An Obama Revolution?

As this election year progresses and the Democratic race continues to shape up as a virtual tie between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama, the Obama appeal becomes clearer. The Senator from Illinois has tapped into a long dormant supply of political energy. In the past month, I have heard an almost unanimous voice from my under-30 acquaintances in support for Obama. But why? Why does this political figure seem to speak to them when so many others have not?

Sen. Obama has chosen to frame his campaign around the notions of hope and change. He permeates a message of optimism that change and improvement is possible through cooperation and a new style of politics. While he provides few specific details on what this change will look like (his chief political fault), the under-30 crowd seems not to care. This is a generation that has been sold to all its life, and Obama represents something that, at least on the surface, appears authentic. The under-30 generation's love affair with Obama also speaks to an underlying uneasiness. They have been told continually that our nation's long established social programs are nearly bankrupt, that we face an international threat worse than communism (that being radical Islam), and that the current war (drawing disproportionately from its ranks) will possibly continue for decades to come. It has been told that they may be the first generation in American History that may enjoy a lower quality of life than their parents. Obama, who exudes change and difference, represents in body, mind, and voice this frustration with our nation's current affairs.

This movement has similarities with 1968, with a newly energized youth movement over concerns about the future course of the country. Then, like today, the youth of the United States was tired of the inadequate policies and failed leadership of their parents' generation. In 1968, the "Greatest Generation" had failed to deal with civil rights and had led the nation into an unending quagmire in Vietnam. In 2008, the Vietnam generation continues to fight out the social and economic issues of their youth while ignoring pressing problems at home and has led the nation into a war of choice in Iraq. Yet, the lessons of 1968 should haunt today's youth. The question remains: will 2008 present a "Yes We Can" moment or another "Dream Deferred."