why boomers don't like Obama

Obama is popular with my generation. We are the hopeful, the idealistic, the ones who believe social change is possible (perhaps even easy). We never witnessed a civil rights leader being shot. Instead, we have vague memories of the Berlin Wall falling and democracy thriving. We are the generation raised on possibility and innovation - the ones raised in the Information Revolution. Although experts call us the "me" generation, it's a misnomer. Unlike the Gen-X-ers, we are incredibly group oriented. Being the first generation raised in that vacuum where community once existed, we thirst for meaning and for a group context in an age of lonely post-modernism.

So, it's not surprising that my generation is attracted to the story of Obama. We get his sense of global connection, of the crazy gamble of hope, of the concept that what was once impossible can now occur (remember, we were the kids who witnessed the impossible magic of the internet.) I can even understand Obama's popularity among the Gen-X crowd. His outsider status, his story of the American Dream, his reform-oriented mindset fits well with their values. (Though most likely the best Gen-X candidate is Ron Paul, with his social and economic libertarian message).

So, why wouldn't those ideas appeal to the Baby Boomers? After all, they were the generation of flowers and peace and civil rights. I have a few ideas. First, I think Obama reminds them too much of their past. Disillusioned with the Dream, many boomers are at least secretly skeptical that change can occur. Unlike my generation, they have seen empty promises of politicians and they realize that the Clinton years might be the best we can do. In many cases, there is a certain nostalgia for the prosperity of the Clinton years. I think they are more nervous that Obama might be another Bobby Kennedy and their scared about it.

I think there is a more hidden motive, too. Many boomers have watched as people like Obama have taken their jobs - young, idealistic, passionate and articulate "new-comers" have taken their sales job and they, with their experience, are often resentful of this. I think that's part of why they are attracted to the experience of Clinton. There is a part of the boomer mindset that believes, after being disillusioned with words, that we need a good solid policy wonk who will return us to the glory of the Clinton decade.