I have decided that I have a small problem

[Coexist]

with the recent spate of “Name an Obama accomplishment” ambushes.

Not when put to State Senator-types mind you; they should be prepared, but with the harassment of the young, newly engaged voters (see here and here). Matthews asking someone else last night made me see “future trend”.

My two teenagers (I’m not counting the grade-schooler) love Barack Obama. They are sick of the war, of watching politicians fight like children, and sick of having to choose sides.

Their generation will be the first raised where seeing a woman, open homosexual, Latino, African-American, and any combination of the above, in a position of power or influence is no big deal. As Ed Schulz said last night, “these kids are above left or right”.

So instead of being turned on by sports, reality shows and these marvelous tubes – they are turned on by politics. They love The Daily Show, and like to get the jokes – so they begin to ask questions about policy and the major world players.

They know this is something big, but are still working through it. They want something better, and feel that Barack Obama will lead them there.

We have had decades to watch this world unfold, we know processes, bills, laws, the names of our Senators – they should be given a little space to catch up. I do not want them scared away from this process by cynical, superior, smarmy know-it-alls who dismiss them because they don’t come to the table with our years of knowledge downloaded into their brains.

I’ve got news for you Democrats, if you go to your local DEC meetings – you will see how old this party’s leaders are. We need these kids - their strong legs, their enthusiasm, and their willingness to learn, make calls and donate time and money.

So instead of dismissing them as mindless zombies, we should be attempting to educate them on their candidate, teaching them about the giants upon whose shoulders they stand, not harassing and attempting to embarrass them. We owe it to them to share our knowledge, not withhold it to prove our superiority.

That is our job. They are the future of our party. Media-types – lets try to be part of the solution, shall we?

[redqueen]

1. "Media-types – lets try to be part of the solution, shall we?"

That right there deserves a DUzy.

[housewolf]

2. K&R

Good post, thanks

[moonlady0623]

3. My problem with it:

Name a BUSH accomplishment

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Here's one:

[Coexist]

5. oh my...

that would be funny if it weren't so true.

[AndyTiedye]

6. About this "Being Above Left and Right" Thing

The right never compromises on anything, so it's all up to us, obvously.
Which of the right wing's positions are we supposed to cave in on?
Looks like gays were thrown under the bus already. Who's next?

[AtomicKitten]

7. The Obama campaign needs to brief his surrogates better.

[ProSense]

8. It's media idiocy! Hillary is supposedly so experienced, yet in 2004

they tried to create the impression that Kerry had a thin record.


On edit: Chris Matthews set that interview up, not the Obama campaign. If he wanted a real answer he would have tried to get a member of Congress with equivalent knowledge of the actual bills Obama has worked on. Matthews was playing gotcha!

[Coexist]

9. It sounded like Matthews just got chewed out

and he was taking it out on the interviewee.

[Adelante]

10. Very well said - "They are the future of our party" indeed

:)

[yellerpup]

11. Good points.

It's disheartening that no one below 50 joins us for our weekly anti-war protests. I'm in a very blue area, so it IS like preaching to the choir, but I am tremendously excited that young people are getting involved in droves because of Obama's inspiration. Kickin' for you!

[cbayer]

12. Good piece and I agree with you for the most part.

But the lack of civility has been rather frightening (ergo the mindless zombie analogy). I wouldn't put up with it at a DEC meeting and i don't think i have to put up with it on this board.

I am equally dismayed by the behavior of some oldsters here who harass and embarrass some of the new people. Due to my relatively low post count, I have been on the receiving end of some of that.

Good behavior is best taught by example and reward. I got caught up in some of the ugliness last night, and I regret it.

[Coexist]

13. that was so kind

a late welcome to DU!
:hi:

[jlpohio69]

14. Great Post

and I agree with everything you say, but I think Matthews was trying to make a point that people have been somehow "swept up" in the Obama-mania without really knowing much about his accomplishments. We all know that Barack has done many wonderful things, but I have to admit that part of me does wonder how many of his supporters, especially the younger generation, are supporting him because they are doing what is popular instead of supporting him because he is the best candidate. I like both Barack and Hillary, but my gut is telling me to support Hillary in Ohio. No matter who ends up our candidate for the GE, they have my support!

jlpohio69

[Lisa0825]

15. Welcome to DU!

:hi: