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Only Obama Can Mend Boomer Rifts

Sullivan: He's the man to win a truce in the culture wars

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 9, 2007 2:45 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama is the only presidential candidate who can take the US past the “debilitating, self-perpetuating” Vietnam-vintage divisions within the Baby Boom generation, conservative Andrew Sullivan asserts in an Atlantic cover story. Sullivan is so disturbed by the “nonviolent civil war” keeping America busy at home while the world struggles that he’s supporting a Democrat he believes can turn the page.

The White House hopefuls barely disagree on broad policy points. It’s the legacy of the 1960s that really raises temperatures: If Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani make the next Iraq choices, we’ll be drowned in Vietnam symbolism. But Obama isn't rooted in the past, Sullivan writes—a unique understanding of the global moment will help him rebrand the country.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a town hall meeting with local residents, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, in Fairfield, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a town hall meeting with local residents, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, in Fairfield, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at Twichell Auditorium at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C. Saturday. Nov. 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Spartanburg Herald-Journal/Tim Kimzey)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at Twichell Auditorium at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C. Saturday. Nov. 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Spartanburg Herald-Journal/Tim Kimzey)   (Associated Press)
A new television ad from Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry spotlights his military service during the Vietnam War.
A new television ad from Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry spotlights his military service during the Vietnam War.   (KRT Photos)
A Veteran's of Foriegn Wars Honor Guard stands at parade rest...
A Veteran's of Foriegn Wars Honor Guard stands at parade rest...   (Getty Images)
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