Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley announces that his decades-old vacuum cleaner, affectionately named “Beth,” has died and he posts a farewell message. Multiple outlets report that Grassley publicly eulogizes the appliance, using social media language that frames it as a long-serving member of his family.
Grassley’s “Beth” is described as being in his family for nearly 50 years and as a familiar presence on his social media. The New York Times and other outlets quote his posted goodbye, while The Hill and CBS News add that the vacuum is named “Beth” after a former Senate staffer. CBS News also reports that Grassley shows short updates or snapshots of the vacuum as an “old reliable” tool before its retirement.
Outlets differ slightly on why “Beth” is retired: Newsweek cites electrical sparks that force its retirement, while CBS News emphasizes that the vacuum has retired after years of service. The New York Post focuses on Grassley’s brief, affectionate goodbye, and CBS News includes commentary from political strategists in one segment, reflecting a broader view of how the story fits into his public persona.
