Peart was never the same after his wife and daughter died. I could see the change in his on-stage demeanor. He doesn’t even smile. Gone is the fire of the individualist that inspired the early Rush fans when the writings of Ayn Rand influenced the lyrics. I had a copy of the set he used on the Farewell to Kings album. Brass hardware and all. Those like minded musicians I was in bands with also improved beyond the limits of the Rolling Stones. I had already given up on Rush after Power Windows. Then I received Anatomy of a Drum Solo. He was dour, as if playing drums wasn’t fun anymore. That’s when you hang it up. Or you become a miserable bastard like Buddy Rich.
That was my thought as well. He's had to deal with a heap of tragedy.
That being said, he probably should've kept quiet on his changing political leanings. While everyone has the right to voice their opinions, Rush is in the business of selling albums and concert tickets and I can't think of a demographic less likely to vote for Hillary Clinton than Rush fans.