The Last Boomer President

[RadiationTherapy]

At what point does a person or generation concede that it is time for younger people to step up and have an opportunity? At what point do people in their late 60s and early 70s use their clout, speech-making skills, and fund-raising powers to help younger people build a base and get elected? Are any of these near-70 or 70+ year old candidates grooming anyone or putting any effort toward younger, up and coming candidates? Will we have boomers still trying to run the country in their 80s?

Frankly, I'm not that excited about Sanders or Hillary due to their age and potential generational "distance" from younger voters. I personally wonder about the future of our party when it seems the elder states-persons who have so much experience, wisdom, and intellect don't seem to be publicly endorsing or grooming younger candidates.

[libdem4life]

1. Absurdity at its highest. If you need, say brain surgery, you want the intern to do it?

You need your pricey car repaired, and the brand new repair guy is cheaper...what then. Now, if you want a taco or a hamburger... Surely you get my drift.

Look at the rest of the world...this is no Boomer Conspiracy...LOL. I'm Hillary's age, and I can literally run circles around most 40-50 somethings. And 50 year olds are also Boomers...so you must be really young.

Don't worry, you'll get your turn...when you've paid your dues, like most everyone else.

[hlthe2b]

5. ^^This^^

[libdem4life]

8. Thanks.

[RadiationTherapy]

10. This attitude is unsurpring to me and I have nothing to add.

But you seem like the type who craves a reply, so here.

[libdem4life]

15. Well, not really...but you might use spell check. I don't know what "unsurpring" means.

No need to reply.

[RadiationTherapy]

42. I'll leave it as it is. I am not bothered such a minor mistake.

[Warpy]

76. We didn't like it any better than you do

when it seemed the WWII generation would hang on forever, voting Republican all the way.

However, when you get older, you will realize you've got perspective that younger folks who are full of zeal and ambition don't quite have yet. Yeah, I didn't believe that either when I was in my 20s and 30s, but there it is.

But never fear, we'll die off and you'll be left holding the bag soon enough.

You just need to wait your turn like we did.

[RadiationTherapy]

86. Well, medicine makes that wait a lot longer. I see it at the uni I work at; people milking careers

and others never getting a chance to begin. I am 40. I am not interested in "waiting until people die;" I am interested in these elder statespersons guiding and ushering others into the upper echelons.

[Warpy]

89. You are right in one sense, I do see a gerontocracy growing around the DLC

or whatever they're calling themselves these days, with the door largely closed to outsiders, especially younger outsiders. Outside the DLC, we do have the Castro brothers in Texas plus a few others scattered around the country who are poised to run as the DLC inner circle gets into their 70s and 80s.

If you want to get into politics, get into politics at the local level and work at advancing through state government. Don't expect a meteoric rise into the top spot. Even Obama wasn't an overnight success.

[RadiationTherapy]

95. I do participate. My spouse and I have "managed" a small mayoral campaign successfully

and we do a variety of PR, graphics, audio, video, web, etc. for a variety of candidates.

Gerontocracy. Interesting term.

[Ex Lurker]

91. These labels are so arbitrary and don't mean much

My SO and I are the same age and born at the tail end of the Boomer era. She is the "surprise" child of a WWII veteran. My parents came of age in the late fifties/early sixties. Our formative experiences were very different, yet we're both considered Boomers. Neither of us have much in common with someone born in the forties, but they're Boomers too. And if we had been born a year later, we'd both be Gen Xers.

[libdem4life]

92. Agree...I have 2 nieces born in 1963-64 and there are definitely generational

difference...I was one of the first wave of Boomers and they were of the last. Definitely they relate more to Gen Xers.

[upaloopa]

2. When young people stand up and run for office

when they take the time to vote. When they realize that all of is have had our problems in our lives.
When young people take responsibility for their lives and stop blaming Boomers for their problems.
When young people present more solutions then complaints.

[RadiationTherapy]

12. Unsurprising. Here's a reply for you too.

[upaloopa]

20. I doubt you will ever get it!

You will make your future we won't.
We will be dead in the next 10 or 20 years. Who you going to blame then?
Run for fucking office we aren't stoping you!
The boomers the boomers those fucking boomers are keeping us down!

[RadiationTherapy]

43. You find the notions of asking for guidance and support to get on the

national political scene "blaming"?

