The sullen attitude of most Democratic politicians toward young people is reflected in Hillary Clinton's memoir, Living History, in which she laments that people between the ages of 18 and 21 "still [have] the lowest registration and voter turnout of any age group. Their apathy makes it less likely that our national politics will reflect their concerns and safeguard their future."

In other words, it is not the job of older people to inspire younger people. It's their own fault if they don't appreciate what their elders did for them in the 1960s and '70s, not the fault of Democrats who made Social Security and prescription drugs their principal issues in 2002, and who communicate in language comprehensible only to devotees of C-Span while periodically indulging in attacks on youth culture. (Senator Clinton also praises Tipper Gore's moralizing about rock and hip-hop.)

Howard Dean and John Kerry, who are running neck and neck in early polls for the New Hampshire primary, would be well advised to avoid such nonsense. Not only do young people represent a sizable segment of undecided voters, their energy and enthusiasm influence many older voters, just as their taste in fashion and entertainment influences the larger pop culture.

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