The Explainers

How difficult is this to see or understand? The yakkers down in blow dry gulch are trying to help us little-brained people in the electorate understand the very thing we have spawned. Thank you, oh wise ones, but we get it; we get it because it is us. Now let us give you some pointers.

There is a movement in America and it is driving our country as far away as possible from where it presently sits. The most powerful force in all of this is young people who are sick of what the baby boomers have done to our country and the wider world. They despise our current president and the people who encircle him and feast on the carrion of his ignorance. Fortunately, these young voters are determined not to lie around and let the corpus of our democracy rot.

The symbol of this movement, which includes many of us who are not so young, is Barack Obama. He has stepped into a historical slipstream that is both circumstantial and generational. Obama comes along after too many years of the Bushes, too many years of the Clintons, and too many years of various unremarkable white guys in expensive suits running for president promising change and delivering stasis. His hopefulness is convincing us to reconnect to our democracy just when our cynicism has us on the verge of pulling the plug. His age and energy perfectly splits the seams between the boomers and generations that will be our successors.

While we may be uncertain of exactly what he is, we do know precisely what he is not and that is one of the other candidates. We know them all in varying degrees. Hillary Clinton's ambition has been on overt display since her days in Arkansas and the move to New York for the senate run was as calculated as her adopting a southern accent when speaking to African-American voters. We suspect we know what she will be like because we have already seen the male version of her administration.

Whomever the Republicans nominate is doomed, not just by the tsunami that Obama is surfing so well but by association with Mr. Bush. John McCain, who embraced the president after having his reputation trashed by him, has the scent of a warmonger on his lapels when he suggests he would have approved the Iraq invasion even without WMD. McCain, who would be the oldest president to ever take the oath of office, can hardly represent the generational tide that will flood the voting booths.

Mitt Romney looks and sounds like every Republican in the modern era. He has money, product-laden hair, good suits, and the ability to change his positions on issues to attract people he had previously alienated. Unfortunately, the evangelical Christian wing of his party privately and publicly disdains Romney's Mormon religion and they aren't about to send out their vanguard of spiritual warriors to get him elected.

Mike Huckabee is having his moment but it is not likely to be sustaining. He is far too much the goober from Arkansas, who once stood and stared seriously into a camera and congratulated Canada on saving its national igloo. He seems to have used his influence in Little Rock as a kind of ATM machine for his family and has made the kind of mistakes as a governor that will make him easy to disassemble in the general election. The evangelicals are attracted to Huckabee but the party apparatchiks are not. He's in trouble.

What's left? There's Rudy, of course, but his "noun, verb, 911" tactic was miscalculated and instead of elevating his bona fides it has only served to remind us of that which we do not want to confront. His grasp of facts and the truth has not exactly been tenacious, either. Fred Thompson, it turns out, is a better actor on television than on the campaign trail and ambivalence is not powerfully inspiring to the electorate.

The problem for everyone other than Obama is that they are all telling us how bad the world is and how much danger we face and how only they are qualified to protect us. This is a kind of K-Mart version of Bush's entire administration and Hillary sells it with as much fervor as does Rudy G.

Obama makes us think it is possible to solve problems without guns. He is giving boomers and their babies and the babies of their babies a reason to look forward with longing instead of backwards with fear. If he is elected, it will be, in part, a reaction that says to the rest of the planet that we are the exact opposite of what you have seen in the past eight years and that we let slip the grasp of our government and leadership but things have changed and we will now be the America everyone expects.

Karl Rove's dream was to establish a political hegemony. I think he is about to accomplish his goal.

But not for his party.

Comments

[CharlesMac]

No one can see beyond a choice they do not recognize or understand.

I am heartened by the thesis of this post and the ensuing commentary. Since the inception of HuffPo, there have been few writers who could so beautifully render the heart of America as it once was, and how it still beats faintly within. James Moore was, and is, the best of them.

It would be easy to go decade by decade and show how the pure number of us Boomers ruled each one of them. And consumed the life out of them.

Leave it to say that the decade of 2000 to today has been our finest work. We forgot the lessons of Viet Nam, which we had fought against, and began our own irrational, immoral war. We dismissed the time tested economics of our parents, which built the common wealth of this nation. We short-memoried the penalty of imagined value and avarice of the venture capital dot.bomb bubble. Only to replace it with a much more insidious, and solution resistant, equity bubble... in 7 years, funded on debt, which would equal the amount accumulated by all American generations before us.