[upaloopa]

53. Yes, if you are saying without it there are no

young candidates.
Support you will get guidance not so much but run anyway.

[RadiationTherapy]

60. I have participated in running two successful campaigns for small roles in a

small town. No one in this town is getting the "D" on the ballot without the approval of the local bigwigs. Having experienced that, I find it unlikely one can stroll into the national democratic party scene and get the connections, funding, and opportunities needed to succeed.

[Warren DeMontague]

103. You're kidding, right?

Millennials are responsible, more than any other demographic, for both 2 Obama terms AND the fact that Gay Marriage has gone in 10 years, from a GOP wedge issue, to a Democratic/Progressive one.

This idea that Millennials don't bother to get involved politically is like that bullshit 25 years ago about how my generation was all lazy slackers (at least, until we pretty much invented the internet economy which we thrive on today) ... total nonsense.

[monmouth4]

3. Young people scare me more than older people. Experience is a wonderful teacher...n/t

[MineralMan]

4. UnRec. There will be a last Boomer President

at some point. Hillary Clinton is a Boomer, born in 1947. Bernie Sanders is not a Boomer. Oddly enough, there are no Boomers older than 70. I was born in July of 1945. I'm 69 years old, and I'm too old to be a Boomer.

Your argument is ageist, actually, and has little to do with Boomers.

Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. The youngest baby boomers are just over 50 years old. In the current crop of Democratic presidential candidates, almost all of them are in the Boomer generation. You seem to think that anyone over 50 years old should not run for President. I'm sorry, but you have a few presidential elections to go before you get rid of all the Boomers.

It appears that you do not even know what ages are Boomers, and you're excluding a large percentage of people who have the experience and knowledge needed to be President. 50 years old is not old. It's just experienced.

Please think before you write.

[RadiationTherapy]

13. I appreciate the actual info here. Thank you.

And please don't accuse me of not thinking. Thank you.

While the late "boomers" who are only 50+ may technically be boomers, where are they? Do you think that Hillary or Bernie are helping groom new blood for the good of the party and nation?

[MineralMan]

34. Have you checked the ages of all candidates? I doubt it.

Rand Paul, for example, was born in 1963, in January. That means he's 52 right now. Would you prefer him to Hillary Clinton, for example, or to Bernie Sanders. I mean, he's like all young and like that.

Ted Cruz was born in 1970 and is only 44 right now. He's younger than the youngest boomer. He's a Republican, too. You want him?

Marco Rubio was born in 1971, so he's only 43. How does he sound to you?

Piyush Jindal was also born in 1971. Maybe you'd enjoy having him as President.

Scott Walker, who appears to be polling well, was born in 1967, and is just 47. How do you like him?

Chris Christie, born in 1962 is a young boomer, at age 52. For wisdom, he acts like a 20-something.

So, see, if you want a younger candidate, there are plenty of them in the Republican Clown Car. Take your pick. Do some research before posting. Facts are good.

[RadiationTherapy]

45. Well, I did take the time to specify I was speaking of democrats.

But, to be clear, I am speaking about democrats.

You seem intent on scoring points with insults or something, so: Good job!

[tblue37]

58. Julian Castro will be on the short list for VP this time, and probably running for

president in 2020. The Dems are grooming him for it. That is why he was keynote speaker at the 2012 convention--as were Clinton, Kerry, and Obama before their run for the presidency.

[MineralMan]

79. Well, since I'm older than a Boomer myself,

I found your dismissal of Boomers to be personally insulting. Ageism is ugly stuff. It cuts both ways. I would have no problem with a younger candidate, but you're complaining about current candidates that don't fit your age restrictions, so I pointed out some facts you apparently didn't know.

You're in a public forum. Insulting people because of their age won't cut it here without some blowback.

[RadiationTherapy]

80. I'm sorry I wasn't clearer in stating that I believe these elder statespersons of the party

are intentionally neglecting younger candidates in the interests of maximizing their own careers. I am saying there comes a time when milking an opportunity rather than helping others succeed is distasteful to me.

[MineralMan]

82. I suggest that you examine the ages of

those serving in the House, Senate and state legislatures. Those are the presidential candidates of the future. Voters tend to elect elder statesmen and women to the highest offices. Voters come in all age groups. If you want younger people in office, then I suggest you get your agemates to vote in larger numbers and run for office.

