FR is pretty mixed. Lots of folks under 40 here. Your later statement is true. We just finished a 26 year run where the majority voted consistently for smaller government, lower taxes, and strong foreign policy. Surveys show this has not changed in philosophy, but it has changed in voting behavior.
I believe now that every generation needs a Carter to teach us what failure is. The question is whether the political/media machine in place right now can maintain public opinion long enough to keep a majority Dem party through the 2010 mid terms and give Obama a 2nd term. If they can hold enough people ignorant to give them another 2-6 years, we are screwed. If not, our ideas will prevail as usual.
If you're right, then for the first time in his life, obama is fully qualified for the role that has fallen in his lap.
Because of SR media snowjobberol, vote fraud, and a dumbed-down electorate.
The votes that put NObama into office were contaminated by ACORN and others.
IMO, at least 20% of the votes were not valid.
May be what we voted for, but it sure isn't what we got. Government grew and taxes increased through that whole time. Strength in foreign policy fluctuated, and now it looks as though all of the gains in that regard have been lost.
The choice between the "two" parties has been one between creeping toward socialism or marching headlong. More recently, the choice has been marching or sprinting.
There has not been a true "smaller government" position taken by anyone, either as a candidate or in office. Not even by Reagan. When I was in the state party I talked to many candidates and suggested they run on that - true devolution of government - and they won't, almost as if they fear it.
We are at a point now that it would be revolutionary, and painful for many, to do it. But it is exactly what needs to be done to save the country, to avoid complete erasure of the values that once made us proud.