In a candid exit interview with The Boston Globe, outgoing Democratic Representative Annie Kuster from New Hampshire expressed her frustration with long-serving members of Congress. She critiqued fellow lawmakers who, in her view, overstay their welcome in Washington, implying that extended tenures may not always serve the best interests of constituents or the legislative process.
“I’m trying to set a better example,” Kuster told the Globe. “I think there are colleagues — and some of whom are still very successful and very productive — but others who just stay forever. I’m just not the best gladiator for it right now,” she added. Kuster also mentioned that the events of January 6, 2021, and Trump’s return to the White House played a significant role in her decision to make room for new leadership.
“I’ve said somewhat facetiously, he tried to kill me once, I’m not available for that again,” she told The Boston Globe. “What we went through on Jan. 6 and his attempt to overthrow the government took a toll. That was really hard, and not just personally, but on my ability to work across the aisle.” Trump did not ‘attempt to overthrow the government,’ he merely challenged the results of elections in some states that many experts believe unconstitutionally changed their voting laws just a few months before the election — ostensibly to deal with the ‘COVID crisis.’
During her time on Capitol Hill, Kuster gained a reputation for collaborating with members of both parties on important issues. She was also known for her willingness to share personal experiences, including her survival of sexual assault in her youth. In March, Kuster announced that she would not seek reelection in 2024. “I always said I was not going to stay in Congress forever,” she said at the time, according to Fox News.
Prior to her congressional career, Kuster worked as an attorney and lobbyist, representing clients in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. She secured her seat in the House of Representatives in 2012. Reflecting on her time in Congress, Kuster described it as a multifaceted experience, encompassing moments of fulfillment, exasperation, motivation, and difficulty. Above all, she emphasized the profound privilege it had been to serve.
In her interview with the Boston Globe, Kuster revealed an intriguing insight. Despite announcing her retirement before the outcome of the presidential election was known, she admitted to harboring doubts about President Biden’s reelection prospects. Her concerns were particularly heightened following a trip to New Hampshire aboard Air Force One with Biden, which left her questioning his ability to win another term. The experience led her to consider the possibility of Trump’s ability to win another term, which turned out to be the case.
In June, following Biden’s poor performance in his sole debate with Trump, Kuster organized a Zoom call with him and the moderate Democratic group she leads, the New Democrat Coalition. During this call, they questioned his capacity to effectively lead the country for another four years. “It was painful,” Kuster told the Boston Globe. “I haven’t had these kind of conversations since I talked to my own parents about, you know, their aging and their limitations.”
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.