Generations and Elections

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It comes down to three. Generations, that is.

I never saw this coming. No one in America did. At this juncture, when you strip away party politics, ideology and race, Americans are faced with an unprecedented decision: The choice for President of the United States will ultimately come from one of three distinct and different generations.

Granted, Super Tuesday will go a long way to determine the nominees from each party, but please allow me to look ahead a bit. (McCain, Clinton and Obama are essentially the three choices left.)

If Americans choose Sen. John McCain, he will become the first of his generation (the “Silent” generation, 1925 - 1942) to be Commander in Chief. Wow. This is so exciting, kind of like Bob Dole’s “Family Values” vs. Bill Clinton’s “Bridge to the 21st century”…We know how that turned out.

If we choose Hillary Clinton, she will of course become the first woman to hold the office and the first wife of a president, but she will be the third Baby Boomer (1943-1960) in that position. (Clinton and Bush Jr. being the other two.)

Another Baby Boomer. “Sigh.”

And last but not least, there is Barack (Mr. Hope and Change) Obama, the real Chocolate Jesus, who is the first member of Generation X (1961-1981) to be in contention for the presidency. If he were to win, he would be not only the first African American (literally) president, but also the first Gen X President in the history of the United States. (He would also be the first man more handsome than myself to win the presidency – though Monroe had some style.)

So here it is, we have the Silent past, the Boomer present, and a chocolate future to choose from. 

The generational wheel is turning and the season of the boomer is starting to fade. As David Brooks from the New York Times said in column today, “the Kennedy [Silent Generation] endorsement of Obama (against the Clintons): "The grandparents and children united against the parents."

Wait a minute, is Brooks calling Generation X children?

Here's what I think:

If Obama defeats Hillary in the Democratic primary, the 2008 Election will mirror the 1996 election between Clinton and Dole. Only this time the mantra will be "Hope in a better future" vs. "Virtues of a crusty past."

Comments

[Fatime]

Do you really think that Romney is out? I thought he did quite well at the debate last night.

[Uncle Ed]

So, it looks like you will end up supporting a silent vs. one of your own? Interesting; I think that bears some more explanation!

[Sara Seebruch]

(He would also be the first man more handsome than myself to win the presidency – though Monroe had some style.)

And why havent you ran?!?!?! I would vote for you... I dont even know I want to Vote...