The New York Times's editorial board just published a piece arguing that U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) "should resign."

In doing so, the Times tried to walk a fine line as not all Democrats are in agreement that Feinstein ought to resign. Most notably, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has come to Feinstein's defense.

Feinstein is 89 years old, making her the oldest member of the Senate. And, she is set to retire at the end of her current term. But, some Democrats do not want to wait that long.

For the past couple of months, Feinstein has been missing from the Senate for medical reasons. She was diagnosed with shingles.

Feinstein's absence from the upper chamber has been problematic in more ways than one.

For one thing, the Democrats do not have an overwhelming majority in the Senate. Rather their majority is 51-49, meaning that every vote counts. And, since proxy voting is not allowed, Feinstein's vote has been missing.

But, there is potentially an even bigger program for the Democrats: Feinstein is a key member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and her absence has meant that the Democrats have struggled to advance President Joe Biden's judicial nominees.

It is for this reason that some Democrats have begun to call for Feinstein's resignation. One of the most vocal Democrats to do so is U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).

He recently argued:

It’s time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people.

Now, the Times appears to be in agreement with Khanna and those Democrats calling for Feinstein to step aside.

"If she cannot fulfill her obligations to the Senate and to her constituents, she should resign and turn over her responsibilities to an appointed successor, the Times writes.

The outlet adds, "If she is unable to reach that decision on her own, Mr. Schumer, the majority leader, and other Democratic senators should make it clear to her and the public how important it is that she do so."

The Times goes on to attempt to make it clear that it is not personally attacking Feinstein. The editorial board offers as much conciliatory praise of Feinstein as possible, while still suggesting that her time is up.

Feinstein, as of this writing, is still insisting that she will return to Washington D.C.