Oldsters Not Diggin' Whippersnapper Obama

Seniors see their worldview in McCain

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2008 6:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama is facing an unusually pronounced generation gap among voters: though normally apathetic young people are supporting him in droves, those over 65 are leaning heavily toward John McCain—a fact that’s keeping the race tight, the Washington Post reports. And seniors have a loud voice on Election Day, voting at the highest rates and holding strong sway in swing states like Pennsylvania and Florida.

Seniors tend to identify with McCain’s worldview—focused on “Country First,” with a military background, a reserved wife, and little familiarity with the Internet—much more than Obama’s. And the primary campaign didn’t help the Democrat: “He wasn't working with older communities to get out their vote,” says the director of a retired-persons organization. “He's pretty much unknown as a result.”

Sen. Barack Obama speaks to senior citizens Friday, June 13, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Sen. Barack Obama speaks to seniors at Huntinton Terrace, a senior center in Gresham, Ore., Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Sen. Barack Obama greets seniors after speaking at Huntinton Terrace Assisted Living Community in Gresham, Ore., Sunday, May 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Oldsters Not Diggin' Whippersnapper Obama

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • John McCain • Election 2008 • the senior vote • seniors

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Hillary Clinton, as 'buyer's remorse' plagues a third of the country

Obama Campaign Becomes ... a German Musical

And yes, there's a Sarah Palin character

South the Big Winner in New Census

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

McCain Gets His Fight On

Rebounds from 2008 as feisty, fired-up partisan

McCain Voters' Testosterone Dropped After Loss

For men, elections are dominance competitions

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?