In an unexpected turn, President Biden is gaining traction among voters aged 65 and over, a demographic that traditionally leans Republican. This shift can be traced back to the voting patterns of today’s seniors, many of whom have consistently supported Democratic candidates throughout their lives.
To illustrate this, consider Archie Bunker, the iconic working-class character from the 1970s sitcom All in the Family. Archie often clashed with his liberal son-in-law, Michael, and feminist daughter, Gloria, over issues of race, gender, and politics—embodying a generational divide that mirrors today’s political landscape.
Fifteen years ago, the typical older voter was shaped by experiences from before the cultural revolutions of the 1960s. Archie, representing the “Greatest Generation,” would be 100 today, and his era has largely passed. The conservative Silent Generation is also dwindling, leaving behind a demographic largely defined by the baby boomers.
These boomers, now in their 70s, include cultural icons like Madonna and Ellen DeGeneres. They have a more liberal outlook compared to their predecessors, contributing to a significant Democratic trend among seniors in recent elections.
As the boomer generation ages, they have become the majority within the senior population. This demographic shift explains the consistent Democratic gains seen over the past decade, with polling indicating that Biden is on track to replicate or even surpass Obama’s support among seniors.
In essence, the evolving composition of the senior vote—from Archie Bunker to more progressive boomers—highlights how generational change is reshaping American politics, particularly as Biden seeks to solidify his position among older voters in the upcoming election.
