Thomas P.M. Barnett: Hoping for a meaningful election

[Bolo Boffin]

This is the author of The Pentagon's New Map, who some might be surprised to find out is a Democrat. Scripps Howard:

I see two profound influences, both of which appear to be waning.

The first is that we live in an era of great economic change and progress. Most Americans, for example, can't remember the last serious recession (hint, it happened in the first Reagan term). In this long boom, politics simply doesn't matter, so it doesn't attract much attention. National voter turnout in 2006 hovered around 40 percent.

The second is that the boomers, truly a revolutionary generation, saw the vast bulk of their talent head into the private sector after the tumultuous 1960s. That cohort literally changed the world. Those left over for politics were -- sad to say -- not the best and brightest. That's not unusual, in historical terms. Frustrated by politics in their youth, most revolutionary generations turn to technology innovation and entrepreneurship. That's the case in China today with the Tiananmen generation.

Maybe that's why I'm so excited right now about the competitiveness in this year's presidential race. Perhaps it really is time to "move on," given our sputtering economy and our first post-boomer presidential candidate (Obama).

And maybe my vote will really matter this year.

[Demeter]

1. All Elections Are Meaningful. I'm Hoping for a Corrective Election

one that restores the American goals, dreams and best principles.