The man who brings us the “Almanac of American Politics” every two
years was in San Diego on Monday Night for an hour-long speech.
Nationally-known author Michael Barone titled his talk, “Are we in for
a New Era?” and Barone answered “No”, that Barack Obama’s elec-
tion is not a generational watershed.
Barone told some 300 listeners in the USD Theater that the 2009 elec-
tions accurately reflect a national turning-away of public opinion from the
Democrats’ agenda.
Mr. Barone cited 4 main reasons for this trend:
SUBURBAN ANGST
(1) The Dems’ Bailouts, stimulus packages, and health care proposals
have repelled suburban voters, (who backed Obama in 2008). In 2009
they turned to Chris Christie in New Jersey, Bob McDonnell in Virginia,
and local GOP nominees in New York’s Nassau and Westchester coun-
ties, and Pennsylvania’s Bucks county.
YOUTH VOTE FOUND MISSING
(2) Barone also focused on the decline of the Youth Vote from 2008 to
2009. Over 750 ,000 under-30 citizens voted in Virginia in 2008, and
another 650,000 in New Jersey. But those figures tumbled to 210,000
in New Jersey last week, and just 200,000 in Virginia. Barack Obama
won under-30 voters in 2008 by a 66% to 32% ratio nationally, allowing
him to win several battleground states. Not this time!
MODERATES MUGGED BY REALITY
(3) Economic hard times, Barone added, also make Cultural Issues
less meaningful. Pro-choice Republicans came home to the GOP this
time over looming tax increases and exploding national debt, even
though Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell are Pro-Life.
NANCY PELOSI GETS REAL
(4) The national Democrat agenda was just a gesture from 1994 to
2008, since it would either be blocked in the House, or (later) vetoed
by George W. Bush.
In the last 12 months, however, voters have gotten an eye-opening look
at the REALITY of government by Nancy Pelosi, ACORN, Harry Reid
and Chicago machine hacks.
This has been the proverbial Wake-Up Call !
Mr. Barone quoted his former boss, nationally-respected Democrat
pollster Peter Hart as saying the 2009 results spell real trouble ahead
for Democrats, and are no Mirage.
* That’s all for this 1st Report on Mike Barone’s great lecture last night.
I’ll have a 2nd installment later this week, because when Mike Barone
talks, it is always worth listening closely.
Major thanks to San Diego community leader JOAN E. BOWES, whose
support of USD makes this annual series of lectures possible… and to
former San Diego City Councilmen Fred Schnaubelt and Bruce Hend-
erson who worked on the organizing committee for this successful
event. Well done to all.
Comments 3
Excellent report, Jim, keep them coming!
Thank you, Jim Sills, for the very complete summary of Michael Barone’s talk.
He is an awesome historian. I mentioned to him that I was very pleased when the late Professor Bernard Seigan, USD School of Law, thought of the name for my speaker series. “Joan Bowes – James Madison Distinguished Speaker Series,” Imagine me on the same line as James Madison!!!
Then Michael proceeded to give me more than a snapshot of Madison! I was very impressed to say the least.
I am delighted everyone enjoyed the evening.
Sincerely,
Joan Bowes
Ms. Bowes:
Thank you for your kind words about my summary of Michael Barone’s USD lecture.
For the benefit of other readers, Ms. Bowes is THE reason this series of lectures came into existence (previous speakers include Reagan attorney general Ed Meese, and UN Ambassador John Bolton among others) and continues today.
Ms. Bowes made a brief, dignified statement prior to the Barone speech, in which she paid tribute to the late,great USD Professor Bernard Siegan and expressed thanks for his influence on her.
Professor Siegan was a respected scholar who, with meticulous supporting documentation, made the case for individual freedom and responsibility, both in the law and in every day life.
Bernie Siegan took some time to mentor me too, and he was living proof a man may be soft-spoken and courteous, while still making a vital difference in the world. He is missed by all who knew him.
Ms. Bowes, I will publish a 2nd article here on Mr. Barone’s lecture and hope you will read and enjoy it as well. Your ideas and comments will always be welcomed at “SD Rostra”. Thank you for your MANY contributions to the Place We Call Home: San Diego!