I also suggest that you learn more about those already in office, so you get your facts correct when you post. Some on DU pay close attention to such things. Age has little to do with political acumen or ability. Knowledge does.

[RadiationTherapy]

84. Why are they not helping younger candidates? It is a closed system; why do they not usher

others in using their clout, networks, and funds? How much more career do they need?

[MineralMan]

90. Younger political figures are being mentored constantly

by older ones. Again, have a look at congress and state legislatures. The young politicians there are learning from their elders. Advancing in national politics takes years, frankly. Decades, even. I've been working on campaigns since 1963. I've seen people gain experience and move up the the political ladder since that time. Some of our leaders in Congress are people whose campaigns I have worked on, decades ago. I'm still doing that, and am still helping people half my age and younger get elected. The national leaders of tomorrow are getting elected to legislative office now.

Go help them.

[RadiationTherapy]

96. And older political figures seem to be milking already successful and effective careers.

Perhaps there is mentoring going on, but that is no proof against stifling. If you are confident that Hillary and Bernie are not intentionally limiting access to media outlets, funds, networks, and endorsements in order to further their careers, then I hope you are right. I personally cannot imagine being a 1%er, having had a long, illustrious career, and being beyond what is conventionally considered "retirement age" and not wanting to step aside for the future. Others need time - decades - to accomplish things too. The later they start, perhaps the less they can accomplish.

In any case, I hope you have a good evening.

[treestar]

47. Thanks for taking the time to look up all those birth years for the Clown Car

I see the Rs think all they have to do to find their "Obama" is run people who are youngish.

[lumberjack_jeff]

14. Don't trust anyone over 30, man. n/t

[libdem4life]

19. Got that right...and it went up 10 years every decade. Don't know how That Happened.

Coincidence, I'm sure. LOL I had an early 1960's VW Beetle and then the splurge...a 1965 Mustang. Pedal to the Metal.

[MineralMan]

37. I never bought into that crap, frankly.

I always had my very wise father as an example. He's 90 years old now, and still one of the wisest people I know. Age is meaningless when it comes to point of view or wisdom.

[immoderate]

6. Concede? WTF?

Any born citizen over 35 can run. People with humanistic values are discouraged by the system. It particularly affects young potential voters and leaders. You can't really hold boomers responsible.

--imm

[Fumesucker]

7. Boomers have had Clinton, Dubya and Obama

The greatest generation got Eisenhower, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush 41...

[RadiationTherapy]

16. Jeez.

[HereSince1628]

38. I have trouble seeing Obama as a boomer, I know, I know arbitrary dates, but here's the thing...

Boomers Father's were mostly WWII and Korean War vets their mothers were often "Rosey the Riveters"

Pres. Obama's mother was -a WWII-war-baby. So there's a generational difference at the parents level. It's hard to see how that can exist and not influence their children. Boomers parents knew the depression, knew FDR's programs as proposals, and as programs that turned around the economy, they followed the military battles of WWII and knew rationing

It puts Pres Obama outside many of the cultural artifacts that made boomers boomers. Boomers have rather more in common with his mother than with Obama.

Most male boomers faced draft, many were subject to be drafted into the Vietnam conflict. Setting aside Woodstock, Boomers lived the civil rights movements and have firsthand awareness of the summer of 68. We were there for the first Earth day. We were politically aware of the significance of Kent State and Watergate. We know of Howdy-Doody, The Mickey Mouse Club, the Smothers Brothers, and Laugh-in.

For sure there is always some overlap going on in these 'generation labels', but as a boomer, I don't feel Obama or anyone who graduated high school 1978-ish really experienced the events that shaped the world view of boomers

SO, I think the boomers, to date, have 2 presidents. I don't think either represented our ideals very well.

[Fumesucker]

41. I agree, technically Obama is a Boomer however culturally not so much I think though..

I thought it particularly showed when he was talking about getting past the culture wars, anyone who lived through that period as Boomer knows damn well the culture wars are baked into American society at a very deep level.

[phleshdef]

59. Obama is right on that line between boomer and Gen X, IMO.

[mike in raleigh]

110. He's a Joneser

Google Generation Jones; Obama is of the sub-generation born 1956-1965, as are Madonna, Matt Lauer, and myself.

[BlueStater]

70. Well,...

Several of those presidents were one-termers, one died in office, and one resigned. Boomers only have less because each of them individually have been in office longer than most of the WWII generation presidents were.

