The ageist narrative - I think it's backfiring. [View all]

[LisaM]

I don't know about all of you, but I feel increasingly this election cycle that supporters of a certain candidate pretty much think I've aged out as a voter. I'm in my 50s, not exactly doddering, but I have been repeatedly scolded that if Bernie doesn't win, it's going to turn off all young voters forever!

I'm getting really tired of this (particularly as it's coming from supporters of the older candidate), and I don't know what to make of it. In previous election cycles, older voters, who are generally well-informed and reliable as far as turnout, were courted by candidates. Their concerns were important.

I eventually concluded that it was not the millennials themselves but their helicopter parents who are driving this narrative. I don't know what else to think. But I've been told at least a dozen times - or warned, I guess - that failing to nominate Bernie Sanders will remove all current young people from the process forever because they'll be so disappointed. I guess all the times I've been disappointed in elections over the years doesn't count.

I also think it's starting to backfire, because it's so tiresome.

Thoughts?