The Pendulum Swings Toward 2024

Those that follow this blog (and I never thank you enough) know that I am a fan of the 40-Year Pendulum concept espoused by Roy Williams. It holds that everything...culture, music, politics, support (or not) of institutions operates on a 40-year pendulum, swinging back and forth.

According to Ray, we've just zenithed in one direction and are beginning to transition back...but the next few years promise to be chaotic. And, that means the 2024 Presidential Election.

And, as I watch the predominant messages coming from the GOP...I have an odd reminiscence of the late 60s and early 70s when the "youth vote" changed America. Because what the GOP then supported (the Draft, the War in Vietnam, the War on Drugs and anything "counter-culture") wasn't in the best interests of our newest electorate.

And, here we are (OK, it's 50 years on, not 40)...and the same cultural evolution is occurring. And after decades of 20-somethings generally forfeiting their vote, the GOP has again crossed the line of what tens of millions of young voters believe and with what tens of millions are ready to activate.

I recently saw a quote I can't verify...but it rings true: There is a massive number of voters "who are young people who are not interested in the party of climate denialism, marijuana criminal drug enforcement authoritarianism and anti-choice reproductive tyranny. The GOP has nothing for the young people of America."

Will the GOP recognize this and shift course? Doubtful...as both parties have become cults of personality.

So...will, like they did in the 70s, young voters say, "enough?"

Should be fascinating to watch.

 

 

Comments

[Lee T]

"And, here we are (OK, it's 50 years on, not 40)...and the same cultural evolution is occurring." Been saying that for years. Having been a kid in the 60's and early 70's, my "spidey sense" (As comic book kids, we said that way before the movies made it mainstream. LOL!) has had that thought for a while now. Not sure the political class of either party has the self awareness to sincerely re-think their positions. It should be fascinatingly maddening to watch.