And Eisenhower was born in 1890, so he's clearly not a member of this generation. Bush I and Carter were both born in 1924, for comparisons sake.

[1939]

77. Ike was a tad old

He was born in the late 19th century. While he served in WWII, he was more a contemporary of FDR and HST.

I was born in 1939 (depression baby). The presidency passed us by and went straight from Bush I to Clinton.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

9. We've only had three and they represent almost the outer edges of the definition.

Marco Rubio looking good now?

[RadiationTherapy]

17. No, of course not (Rubio).

But I can't even name any democrats who are younger than "almost 70" and are on the national scene. I have heard of Julian Castro, but I don't see him being encouraged by the elders.

[libdem4life]

22. Trust me, he's being groomed.Stellar family, politics, reputation with a young family and cool twin.

He's Director of HUD, often mentioned as a VP candidate, which would put him near 50 after 8 years to run for President. And, he's Hispanic. He'll be the first non-Boomer President, I predict. Check him out...you'll feel better, because no one is cheering him on louder than the Democratic Boomers!!! But we want him experienced before we Pull a Rubio.

http://www.biography.com/people/julian-castro-20967527

[RadiationTherapy]

48. Thank you for this info and perspective.

I certainly hope he and others are getting the experiences, networking, and funding needed to forge new candidates in the future. Good luck to you.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

65. Saw him speak at a conference in San Antonio. He's definitely got an engaging presence.

[libdem4life]

11. Seems just the post makes the point, referring to the reasoned responses of The Elders.

[RadiationTherapy]

24. Some responses indeed point to the problem in my eyes.

There certainly seems to be entitlement, arrogance, and condescension at the very least. Especially considering I asked about grooming and advising. As if one can stroll into the national democratic party scene.

[libdem4life]

32. See Post #22. Other than JFK (age 43) I don't think there's been a President under 50.

Julian Castro would be older than him because he's around 40 now. Facts are "entitlement, arrogance, and condescension"? Consider the question.

[RadiationTherapy]

50. Facts are facts. If they are expressed and contextualized

with entitlement, arrogance, and condescension, I find that detracts from the information.

[BlueStater]

67. We've had several presidents under 50, actually.

In fact, we've had two in just the last 25 years alone. Clinton and Obama were 46 and 47 when they became president, respectively.

[libdem4life]

113. My bad...true.

[GeorgeGist]

112. WRONG.

Clinton was 46.

[libdem4life]

114. All Caps? I miswrote. Thanks for catching it. Didn't need to yell at me, ya know.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. "Young wolves, show us your teeth." John Steinbeck

I'm 71 and would gladly vote for Kshama Sawant (42) if she were eligible to run over Bernie and certainly over Hillary.

But, not on the basis of her age.

[RadiationTherapy]

30. Thanks for the name. I hadn't heard of her.

[appalachiablue]

71. Great Steinbeck quote. Kshama Sawant's articulate, bright & a force for the future & now.

[LanternWaste]

21. What is the relevant and precise age that compels you be "not that excited" about any particular...

What is the relevant and precise age that compels you be "not that excited" about any particular candidate, and on what objective evidence is that based on? Or (and I find this more likely) is this merely a personal bias of yours?

[RadiationTherapy]

26. No precise age. I just think that generations - though useless to pinpoint - do have cultural

relevance. I am no longer confident that politicians - notoriously behind culture in general in any case - near 70 years old are aware and dynamic enough in their ideas to meet the needs of contemporary leadership.

[appalachiablue]

69. THis has never been brought up so much in my almost 5 decades. Is it Obama's relative

young age, Boomer hatred, 'the Internet' bringer of all light? Or all?

So by 'aware' and 'dynamic' a politician has to be under say 45? Are we talking about President of the United States, and the leader of the free world? Or the president of a music company or a tech venture?

[loyalsister]

23. The last time an older candidate won when there was an appreciable age difference

was in 1980, when Carter had had a lot of bad luck and Reagan had an October surprise.
Some call it agist, but I think it's practical and I have talked with women who are the same age as Hillary who agree.

I feel pretty convinced that republicans have learned their lesson when it comes to running candidates who are old enough to be the parent of their opponent.