Our second place finest manifestation, was putting the final touches on a corrupt political system, and handing over power and control to them and their monied brethren of corporations and elites.
(Cont)

[CharlesMac]

(Cont)
But our finest, our penultimate achievement, was the illusion that there was still choice within our political system.

We dosed up the next generations with the Republicans, then proudly presented in 2006, the Democrats as the better choice. And are still trying to hide the fact, that the Democrats are the same.

Then we had the balls to not understand why Gen X,Y, and Z weren't up and involved in the decision making process, when to them, it all looked the same. A choice which wasn't a choice.

Then the stories began to come in this new year. There was a significant, identifiable "young" vote. Obama in Iowa put them on the radar. But better than that, the names of Edwards, Paul, and Kuchinich were being spoken by the youthers. The sleepers have been awakened by the true choice snapping into focus.

Vote for our one party system which is well disguised as a two party system, or vote for their own future. It now is possible to stave off this abomination of an America, we Boomers are well on our way to leaving behind.

To all who will listen.... you recognize the true choice now, and you understand it. Spread its understanding and urgency.

Do not leave it unattended.

The future of your country depends on it.

[tkk]

What the baby boomers have done to this country? What you talkin' 'bout, White Man? The baby boomers got this country out of Vietnam (also fought and died in Vietnam), went South and marched, demonstrated and died to enact civil rights, and spoke truth to power in a variety of ways.

I'm just nauseated reading all these ignoramus writers dissing baby boomers. And what, may I ask, has Gen X, Y, and Z done to help this country and humanity? Not a damn thing so far, they're too busy spending Daddy's money on booze and drugs.

[AnninCA]

I think this blog is phony. There's no generational issue.

It's a straw-man and smacks of someone trying to find a contrarian opinion to write a piece.

Just go to the movies or play some War game on-line and stop stretching.

[AnninCA]

I don't see a generational split on this in my own family. Both my Gen-X son and myself are going for Clinton.

We both share the perspective that Obama is exciting but unproven.

[leftLibertarian]

Sir, you said that "Obama makes us think it is possible to solve problems without guns." The only problem is that making us think and it actually coming true are different things.

Obama made it clear that he plans on keeping US troops in Iraq and he plans on, like most Democrats, keeping US troops in over 200 military installations overseas. In other words, he plans on maintaining US imperialism.

[Purple Girl]

Gosh at 44 I'm considered 'Young'?
I attended a Kucinich rally last night- I was amazed by the number of 'elderly' in attendance. Wearing PEACE buttons. Actually a good number of Boomers too (the hold out hippies- bless them for their diligence)
We've waited a LONG time for real Change, but have been blindsided by the Boomers who sold out for the leather chairs. WE are pissed at you by the way!! Lied just like Bush has been lying, the same way Bill lied to US (hindsight is now clearly 20/20)
WE ARE READY TO GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE REPUGS, THE HOLY ROLLERS AND THE YUPPIES!

KUCINICH FOR REAL CHANGE!!!

[daddysboy]

A most excellent analysis and I couldn't agree more on most of your points. However, I do disagree that it is guaranteed that the young voters will storm the booths. We saw many more of them in the last two general elections, but the numbers of young people that just simply don't vote are too high to mention. It is just a bit of wishful thinking to believe that there has been any kind of sea-change. Visit a college campus these days for proof of that. The ignorance of anything civic-minded is staggering. As for Obama getting elected, well, we'll see , but I think we are all going to have to fight tooth and nail right down to the last minute for whomever we want.

[Poised]

Obama is a compelling, even inspirational speaker. Trouble is, he talks like a motivational speaker. I've known a few up close and personal. Snakes, every one of them, interested in nothing but the next million bucks.

Change? Exactly which changes, Mr. Obama, and how would you make them? Not a single candidate has said anything specific. Bloomberg has a place in this race.

