While unnecessary, it obviously added emphasis.
It didn't. It's trite.
Early socialized medicine can be traced back to 450 B.C...the progressive Athenians calling for it were arguing "these are modern times...we just signed a five-year treaty with Sparta!"
Every prominent progressive known to man has always trumpeted the late date of his wonderful "new" idea, insisting that conservatives are behind the times.
You claim to be conservative on some issues. What are they?