Kathmandu— In the upcoming primary race for the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts, Rep. Seth Moulton has challenged Sen. Ed Markey's age and technological competence. At 80 years old, Markey faces criticism over his understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) during a recent debate, which has become central to Moulton’s campaign to unseat the incumbent in Tuesday's party primary.

Markey's Technological Stumble

During a recent debate, Markey was asked about his use of AI platforms like Claude or ChatGPT. He responded that he uses “whatever is inside of my iPhone or my iPad — whatever comes up” and added that he doesn’t know “what companies my iPad may be using.” This response has reinforced Moulton’s argument that Markey, who would be 86 at the end of another term, is too old to represent a generation facing modern technological challenges.

Divided Young Democrats

Young Massachusetts Democrats are divided on whether age should determine leadership. Arsen Bagdassarian, an 18-year-old supporter of Moulton, expressed concern over Markey’s lack of understanding about AI. However, Matt Kelly, president of the UMass Lowell College Democrats, argues that longevity can be an asset and that Markey's record on policy matters more than his age.

Policy vs. Age Debate

The debate over whether to prioritize policy or age has become a central issue in this race. While some young voters argue that older politicians cannot understand the modern world, others like Milan van Dam and Abby Shadden point out Markey’s consistent record on progressive issues such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All.

Moulton's Generational Change Argument

Seth Moulton has emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders to address modern challenges like AI and social media. He argues that Markey’s lack of technological understanding is “potentially disqualifying.” Molly Blander, an 18-year-old supporter of Moulton, believes that generational change is necessary due to rising costs and the impact of technology on mental health.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.