Introduction
In the early hours of December 27, 2023, at 5:29 AM ET, Tara Schoettle’s disapproval of President Biden echoed a sentiment rooted in her childhood memories. Her recollection of waiting in gas lines during Jimmy Carter’s presidency is a vivid snapshot of the challenges that influenced her political perspective. At 54, Schoettle belongs to Generation X, a cohort born between 1965 and 1980, characterized by unique political inclinations and a nuanced relationship with President Biden.
The Political Landscape of Gen X
According to Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, Generation X is notably the most Republican among the generations. This assertion finds support in NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist polling, revealing that Biden faces the highest disapproval rate from Gen X at 62%, surpassing other generational cohorts.
Twenge suggests that the political leanings of Generation X are shaped by the popularity of presidents during their formative years. For Gen X, the contrasting images of a struggling Carter and the charismatic Ronald Reagan play a pivotal role in their conservative tilt. Even those who express approval for Biden often do so through a lens of nostalgia for the politics of their youth.
Divergent Views within Gen X
Ken Piccolo, a 56-year-old substitute teacher from San Jose, exemplifies the internal conflict within Gen X. While supporting Biden due to economic optimism, he remains wary of Biden’s age. This uncertainty opens the door for a potential shift in allegiance to a younger Democrat. Piccolo’s support for Biden is not unwavering; it stems from a disdain for the influence Trump exerts over the Republican Party, particularly the MAGA wing.
Economic Concerns of Gen X
Gen Xers are confronted with a myriad of economic challenges, including caring for aging parents, raising children, saving for retirement, and grappling with escalating housing costs and inflation. Amy Walter, a nonpartisan political analyst with The Cook Political Report, notes that these challenges intensify for individuals in their 40s and 50s, placing Gen X in a uniquely uncomfortable position.
Sheryl Graham, a 55-year-old resident of Clearwater, Fla., encapsulates the financial strain faced by many Gen Xers. Living paycheck to paycheck, Graham contemplates selling her house to alleviate financial pressure. Her perspective underscores the significance of economic considerations in shaping political preferences within this generation.
Cultural Clashes: Gen X and Today's Debates
Sean Trende, a senior elections analyst for RealClearPolitics and a Gen Xer himself, describes the generation’s cultural stance as “almost like a cultural libertarianism.” Gen X, known for coining the term “political correctness,” is positioned between the cultural conservatism of boomers and the progressivism of millennials and Gen Z.
Speech Policing and Cancel Culture
The ongoing debate over speech policing, often termed “cancel culture” or “wokeness,” is met with disapproval from Gen X. This generation prides itself on toughness and the ability to engage in conversations with differing opinions. The tension is palpable, as Gen Xers navigate the clash between their upbringing and the evolving cultural landscape, where certain words and expressions are deemed inappropriate.
Political Engagement: The Overlooked Generation
Despite being a pivotal generation, Gen X often finds itself overlooked in national political discussions. Twenge raises the question of whether this oversight is a consequence of age or a systemic neglect of this demographic. Gen X, smaller in population compared to other generations, exhibits lower political and voter participation. This is reflected in the delayed entry of Gen Xers into political offices.
Danny Dotson: An Independent Perspective
Danny Dotson, a 55-year-old independent near San Antonio, reflects the apathy prevalent among some Gen Xers towards politics. Having abstained from active political involvement for most of his life, Dotson’s sentiments echo a growing discontent with the political landscape, particularly evident after Trump’s presidency. Dotson’s reluctance to vote for either major party candidate in 2024 underscores a broader sentiment of disillusionment.
Top 20 Facts!
1. Tara Schoettle’s disapproval of President Biden traces back to the gas shortages during Jimmy Carter’s presidency, shaping her political perspective.
2. At 54, Schoettle, a Gen Xer, voted for a Democrat only once—Barack Obama in 2008—indicating a leaning toward conservative values.
3. Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, stands out as the most Republican generation, according to Jean Twenge, a psychology professor.
4. Biden faces a significant disapproval rate from Gen X at 62%, surpassing other generational cohorts, according to NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist polling.
5. Twenge suggests that Gen X’s political leanings are influenced by the popularity of presidents during their formative years, notably an unpopular Carter and a popular Reagan.
6. Ken Piccolo, a 56-year-old substitute teacher, supports Biden due to economic optimism but remains concerned about Biden’s age.
7. Piccolo’s support is conditional, expressing a willingness to switch allegiance to a younger, viable Democrat, driven by a disgust for Trump’s influence on the Republican Party.
8. Gen Xers face economic concerns such as caring for aging parents, raising children, and dealing with rising housing costs, higher food, and gas prices.
9. Amy Walter, a political analyst, notes that Gen Xers, in their 40s and 50s, feel the squeeze of modern society, placing them in a uniquely uncomfortable position.
10. Sheryl Graham, a 55-year-old resident, lives paycheck to paycheck, contemplating selling her house due to financial strains.
11. The economic challenges contribute to the political landscape, influencing individuals like Graham, who expresses potential support for another Republican in office.
12. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” message resonates with older voters, particularly boomers and their Gen X children, who perceive it as a return to a prosperous era.
13. Darnell Bender, a 55-year-old Black Democrat, remains optimistic about the country under Biden, rejecting Trump’s portrayal of a nation in decline.
14. Gen X, the generation that coined the term “political correctness,” finds the current debate over speech policing, or “cancel culture,” particularly unpopular.
15. Sean Trende describes Gen X’s cultural stance as “almost like a cultural libertarianism,” positioned between the conservatism of boomers and the progressivism of millennials and Gen Z.
16. The tension within Gen X is palpable as they navigate clashes between their upbringing and the evolving cultural landscape that deems certain words inappropriate.
17. Gen Xers, despite being a pivotal generation, often find themselves overlooked in national political debates, prompting questions about systemic neglect.
18. Danny Dotson, a 55-year-old independent, reflects the prevalent apathy toward politics among some Gen Xers, abstaining from active involvement until after Trump’s presidency.
19. Dotson’s reluctance to vote for major party candidates in 2024 underscores a broader sentiment of disillusionment and discontent with the political landscape.
20. The “Oh, well, whatever, never mind” vote encapsulates Gen X’s pragmatic yet detached approach to politics, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of their role in shaping the nation’s future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intricate relationship between Generation X and President Biden unfolds against a backdrop of political nostalgia, economic challenges, and cultural clashes. As Gen Xers grapple with their unique position in society, their perspectives on politics and societal issues remain complex and multifaceted. Understanding the nuances of this generation’s experiences provides valuable insights into the broader dynamics shaping contemporary American politics. The “Oh, well, whatever, nevermind” vote captures the essence of Gen X’s pragmatic yet detached approach to the political landscape, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of their role in shaping the future of the nation.