So I went to a county Democratic Party fundraising picnic today.

[3Hotdogs]

Several candidates for different offices presented. All were nice but no one gave a specific on how they would make things better. I have no doubt that a Republican picnic would have the same results.


Of concern, there were about 90 people at the picnic. I don't know what advertisement was used to invite people to the picnic. Of more significance to me, there were only 10 or so people under the age of 50 in attendance.

[marble falls]

1. Good for you! What more of us should be doing in lieu of obssesing on a certain dead guy.

[markodochartaigh]

2. From what I have seen

it isn't just the Democratic party. I used to go to The Left Forum events in New York. They were excellent events with stellar speakers. You could hear Michael Hudson (Leon Trotsky's godson and brilliant economist), Michael Perelman, Chris Hedges, Richard Wolff, etc., etc., etc. And so many panelists from so many countries on so many topics. Much of what we see today was foreshadowed there.

But the average age of attendees was probably 60. There were very, very few 20 somethings and not many in their 30's and 40's. The lectures were usually pretty well attended, just not by young people.

I absolutely fear this, but I think that it will take a terrible economic catastrophe to wake this country up and stimulate interest in left-wing politics. And I fear that the economic catastrophe will not be passed before climate catastrophes are upon us. And all of this on a background of authoritarianism rising.

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. 'But the average age of attendees was probably 60.

There were very, very few 20 somethings and not many in their 30's and 40's. The lectures were usually pretty well attended, just not by young people.

Just like DU now. It wasn't always that way. Looks like we don't offer them anything.

[3Hotdogs]

7. I'm gonna guess it was in the '70's. A blurb in the Village Voice posted about a meeting of the Communist Party

in the Upper West Side. Now 'm not gonna pas that up.

I get there. I don't recall what the meeting topic was or who the speaker was or if there was anyone but a moderator.

All's I remember about it was, the majority of attendees in their 80's or 90's with several of them asleep in their chairs.

[markodochartaigh]

8. Actually it was in the 2010's.

But I imagine that the crowd would be even older today.

[zeusdogmom]

3. Under 50 - good chance they have kids

Speaking from experience. Think about what people with kids do on Saturday. A political fundraising picnic probably not high on the to-do list. It doesn’t mean the interest isn’t there - just not enough hours in the day. Or the suggested donation amount is too high for the budget.

[LeftInTX]

5. Yep! Everyone complains about everyone being old, but I wouldn't dare ask my kids to be precinct chairs.

They're hauling kids left and right.

We have an awesome, active Young Dems Club, (under age 40) but only one member has kids. They're a pretty decent sized group too. (About 40 or 50 or so members) But once they have kids participation basically ceases.

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. You used to see a lot of 20-somethings pushing prams

at these things. The interest isn't there anymore. I can't think of anything of interest we offer them. I never hear of Young Democrats clubs at schools anymore, either, but plenty for the enemy.