[RadiationTherapy]

29. I don't see why it is controversial to bring this up.

I am not saying physical or mental inadequacy, only that we are products of our cultures and upbringing and so age matters in that context. Geography also matters for culture, but the internet tempers that somewhat I think.

[loyalsister]

40. Me neither

It is an undeniable fact that our bodies have a shelf life. We naturally wear out and die. It is a reality that is not positive or negative. It's just part of the life cycle.

The fact that Reagan was showing signs of Alzheimer's before he completed his last term should be a cautionary remembrance because Hillary is the about same age he was when he first ran.

I am having a very difficult time understanding why anyone who has more than earned some years of retirement would want to take on one of the toughest, if not the toughest job in the entire world.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

31. Strictly in terms of political power, repubs think longer term than we do.

Look at all the 40-somethings the old SOBs who really run things have picked out-- Rubio, Paul, Cruz, Walker.

[Cheese Sandwich]

25. Bernie's popularity is skyrocketing on the kids' websites right now.

[RadiationTherapy]

27. Cool. "The Kids" must be excited then!

[leftofcool]

28. Could you offer some links for the kids' websites, please.

I would love to see what is being said.

[appalachiablue]

72. Terrific! "What's in a Name' as Shakespeare said! I mean AGE of course- if the message is right.

Pls. keep us posted about The Young People. I don't have enough in my life, so I'd appreciate whatever.

In fact, do we have a DU MILLENNIALS or YOUTH GROUP?

The UK has the Young People's Parliament which I think is a great idea that the US should have.

[appalachiablue]

33. President Barack Obama b. 1961 is in the range of Boomer births in the west, 1946-1964.

Yet I recall a remark Re Boomers that didn't go over well at the time with some.



I want to see a larger group of Dem. politicians on all levels, local, state and national. But there is a real GAP in the 35-55 age group that I noticed several years ago. It's concerning.

Why? Some have told me it's because of the much smaller Gen X demographic group. But look at the GOP, they have many in that age group- Cruz, Rubio, Walker, Christie, Rand Paul.

I attribute the lack of quality candidates and govt. elected officials in this age group on the Democratic side to the fact that many went into higher paying private sector business jobs during the Reagan Free Market/Uncle Miltie/Trickle Down Economy Years.

That was when government was hated, detested, deregulated and cut down. And business, especially fat boys in finance and banking took off. As Reagan proclaimed at the Jan. 1981 Inauguration, 'Government isn't the solution, it's the problem".

~ It's long said that patience is a virtue, wisdom also. ~

-My parents were pre-teens to early 20s, when FDR was president.

-I was under 10 when when LBJ took office in 1963.

-In 1980 when REAGAN was elected I was in my 20s; he was almost 70.

(I wanted to off myself from shock, because I couldn't believe REAGAN was elected, not because of his age but his 2nd rate B-actor reputation and ultraconservatism).

[yeoman6987]

85. A lot of our candidates got beat in the 2010 and 2014

Elections especially state level. We are rebuilding. We will be fine. Only one person is needed really.

[Skidmore]

35. Has a younger person stepped up?

If so, who? And what vision does that individual have? Has nothing to do with conceding and a lot to do with participating.

[RadiationTherapy]

52. Does one merely "step up" to a national political party scene?

Is that how it works?

[Skidmore]

68. It starts at local level through

getting involved. Volunteer. Learn. Running for local office and then state office. Or you could just go to state level. Do you know how old VP Biden was when he was elected to the Senate? He was 29. And he won against a well established incumbent. Before then he served on his City Council. We had an 18 year old elected to City Council a few years ago.

You have a message and get it out there. Get support. It's not easy and Citizens United has made it increasingly difficult. However, I don't think it is impossible.

[hrmjustin]

36. Who do you want to run?

[RadiationTherapy]

54. I don't know of any democrats on the national scene who are under 65.

My experience in running two local political campaigns made it seem like a very closed process. In other words, one may "step up," but without endorsements, funds, and access to (human) social networks, it is basically a non-event.

[hrmjustin]

55. ok. I think Hillary will do just fine.

[RadiationTherapy]

61. She ought to. She certainly has had enough guidance, financing, and networking

provided to her over her many years of service.

[hrmjustin]

62. She is highly intelligent and has worked hard to get where she is.

[RadiationTherapy]

63. Yes, of course. Those traits coupled with opportunity often breed success.

Good for her and good luck to all.