[emily1988]

Given that Barack Obama has accomplished what so many have considered "impossible" - bringing out the youth vote - there seems to be some debate over whether or not the youth will actually turn out consistently. As one of those twenty-somethings, this fear that we will simply plug back into our ipods and proceed to reaffirm the apathy in which so many of my generation have dwelt is legitimate. Until now, so many people of my age group have felt disenfranchised by the political system of our parents and grandparents - a system mired in tradition and seemingly resistant to embrace the technology on which my generation thrives. It is not that we do not care about our futures, or that we have no opinions about the destruction of our democracy. Far from it. Rather, until now we have felt alienated and underrepresented by those in power, internalizing the dialogue that we "never participate" - leaving us with a sense that we are separated from the system and that is how the system wants it.

Yet with Barack Obama, we have found a politician who, as James Moore points out, does not represent a continuation of the past but the potential of the future. His idealism, his hope in the face of the cynical demagogues of both parties, and his ability to speak to us as human beings, rather than votes, inspires us as politicians of our time have never done before. His slogan of "change we can believe in" epitomizes what Barack Obama's candidacy means to young people: a figure who does not tell us simply what we want to hear but what we have sought for so long. He gives us true hope that the issues we feel passionate about will not be pushed aside for the sake of political gain. He does not dismiss our idealism as a foolish product of our age and so-called "inexperience"; instead, he embraces it. This is why my generation, so long left out of the system, stood up for Barack Obama in Iowa and will continue to do so.

[antirepublocrat]

What drivel! Obama is every bit the warmonger Clinton and the others are. The sheeple are duped into believing he's different because he spoke out early against what he considered to be a "dumb war." But he's made it crystal clear he's all for numerous other wars and interventions. He even says we should take unilateral military action in Pakistan against the wishes of its government.

If Americans want a real change they must not compromise on anything short of Paul, Gravel or Kucinich.

[eciaccio]

James Moore says, "Obama makes us think it is possible to solve problems without guns." Here is a excerpt from an MSNBC article following Benazir Bhutto's assassination:

OBAMA ON BHUTTO, PAKISTAN
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/12/27/535827.aspx
"Obama added that Al Qaeda now has a base in Pakistan and American intelligence says that the group is stronger there now than they were before 2001.

"Tying the problem of Pakistan to the war in Iraq, Obama said, 'We were distracted from focusing on them. And they are causing us problems, and they are still plotting to do harm to America. And once we have focused on how to stabilize Iraq and reduce our footprint there -- saying no permanent bases, we are not occupying this country -- we will then be in a position to really take on those who actually killed 3,000 Americans. That's what I intend to do as President of the United States.'

"In August, Obama"s reference to talking about Pakistan, most probably refers to an August 2007 speech on counterterrorism in which he argued the United States should strike Pakistan unilaterally if they find actionable intelligence about al-Qaeda terrorist camps there and Pakistan fails to act. The speech was criticized by some as overreaching in terms of foreign policy. But Obama frequently cites it now when pointing to the turmoil in Pakistan to say that he was right."

So Obama thinks it is ok for the U.S. to unilaterally attack Pakistan. How much of a "change" is this from the current Bush-Cheney war criminals?

[moorfam]

The real deal is this. Hillary has to denegrate Obama. It is the only way that she can move ahead of him. Obama will return the insults because he doesn't want her to move ahead. In affect they will knock each other off the lead and John Edwards will move into the void. Go John Edwards!!

[darkladyofala]

One of the things I like about Obama is the fact that he was against this rotten invasion and occupation of Iraq; when it really counted.
When the build up to war against an innocent, defenceless people began I knew it was a mistake and worse, a war crime! I felt like Cassandra telling anyone and everyone of the folly and disgrace of this cur Adm. (AND I DO MEAN CUR). Only my adult children supported me against the rest of my family. We've got another Civil War happening in this country; and as time has gone by I've resisted the temptation to say I told you so. There is no joy in being right in this case; over 1000,000 people have died for lies, greed and self aggrandizement.

For me, an Epiphany occurred, when we were told to fear a MUSHROOM CLOUD; and the media lapped it up and regurgitated it all over us! The only constitutionally protected industry were the biggest cheerleaders for war!

The Dems who rolled over, and signed away the rights and obligations of the people, are just as guilty as Bush and PM Cheney and I will never forgive them. We've known for years that the Rapepublicans (sic) are whores; and worse, because they trade in blood! The fact that, in the face of many crimes, these greedy lunatics have not faced impeachment does not speak well for the Dems or ourselves.

