Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve19
One of the strongest values of older people is the desire to leave a legacy. They see the entry into Iraq as part of an old rubric, a tried and trusted pattern of behavior that won World War II and ended communism. They see it and their role in it very simplistically and ignore those pesky problems like Vietnam in between. In terms of jobs and growth and negotiation, I think that they are more likely to see the world as a zero sum game. Jobs going to India are one less job in America instead of outsourcing an uncompetitive part of the firm in order to save the remaining jobs and the brand. They do not understand the unfolding world economy or have the risk seeking attitudes to grab the entrpreneurial nettle.
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This is one area where I think Obama has a genuine chance to really make an impact with the older voters. He needs to emphasize leaving a better world for children/grandchildren. The Bush years were very short-sited, pawn off the debt on the future. I think most older voters would be captured by a message that says we can make things a little better now, but your kids and grandkids will benefit greatly from the change we bring now. It is a generation that has always been willing to sacrifice. Obama has the pieces (restructure taxes, improve the environment, secure social security, implement a "fair trade policy" that protects American jobs, repair foreign relations). He needs to sell this as leaving a legacy for future generations.