I do think the electorate lacks the seriousness of prior generations. We're too easily distracted by our pastimes, our toys, our whatever. More reading, less watching, that's the bumpersticker for me!

I read a fair amount and listen to a lot of podcasts. I think the massive demographic changes that we've seen, and will continue to see, have animated (frightened to be honest) a lot of white, Christian America, to overlook past differences (Protestant versus Catholic versus Orthodox) in a movement to pushback the inevitable portrait of a browner, more secular, more cosmopolitan/global future. Look at the sea change that we've experienced: A black president, a Supreme Court that doesn't contain a Protestant, a woman speaker of the house, gay marriage, and an increase in the "nones" (those not aligned to any religion or an organized religion). Throw on top of that job insecurity, stagnant wages, and voila, Trumpism! These folks are nostalgic for the 50s, when all of these previously marginalized groups knew their place. And don't think political change is right around the corner. Despite their declining numbers, they are a motivated, unified, and reliable voting bloc! They will punch above their weight for years to come!

Peter T.