It’s definitely beneficial for young people to, I guess, analyze older individuals, particularly those with backgrounds in finance, policy, or election strategy. But expecting them to do so? That seems a bit much.
The phrase, “OK Boomer,” has evolved beyond a mere joke; it signals a growing sentiment that older commentators might not fully grasp the concerns of Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha.
Let’s quickly revisit the generational breakdown. The Silent Generation refers to those born before 1945, while Baby Boomers span from 1946 to 1964. Generation X encompasses those born from 1965 to 1980. Millennials emerged between 1981 and 1996, Gen Z from 1997 to 2012, and Gen Alpha from 2013 to 2024. Interestingly, it’s expected that Gen Alpha will get their first health check-up within a year or so of their birth.
I’m part of Gen Z, counting on us to address the looming issues, like the socialist trends many fear.
Since Gen Alpha won’t even be eligible to vote until 2032, it’s crucial that election experts pay particular attention to Millennials and Gen Z right now.
This focus is vital because a considerable number of these voters still haven’t fully developed their political ideologies and are probably open to discussions. Within this group, countless individuals are unlikely to simply lean on older generations’ views. They get their information from various channels, some of which older individuals may not even recognize.
There’s a genuine concern among these younger generations that “opinion leaders” over 45 simply can’t fathom the gap between their life experiences and those of younger adults.
But it’s essential to note that past events like 9/11 and the Great Recession have heavily influenced the perspectives of Boomers and Millennials. For them, issues like national security and economic stability are substantial when casting votes. I remember covering the 9/11 attacks live, and, honestly, those moments are etched in my memory.
The 2008 financial crisis marked a turning point, reflecting back on an era of perceived security that had followed the Soviet Union’s collapse. There was, for a time, an illusion of stability. However, older individuals really shouldn’t assume financial security is a given.
But those past shocks seem to blind older voters to the platforms where younger generations are engaging and forming their political beliefs.
Take the recent election of New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, for instance. His victory highlights this generational divide—78% of voters aged 19 to 29 backed him, while only 18% supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Even among voters aged 30 to 44, 66% favored Mamdani, who identifies as a socialist.
Older voters had a starkly different view; the exit polls showed Cuomo leading Mamdani by a narrow margin among those aged 45-64, and a majority of voters aged 65 and above preferred Cuomo too. That’s a classic example of our generation gap.
It’s true older voters might remember how grocery stores functioned back in the Soviet era when options were limited and long lines were common.
However, responding with “OK Boomer” reflects why older generations’ historical anecdotes tend to fall on deaf ears. Younger audiences just aren’t tuning in to what those over 50 have to say.
This is why I’m keen on promoting influential voices that resonate with younger audiences—figures like Guy Benson, Mary Kathryn Hamm, and Ben Shapiro, to name a few. There are plenty more, and it’s worth mentioning that they bring a much-needed perspective.
Being “qualified” means having journalistic credibility, informed insights, and generally doing a lot more reading than writing.
In my broadcasts, I focus primarily on the 35-65 age group, often leaning towards the older side. But elevating young, insightful voices is crucial for me, a responsibility all older commentators should consider if we truly want to stay aligned with constitutional ideals.
It’s never easy to pass the torch, especially for those nearing retirement. Nonetheless, after the Cold War and that short-lived peace in the 1990s, the last duty for the generation of journalists from the Greatest Generation is to nurture the best upcoming influencers.
Neglecting to do so risks leaving too many young individuals vulnerable to extremists on both sides, who may manipulate grievances rather than educate others on history.
If the left continues to dominate America’s financial heart and extends that hold into deep blue areas, the mass retirement of Boomers and Gen Xers will become quite problematic.
