Are Young Folks All Becoming Progressives? Is the GOP Dead?

A true progressive has his doubts. See Dissenting Justice and his post Are Young People Really Progressive As New Study Claims? I think he makes some good points.

Also we have been this before had we not. As he mentions:

Because public opinion is contextual and shaped by the media, social movements, politicians and contemporaneous events, it is very difficult to discern ideological commitments from short-term viewpoints. The Madland and Teixeira study focuses on "hot-button" social issues that have informed much of the "adult" lives of the Millennials. Hillary Clinton took "the bullet" on healthcare reform in the 1990s, but today, her thinking on the subject informs the so-called progressive commitment of the Millennials.

The shift in public opinion on the subject resulted from years of political activity and statutory reform that predated the 2008 election. The older folks in the Madland and Teixeira study engaged in vigorous protests over Vietnam, racism and sexism, and they showed a commitment to progressive causes that went far beyond simply casting a vote for certain issues or candidates. Yet, Madland and Teixeira describe these individuals as being more conservative than younger people who oppose the Iraq War and think race and sex are irrelevant.

I think this is very correct!! With all this talk of the GOP going the way of the Whigs and Social Conservatives being a Museum piece is that really true?

In 1974 the GOP just got slaughtered. The Democrats in the House picked up 49 seats from the Republican Party and increasing their majority above the two-thirds mark.

In the Senate after the dust settled Democrats possessed 61 seats to 38 for the Republicans, with one Independent who caucused with the Democrats and one Conservative who caucused with the Republicans.

I am sure the GOP death was predicted. You know all these young hippes and liberals and such.

Well In 1976 Carter had limited Coattails and the Dems just picked up one House Seat. There were no decisive gains for the Democrats in the Senate.

In 1978 The Dems lost 15 seats in the House

IN 1980 well you knew what Happened Not only did Reagan get elected but the Republicans gained Republicans gained a net of twelve seats in the Senate (the largest swing since 1958) an gained control. In the House they Republicans gained a net of 35 seats.

This all occurred in a the short span of 6 years!!! I am willing to be quite a few of those "liberal" young folks were a part of this.