Why Hillary is losing a.k.a. "Just pass the frickin' baton already!"

Posted by Dr. Mark Goulston on February 20, 2008 1:00 PM PST

Tags: baby boomers, Democrats, election, Hillary Clinton, politics, presidential election, primaries

Recommend this? YES NO

I finally realized why Hillary is losing.

It may not be her. She may be taking the rap for a "baby boomer"
generation that can't accept that the party is over and that it is no
longer their turn. And like many baby boomers, she is having trouble
going "gently into that good night" and so instead is raging against
the next generations to hold onto power and authority and importance,
when it is no longer their turn.

Face it. The baby boomer generation has had longer time in the
spotlight and at the feeding trough than any other generation in
exchange for giving back to the world many things of questionable value.

The "greatest generation" who fought in WWII really did fight for
peace in the world, whereas the "not so great" baby boomer generation
has more often seemed focused on fighting for and holding onto a piece
of the action long beyond what it deserves.

Part of the dilemma is that the baby boomer generation does not have
a back up plan for how to age in a way that is gratifying, satisfying
or fulfilling and because they don't have such a plan, they try to hold
on to the diminishing power they have and fight having it pulled away.

What we have seen in Hillary and in Bill Clinton is how "ungracious"
aging baby boomers can be. To George H. Bush's credit, he didn't seem
nearly as hostile when Bill Clinton was unseating him, as Barack Obama
seems to be doing to Hillary.

Another element that we are seeing in Bill and Hillary is warning us
that we can't afford to leave something as important as our future and
the pressing issues of it to chance and to inexperience. I am certain
that the baby boomers' parents were as worried about leaving the world
in the hands of their free loving, pot smoking, draft evading kids.

Avery Weisman, a famous psychiatrist of the last century, once said
that raising kids and finally letting them go is "giving hostages to
fortune."

Maybe what this campaign is showing it that it is time for the baby
boomers to graciously and gracefully step aside, pass the baton to the
next generation, believe that they will do no worse than they did and
stop raging against the inevitable conclusion that it is their turn now.

Now, since I am a baby boomer, you'll need to excuse me while I go take my nap.

Add To:

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter and we'll keep you updated with fresh new content.

7 Comments

Mark,

I must say that, as a baby-boomer and Vietnam veteran, I'm offended by your post. I expected more from you!

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com

Posted by Dr. Alex Pattakos on February 20, 2008 6:35 PM PST

Alex, You are one of the baby boomers who I deeply respect and who have earned what you deserve, but there are many who act entitled to what they don't deserve and who I think are trying to hold onto power when they should be giving it up. They often act like like founders and CEO's who don't spend enough time thinking and planning for succession which will allow the long term success of a company. Hillary and Bill Clinton are talented enough to server this country well, but their acting so aggressively offends me and makes me feel that their desire to win is based much more on personal ambition(s) than on truly wanting to make this country great.
Mark Goulston, M.D.
"Get Out of Your Own Way"
http://markgoulston.com
http://markgoulston.com/blog

Posted by Dr. Mark Goulston on February 20, 2008 10:47 PM PST

Mark,

Thanks for the clarification. Since I deeply respect you too, and have you as one of my "Favorites" on PeopleJam, I really appreciate this additional information. Moreover, I agree with you! I'd be interested in your thoughts on John McCain who, technically, is not a baby boomer. Cheers!
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com

Posted by Dr. Alex Pattakos on February 21, 2008 6:11 AM PST

Alex,
Something I also respect about you -- and you are one of my favorites, I am just "technologically challenged" in using all the things on this site. -- is that you are forgiving, once data is clarified. Bill and Hillary, and I might be wrong about this, strike me as having a deep "unforgiving" streak in their personalities. If that is so, those are also qualities to steer away from.
Mark Goulston, M.D.
"Get Out of Your Own Way"
http://markgoulston.com
http://markgoulston.com/blog

Posted by Dr. Mark Goulston on February 21, 2008 6:47 AM PST

Mark,

As you well know, we can't find a common ground unless we're willing to go to a higher ground. I'm glad that we both are willing to find such a place where we may co-exist, even if we are both baby-boomers! (Actually, I consider myself to be a member of the "babyboom-erang" generation!). Here's a virtual hug from your friend, colleague, and kindred spirit in Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Posted by Dr. Alex Pattakos on February 21, 2008 10:14 AM PST

I must say I enjoyed the original story and the additional comments. I truly admire that both men expressed their opinions and then gave each other much respect and understanding. Both of you worked to understand what the other was saying - which is something you don't often see. I only wish other Boomers were are enlightened as the two of you clearly are. Thank you for being an admirable example!

Posted by Apryl on February 21, 2008 5:38 PM PST

Hi Apryl,

Thank you so much acknowledging what really happened here! To borrow your words (and so that I don't get accused of plagiarism!), "I only wish other Gen-Xers were as enlightened as you are!" Thank YOU for being an admirable example!