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Similarly, their sense of a trend towards stronger government after 9/11, Katrina, etc. information from potential supporters via on-line voting opportunities and links to social networking that help make up for more fragmented TV audiences.
Each of these five relatively recent realignments has been triggered by a crucial event - the Civil War, the Great Depression, the Vietnam War, and now reaction to the Iraq War. The authors contend that American politics have been characterized by relatively long periods of stability in electoral outcomes, interspersed with shorter periods of sharp and decisive change.
The new generation of Millennials (born 1982-2003) are bringing facility and comfort with new communications and computing technology.The authors also point out the new ease of producing and distributing videos for political points of view, as well as a successful means of getting e-mail, name, etc. New generations and technology are other factors - eg.
radio, TV, and now the Internet. However, their belief that Democrats will be more successful in using these new tools seems contradicted by Republicans recent successes in fomenting demonstrations in opposition to taxes and changes to health care.
is contradicted by often angry demonstrations against "socialism" after the financial bailouts, health care proposed changes, and cap and trade proposals.
A must read for any Political Science major or anyone interested in the demographics of the US and it's effect on general elections. Anyone born during or after the 1980s would be particularly interested.
This book is interesting in describing a political shift by the youngest generation of voters (Millenials). The main problem I had with this book is that the authors used too many generalizations in the arguments, while these were mostly stereotypes (partially, but not completely true), there were some instances when the generalizations were completely wrong. The authors make an interesting argument for how the new generation could shape politics and change it. It describes how Facebook and Youtube have changed the nature of politics, and in some cases made it possible for candidates to run for office on relatively small fundraising budget. I would give this book at least one more star if the authors had relied on better data and made better analysis, instead of resorting to gross generalizations.
For any boomer (like me) or Gen-X'er, this is an exceptional look at Millennials and their impact on our country both in terms of media behavior and politics. The writing is a bit on the dry side, but well worth the effort.
This is a read for a quiet place, your Starbuck's and a sweet. Great read for educated American voters over the age of 55.especially awaking to those over 65 who just "don't get it."The message is hard to read after 50 or so pages. It isn't the language or the length of sentences; it's the level of information. I would compare this work to entering an art galley and trying to assimilate all the works at once.For many seniors, this is entering a world of cultural shock. The work could be cut and shortened; there are too many pathways presented.
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