[appalachiablue]

73. Under 65 Dems.= Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) brilliant head of Budget Committee; Sen. Sherrod

Brown (D-OH) fierce fighter for the people, fair trade; Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) progressive, muslim religion; Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) quiet fighter, brain;
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) bright, more centrist; Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) business, more corporate.

Rahm Emmanuel, Mayor of Chicago (D), former IL Congressman, full on corporate Dem. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz of FL, Chair of the DNC, Dem. National Committee. Some think DWS is too centrist, friendly with the other side and not doing her job well.

The Castos are extremely bright, highly educated and promising. In Red State Texas, there's little opportunity for Dems. like them to rise up the ranks to US Senator or Governor, because of the dominance of the GOP, which is a shame.
To help offset this Julian was appointed to a Cabinet position as Secy. of HUD, the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Dvmt. for which he is highly suited. Both brothers have a very bright future. Look for Julian on the 2016 or 2020 Ticket if the Dems. have any sense.

[RadiationTherapy]

74. Thank you for this information. Do you think these people are being actively helped by the party

establishment? I hope so.

[guillaumeb]

39. THIS post shows how the GOP can control people.

The 1% have used the past 40 years to divide the 99% by race, sex, ethnicity, language, nationality, and age.
Think of all the ways they have divided us:
If only the BLACKS were not taking OUR (read white males) jobs.

If only these WOMEN would stay in their pace! (Presumably at home)

UNION workers caused the jobs to go away with their excessive demands!

MEXICANS are stealing OUR (again, read white males) jobs!

Now, according to Radiation Therapy, it is the fault of the Boomers. Young people voted at extremely low levels in 2010 and 2014, but somehow the Boomers are to blame?

As to "generational distance", how about the "cultural distance" between poor blacks and whites? The GOP used to use that one all the time, along with the phrase "culture of poverty".

Boomers are not different from younger voters, we/they have the same feelings, fears, hopes, skills. We are just older. If you want change, to quote Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see". So get up, get out and change the country. (By the way, Gandhi was an old person too)

[RadiationTherapy]

56. Yes, yes. Get up and change the country.

But don't try and do it through the national democratic party. Those doors are closed.

[guillaumeb]

66. and you think they are open for Boomers?

They are open for the 1%, the rich, whatever term you prefer.

But unions organized in spite of not having a voice at the table. People fought, organized, and died for the right to unionize. Jobs with Justice, Our Wal-Mart, and Fight or $15 are working for higher wages for low income workers. What are you personally doing in the struggle?

I work (with a church based group) with Our Wal-Mart and Jobs With Justice in my area.

What are you personally doing in the struggle?

I ask not to call you out but because we ALL must work for what we want to see changed.

[RadiationTherapy]

75. Not necessarily. I think it requires an active role by party elders to get "inside."

I work with local campaigns. I do graphics, web, audio, video, and other media production.

[guillaumeb]

106. I agree that insiders control access.

The work you are doing is work that needs to be done. Congratulations.

[BlueStater]

44. I agree with you.

These are the people I've most heard mentioned for the Democratic nomination in 2016 and their ages.

Bernie Sanders: September 8, 1941 (73)
Joe Biden: November 20, 1942 (72)
Jim Webb: February 9, 1946 (69)
Hillary Clinton: October 26, 1947 (67)
Elizabeth Warren: June 22, 1949 (65)
Martin O'Malley: January 18, 1963 (52)

O'Malley kind of stands out in this group, doesn't he? Seriously, what the fuck happened?

[ScreamingMeemie]

49. You are forgetting one.

Lincoln Chafee: March 25, 1953 (62)

http://www.chafee2016.com/

[tblue37]

46. Bill Mahr did a bit a couple of months ago pointing out that the healthy, vigorous Jerry Brown had d

wonders for California. He said we should, like other countries, recognize that older people often have valuable wisdom and experience, so age should matter less than health and policy stances when we choose our leaders.

I'd much prefer someone like Brown or Sanders over young jerks like Rubio or Cruz.

[tblue37]

51. BTW, Julian Castro is clearly being groomed as a potential VP candidate for this election, as

well as for a presidential run in the future. That's why he, like Clinton, Kerry, and Obama was given the keynote spot at the last convention. It is used as a showcase for future candidates.

[RadiationTherapy]

64. Great. That is one person under 60 being actively groomed and promoted.

Maybe there will be others someday. I just think this ought to have happened sooner. I think a slate of candidates 65+ is a liability, but perhaps the issues will speak more loudly than the optics and "cultural distance" from younger voters.

[RadiationTherapy]

57. I prefer nearly any democrat or socialist over a republican

so that comparison is a bit disingenuous. Also, I never mentioned vigor nor do I discount wisdom and experience.

[LiberalArkie]

78. I am a boomer and I would work myself to death to support a 35year old progressive with

the ideals of Bernie. I can't think of any old fart that wouldn't. But I would not support the person if a r-lite yuppy type.

You know the kind of person we were told by the PR company that Obama was. I fell for that 4 times, not again.

[RadiationTherapy]

81. Are there no means by which Bernie and hillary can help young liberals get more opportunities?

I think they could.

I appreciate your attitude about younger politicians and I am certain many others feel the same. My OP was intended to point out that Bernie and Hillary are extremely powerful and influential. They can bring others into the national spotlight.

[Throd]

83. Nobody is going to just hand it to your generation. You have to earn the votes.

[RadiationTherapy]

88. There is no obligation or other impetus for powerful members of the party to help those who

would replace them? It's similar to the money-grubbers: how much is enough?

[Throd]

93. No. There is no such obligation.

It is the wise thing to do, but not an obligation.

[RadiationTherapy]

102. I agree on all points.

I hope you have a good evening.

[DanTex]

87. Or maybe, the best, most qualified candidate should win, regardless of their age? Just maybe?

[RadiationTherapy]

97. I think there is a great deal more involved in a pres campaign than qualifications.

There are fund raisers, endorsements, media and PR, branding, speechifying, and on and on. I know you know this, but i am just pointing out that it seems to me like a torch to be passed and not merely "being qualified."

[DanTex]

99. Sure. What does that have to do with age?

Why is there "a torch to be passed"? As a young person (umm, relatively young, not as young as I used to be lol) I really don't care how old the candidate is. I care what they stand for. And that they can beat the Republicans.

[RadiationTherapy]

100. Sorry I wasn't clear: It is such a closed system that unless the elders intentionally

bring in and help the youth succeed it won't likely happen organically. It has less to do with age than with having already had extremely fruitful and powerful 40+ year careers.

[Warren DeMontague]

94. Nostradamus says: This topic is gonna go over like a ton of bricks, here, on DU.

The Demographic majority on DU tends somewhere between "In my day we didn't twerk, we just put baseball cards in the spokes of our bikes" and "I keep missing episodes of the Mentalist, I need to call my grandson to program the DVR"



I will say this- anyone who doesn't recognize that our bench is, currently, limited- particularly on the younger end (Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom in CA being two notable exceptions) ...isn't paying attention, or thinking very far ahead.

[RadiationTherapy]

98. The term "DLC gerontocracy" was cited above.

I just don't see people getting the valuable experiences like Cruz, Rubio, et al are. Even if/when they lose, the experience alone will earn them millions in future careers as politicians, lobbyists, advisors, etc. ONE prominent position in a presidential campaign can set someone up in terms of money and influence for a long, long time (see: Palin, Sarah).

[Warren DeMontague]

101. People are understandably resistant to the idea that they may be gettin' .....old.

Myself, included.

It's worth remembering that the Red Hot Chili Peppers were added to the Superbowl half time show last year "to appeal to the older Demographic". When Paul McCartney took the stage at the Video Music Awards not long ago, something like 70% of the audience didn't know who he was.

But good luck on getting that point across.

[Jesus Malverde]

104. Nailed it..

[madokie]

105. On the other hand I'm very excited about Bernie Sanders running for the Oval Office

[RadiationTherapy]

107. I regret not adding this sooner: I am excited about Bernie's ideas and I hope he is successful

[Skittles]

108. people who are 70 or 70+ now are not Boomers

[RadiationTherapy]

109. A fair point in terms of detail, but i believe most of the dynamics still pertain.

[AnnieBW]

111. Obama is a Late Boomer

Or "Generation Jones" as I've heard it called. My husband and I are in the same group - born at the tail end of the Baby Boom. We're technically considered Boomers, but we missed out on all of the good stuff that the Boomers had (hippies, Woodstock, etc.) The defining moment of our youth was not Kennedy being shot, but Reagan being shot.