Things They Do Look Awful Cold

by digby

Pew has released a study of the so-called Generation Next, the 18-25 year olds and it’s very good for Democrats:

In their political outlook, they are the most tolerant of any generation on social issues such as immigration, race and homosexuality. They are also much more likely to identify with the Democratic Party than was the preceding generation of young people, which could reshape politics in the years ahead. Yet the evidence is mixed as to whether the current generation of young Americans will be any more engaged in the nation’s civic life than were young people in the past, potentially blunting their political impact.

That last is important. Having come of age in the shadow of Watergate and Vietnam, I can tell you that disillusionment is a very serious risk to any movement when you have a large cadre of young idealists. The Democrats had better deliver for these young people or they won’t be energetic and involved for long. They’ll turn inward and self-directed instead of activist and outwardly directed, even if they stay Democrats. And that doesn’t help us. Republicans have the force of the aristocracy behind them, with all that entails. We need a grassroots movement.

It was only 20 years ago that the youth vote was all gaga over St. Ronnie (a very depressing time.)If these young people remain engaged in politics, and culturally and politically liberal, this country might just right itself.

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