The Political Environment Presidents Grew Up In

[Brittain33]

Absolutely. I became politically aware during the latter part of George H.W. Bush's term and the combination of his perceived jingoism and cluelessness and the "culture war" feel of the 1992 Republican campaign committed me to being a Democrat. The 1980s and early 1990s were also a time of great limits if you went to public school--the tax revolt had taken its bite and everything was rundown or in shortage, and if you complained, well, it's because people spent too much money before you were born. It was hard not to feel aggrieved.

[Brittain33]

In other words, for every brittain33, there's going to be someone who says that George H.W. Bush's moderatism, pragmatism, and prudence in invading Iraq inspired them to become a Republican.

For what it's worth, I have a much higher opinion of GHWB now than I did then. I would venture to say most Democrats do.

[Brittain33]

You both seem to be making the same mistake, in my opinion.  The President doesn't set the political mood; I believe the President is a result of the political mood.

You think that the current tendencies among young people aren't a big reaction to George W. Bush and his supporters, but arose independently?