Three Presidents Born in 1946 Are Turning 80 This Summer

Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump are all turning 80 this summer. Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, at the Julia Chester hospital in Hope, Arkansas. George W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, at Connecticut’s Yale-New Haven hospital. These three men, all uncommonly talented politicians in their time, are seen as central figures in the decline of American political culture.

They represent a generation that has been characterized by increasing political tribalism, coarseness in public discourse, and a growing distrust in government and institutions. This generational critique is distinct from the "OK, boomer" sentiment, as the post-World War II cohort was also responsible for significant creativity, idealism, and social change, including the racial and sexual liberation movements. Their cultural impact through music, film (like Stephen Spielberg's), and technology (Bill Gates, Steve Jobs) was profound.

However, in politics, the legacy is described as "rancid." This generation's politics have been defined by a persistent "which side are you on?" question, leading to six decades of preoccupation with partisan arguments. This moralizing brand of politics, where opponents are seen as fundamentally wrong-hearted or wicked, began in the 1960s with debates over Vietnam and the counterculture.

The article traces this trend through different eras: the 1990s saw Bill Clinton navigating a morality play against Newt Gingrich, who used Clinton's personal transgressions to attack him. The post-9/11 era, under George W. Bush, turned national security into another "which side are you on" issue, with his wars and the 2008 financial crisis paving the way for Donald Trump's rise.

Trump's insight into the power of social media and mobile technology allowed him to harness incendiary language and attacks as the basis for a grievance-based political movement. Unlike historical political arguments that aimed to resolve substantive issues, contemporary politics often prioritizes the argument itself and the opportunity to excoriate the opposition. This is evident in how Republicans can support Trump on issues like Iran or tariffs, even when it contradicts their past positions, and would denounce similar actions from a Democratic president.

A key signature of this generation's politics is its focus on values and virtue, contrasting with previous generations' focus on material issues. Newt Gingrich's 1990 memo, urging Republicans to label opponents as "sick" or "traitors," is cited as an early example of this approach. Hillary Rodham Clinton's "basket of deplorables" comment is another instance of using divisive language that leaves little room for dialogue.

Another signature is the chronic instability of their politics. While past generations saw major issues like the New Deal or Medicare become consensus points, the current generation remains deeply divided. For example, MAGA Republicans are still fighting over the Affordable Care Act, 16 years after its passage. Presidents like Clinton, Bush, and Obama hoped for lasting realignments, but their successors often dismissed their records. Trump's coalition is also expected to fracture once he is out of power.

Finally, the article notes the longevity of this generation. While the average life expectancy of U.S. presidents in 1946 was 68, presidents since Gerald Ford have lived to an average of 95. This cohort is expected to continue demanding partisan alignment until their passing.