By Matt Underwood Mamdani and Other Younger Democrats Are No Longer Waiting Their Turn. It’s a sentiment that’s been brewing for a while, a realization that the old rules of political succession just don’t apply anymore, or perhaps, never did. Mamdani, at 33, is a prime example, and the fact that someone of his age is making serious waves in the political arena is a testament to the changing tides. The idea of “turns” in the Democratic Party seems like a relic of the past, a system that has, for many, become a stagnant and ineffective mess.
The core of the problem lies in seniority, a system that’s kept a generation of potential leaders on the sidelines. The expectation to patiently wait their turn has been a recipe for stagnation, and this is particularly true of the Democrats. The older generation should have been passing the torch, not clinging to it, and it’s clear that this is becoming less and less tolerated.
The lack of generational turnover has created a void. Gen X, often overlooked or sidelined, saw their ascent stalled. The aftermath of Obama’s election, marked by the rise of the Tea Party, further fractured the political landscape, stifling any chance of a smooth transition of power. The established incumbents, fearing the power vacuum, held on tight, and often, didn’t trust the newer generations to lead. This fear is arguably a key reason why some of these politicians seem to hold onto their positions until they die in office. They’re convinced that everyone else is incompetent and that they’re the only ones who can win.
The GOP, while once facing similar issues, saw its old guard disrupted by the rise of movements like the Tea Party and MAGA. The left, however, faces a different challenge. The right has a well-oiled machine in terms of funding and propaganda, which enables figures like a Boebert to launch campaigns, and to primary the more moderate right-wing politicians. The left, on the other hand, lacks the same financial backing and organizational infrastructure. Progressives are often outspent and ignored, and they also have a hard time rallying the younger generations, which makes it challenging to take power in the long run.
The argument is simple: waiting patiently hasn’t worked. Waiting patiently gifted the country Trump and eroded civil rights and our democratic institutions. The older generation, the ones who benefited from every advantage, seem to be gatekeeping success, and the younger generation simply cannot wait any longer. The focus needs to shift to what’s best for the country, not for the comfort of those in power. Primaries, like the one pushed by David Hogg, become essential for challenging the old guard.
The frustration is palpable. The older generation is clinging to their seats, unwilling to make way for new leadership, and are showing signs of ignoring the changing times. The focus on seniority and the “rules” of the past has led to a situation where the party appears out of touch. The fact that progressive candidates have struggled to win elections, and that there’s a consistent refrain of “can’t win,” highlights the need for fresh approaches and new faces.
Young eligible voters already have the power to vote and run for office. The problem is, young people are not voting, or running for office, and as such, are contributing to the gerontocracy that so many are complaining about. Waiting does not help. Active participation in the electoral process, including running for office, and voting, is the only way.
It’s not about waiting for a turn; it’s about building coalitions and winning. Democrats who haven’t gained positions are simply not building the necessary support. The old guard failed to meet the moment, and the Democratic Party, is in part, to blame. The stagnation and the club-like atmosphere, have allowed power to consolidate in the hands of a few, while the party has failed to fight for its ideals. It’s time for new leaders, for those who will stand up and fight for the people.
The youth are united in this cause, and are speaking in a new language. The time for waiting is over, and the old guard needs to be replaced. The corporate media is out of touch, and old politicians are mostly delusional and need to be shown the door.
It’s a call for change, a rejection of the old ways. The time is now. Kick the deadwood out. Get some actual leadership. It’s about time.