[TommyD]

As both a baby boomer and a supporter of Hillary Clinton I would like to say that I too am excited about Senator Obama's energy and optimism. I do believe that the wave is starting to grab me. I have not felt this way since JFK :). It is also fun watching all of the wise ones scratching their heads and trying to explain this new hope. Now I have to ponder if I am ready to get on that surf board and ride the wave.

[MickeyG]

James, dispite your endorsement of Obama, it appears that at least half of the people on this post making comments disagree with you. The time is NOW, people, to put your money where your mouth is. Go to John Edward's web-site and give him a few bucks. He's depending on us.......the little people. Now or forever hold your piece.

[zitlight73]

Just finished David Talbot's book Brothers about John and Bobby Kennedy,pehaps Obama can take us back to their future the future where this nation isn't ruled by the Military Industrial Complex, The Federal Reserve and the CIA with their puppet mainstream media but by We the People. I do see Barak Obama as this generation's Bobby Kennedy. A hopeful 180 degree change from where this country is today. I also fear for him because the combined forces that killed Bobby forty years ago are even more entrenched than in '68. With computer voting machines that leave no paper trails perhaps assisination is passe.

[Jack191944]

What I don't understand is why people are flocking behind Obama. Kucinich is the only candidate who was against the Iraq War from the start. He is also for big change in health care which is so badly needed. Why not Kucinich? He also has a lot of experience working in the government. I don't understand why he is being overlooked and Obama is being embraced. Is it because Obama is younger, taller, and wears nicer suits?

Be very, very, careful who you vote for. We have suffered through 8 years because the majority of people were mislead by the media. Don't make this mistake again. Please be careful.

[robtay]

Most of the posters on this site are left of Castro, and too far gone to respond to. I'm sure the doctors in state mental hospitals get drawn into exchanges or arguments with patients occasionally, but it seems rather pointless. One thing is sure, though, we cannot allow them anywhere near the White House, or in any position involving National security. I was once a Liberal, and I remember all too well this Feel-good, dewey-eyed mentality. They are dangerous, and must be defeated.

[wadenelson1]

Asides from lying about oral sex I personally thought Clinton did one helluva job. Bill Clinton.

[deminmo]

Obama is the youth voters choice. They are
looking for something very different than the
boomers. Obama has good ideas, just no real
experience to put behind it. It would be better
if he had the job of Vice President for 4 years
and then went for the big job. There are so
many challenges ahead for the next President,
they will have to lead, negotiate, challenge
and possible make very unpopular decisions. It
will take someone with experience right now.
College kids expect to come out of college into
the $100,000 jobs the first year. Obama
expects to do what he can't, at least right
now.

[NJYankee]

I was born in '58. I still consider myself a progressive and liberal, the problem is as we age we get cynical and complacent. The baby boomers and their families who now fill evangelical churches have stopped being complacent and activated themselves into the political process, the rest just kept on being complacent. It took eight years of Bush and Rove to mobilize us, what took us so long!

[mick3]

Yes, it's why detentions centers are now dotting the nation. Blackwater at your door soon, especially if you're young and passionate about freedom, truth, peace, or any of that rot.

[Political Guy]

Change is an orphan of the future that no parent of
the past can adopt. Hillary is a parent of the past.
She consistently points to her past accomplishments as
proof of her claim to change. As everyone knows, you
look back on history, not the future.

Obama by contrast has focused on the future and his
vision for change in America without a constant
recital of the past. He has made it clear that in
order to change government you must change the
politics and understands that you can't change the
politics without changing the politicians.

The contrasting picture of each at their respective
Iowa night speeches say it all. Hillary surrounded by
a pile of old political corpses and Obama with the new
faces of the future.

Hillary has made the best case for change, Obama!

[pimothy]

This morning a politically homogonous group of voters heard Michelle Obama speak in Whitefield New Hampshire. She recounted that she and Barak both grew up out of obscurity, hearing "you'll never make it big unless you strive for the big buck law jobs". But they both struggled to pay off educational loans while working in civil rights experiences. They saw it all and they got EXPERIENCE.
She will make a great First Lady.
Godspeed, Obama's.