Will the Last Octogenarian Democrat Turn Out the Lights as They Leave?
/POLITICS
It’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans
he Eternal Flame at President John F. Kennedy’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery. “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans …” — John F. Kennedy in his Inaugural address, January 20, 1961. (Shutterstock photo 1486777313 by Shaun Conway)
James Carville recently had an opinion piece in the New York Times analyzing why Democrats lost the November election. He properly points out that it wasn’t a landslide victory for Trump, MAGA, and the Republican party. And, he does indicate that Democrats should take some solace in winning key House races, 3 of which are in New York State and one of which I had some experience with.
I love Mr. Carville. In fact, I sometimes use the book he wrote with Paul Bagala, Buck Up, Suck Up . . . and Come Back When You F*** Up, as a primer for new candidates that I work with. It’s a little dated, and I wish he would do an upgrade. But, in any event, Carville, who vaulted to fame with the winning of Bill Clinton’s election as President, will no doubt go down in history as one of the great Democratic Strategists.
All of that is why it’s difficult for me to write this piece because the premise he presents in his piece is wrong.
In the editorial, he takes us back to those heady days when his main campaign theme “It’s the economy stupid”, vaulted Clinton to the White House. But while making the argument, he unwittingly promotes my own premise of the real reason Democrats lost in 2024.
Since the November election, I’ve read about a million words about why Trump won and I’ve written several thousand myself. But in a recent conversation with my best millennial-aged friend, I formed what I believe is the real answer behind the political disaster for Democrats and for the country.
The Democratic Party is led by a bunch of old people, and it’s time for them to step aside.
It’s painfully clear that President Joe Biden never should have been the candidate. He was clearly mentally unfit for the vicious campaign ahead, and his delay in stepping aside left Vice President Harris with just 107 days to make her case.
She almost did. Despite Trump’s claim of a mandate, less than two percent separated her from winning the popular vote. I don’t know what’s more frightening; the fact that Biden’s mind wasn’t ready to debate the likes of Donald Trump, or that the Democratic Party leadership and political pundits alike were surprised when he stepped down and the campaign disintegrated.
I’ll leave out the criticism that Donald Trump is now going to be the oldest guy ever elected. Believe me, the Republicans have an age problem of their own. But at least they're acknowledging it. Soon-to-be Vice President Vance is just 40 years old which means he’s going to be in the national spotlight long after Donald Trump starts seeing the grass from the underside. And that’s a nightmare all unto itself.
In the meantime, we need to look at who’s leading the Democratic party and who the mainstream press constantly turns to for opinions, predictions, and sage advice.
Let’s start with Carville himself. He’s 80 years old. He was born just a few months after the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. That’s way back in the first half of the 20th century. If he wants to revel in the glory days of his Bill Clinton win, I get it. But somehow, I picture him swirling some Kentucky bourbon in his rocking chair while regaling other adoring old people with his great strategy. And that’s where he belongs… in his rocking chair, not waxing prolific on the pages of The New York Times.
Let’s face two important facts:
· 20% of the U.S. population is now Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012
· Fully 22% are millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. They’re between the ages of 28 and 43 and currently the largest segment of adults in the U.S.
That means many of them weren’t even born when Clinton was President, let alone understand or relate to Carville’s arguments. This 42% of voters are reeling under the remnants of the 2008 crisis, the pandemic, and a world staggering under the influence of social media gone mad.
Is it the economy? Maybe. But that’s only a small part of it. But the reality is that while the old people have lived the American Dream, almost half the population is now living the American nightmare.
They simply can’t relate to the message a bunch of out-of-touch old people are feeding them.
Here are just a few:
Nancy Pelosi, age 84 — Is she still alive? She’s still a member of Congress and made big news on the first day of the 119th Congress by wearing flat shoes instead of stiletto heels. She’s not making the decisions. It’s obvious her seat is being run by nameless/faceless political insiders who do little to inspire the next generation of political leaders.
Jerry Nadler, age 77 — I met him once. It was at a meeting on transportation a decade or so ago. And, he wasn’t making much sense even then. He was recently challenged for his position on the House Judiciary Committee and had the good sense to leave, because he knew he would lose the vote. But he’s still a part of the Democrats’ steering group.
Bernie Sanders, age 83 — I love Bernie, and so do a lot of the young people I’ve helped mentor. He’s probably the closest thing to inspiration because the 42% view him as the grandfather they all wished they had. Which isn’t bad… but it’s just not practical. The country isn’t really ready for the hardliner policies he promotes. Especially in such a closely divided Congress. And, remember, he’s not a registered Democrat. He’s an independent, which does little to help aspiring young Democrats embrace the cause.
Charlie Rangel, age 94 — I met Charlie Rangel once at a New York Working Families Party event. He won’t remember me, not because he’s old, but because he’s met about a million faceless people in his nine and a half decades on earth. And, to be clear, I have a great deal of respect for what he’s done. But the press asking him to comment on current politics is mighty strange. To Gen Z and Millennials, Rangel is about as exciting as week-old bread.
Last but not least, Joe Biden, age 82 — As I’ve already said, his hanging on to power might be the single biggest contribution to Harris losing.
But all is not lost … yet, anyway.
The most influential Democrat for Gen Z and Millennials is unquestionably got to be three-term Congress member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her recent effort to bring Democrats into the 21st Century was amazing as she made a bid to become the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. But of course, the old guard wouldn’t let her. Pushed by many of the people named above, Virginia’s Representative Gerry Connolly beat her 131 to 84.
Really? And the Democratic Party leadership is wondering why they’ve lost young people.
He’s 74. She’s 35.
Remember John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech when he told people “The Torch has passed…?”
Now, Democratic leaders don’t even have the torch lit. They need to understand that it’s time to step out of the limelight and encourage a generational change in leadership before it’s too late for their party and for America.
Please, will the last Octogenarian Democrat Member of Congress turn out the light on their way out?