis, rare but potentially debilitating complication”

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/us/politics/feinstein-illness-shingles-senate.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur

Feinstein Frailer Than Ever After Illness, But Unwilling to Leave Senate

Senator Dianne Feinstein, 89, whose recent bout with shingles included contracting encephalitis, is frailer than ever. But she remains unwilling to entertain discussions about leaving the Senate.

The New York Times
Show threadLaffyMay 18, 2023
2/ "Characterized by swelling of the brain, post-shingles encephalitis can leave patients with lasting memory or language problems, sleep disorders, bouts of confusion, mood disorders, headaches and difficulties walking. Older patients tend to have the most trouble recovering. And even before this latest illness, Ms. Feinstein had already suffered substantial memory issues that had raised questions about her mental capacity."
Show threadAnnietimeMay 18, 2023
@GottaLaff oh no. This is so terrible. For her and the country. Is there no one who can help her realize that it’s time to resign?
Show threadLaffyMay 18, 2023
@annietime That's all covered in the thread & article. Apparently not.
Show threadJustin WilliamsMay 18, 2023

@GottaLaff @annietime It's a sad state of affairs made worse by a lack of self awareness.

At this point, resigning won't do anything. That needed to happen in 2021/2.

We witnessed what will happen while she was temporarily gone. We wont have her vote and the GOP will block any effort to replace her on committees. I don't see how a permanent absence right now will resolve that conundrum.

Show threadLaffyMay 18, 2023

@jstnwill She'd be replaced. See thread. Newsom would appoint a successor

@annietime

Show threadJustin WilliamsMay 18, 2023
@GottaLaff @annietime GOP blocked any changes to committee assignments, how would a new senator get that seat filled? And the rules different?
Show threadLaffy
@jstnwill I don't know. @annietime
May 18, 2023 at 6:04pmWeb
Show threadJustin WilliamsMay 19, 2023
@GottaLaff @annietime I think the answer might be... They can't... Which is why no one is asking her to resign anymore. But I don't personally know the committee rules. This is just what Ive been seeing argued by others.