Generation X: Time to take the lead?

As Generation X at last has an opportunity to elect one of its own in Barack Obama (well, almost--he's closer to our generation than to the Baby-Boomers; also, he's the same age as Bono, so he can't be that old, right?), I thought I'd do a Google search and see what I could find about our particular demographic. Call it generational narcissism, but I'm interested in what people my age are doing and thinking, particularly right about now when the Democratic race for the nomination has proven to be so much fun to watch. I myself am an independent who voted for Obama in the California primary and will do so again in the general election. I hadn't planned it that way. Having left the Democrats in disgust in 2004 because I felt like I was forced to accept John Kerry as my nominee, I intended this time around to vote for John McCain, whom I respect and admire for his straightforward, maverick toughness. Imagine my surprise and annoyance when I found out I wasn't allowed to vote in the Republican primary! I was so looking forward to making a statement and sticking it to my former party. However, when I calmed down and finished shooting off a disgruntled email to the California Republican Party, I realized McCain didn't need my vote here, and that it would be put to better use in the Democratic primary. After all, I had to vote for somebody, and I couldn't really stomach the thought of another four to eight years of Clintons (that would make 24-28 years of Bushes and Clintons. A little creepy for a democracy). This situation led me to actually pay attention to the Democratic race, and to Obama. So I guess I should thank the Republican Party for excluding me. Hey, thanks!

I've always felt if John McCain and Barack Obama were the nominees in the general election, then both parties and this country had already won something. McCain is shaking up his party by forcing the far right to either except him or shut up (how glorious would that be?), while Obama has created a movement that I can't quite find the words to describe. Not yet, anyway. He is inspiring and I want to follow him. I've never felt that way about a candidate, not even Bill Clinton. Some say Gen-Xer's are cynical. I like to think we're just practical and have a low threshold for B.S. Given that, I'm amazed at my own surrender to Barack and his "Yes We Can" mantra. But, there it is. I want him to be my president. I wouldn't mind if he were my Valentine, either. It's a strange and awesome thing to be physically attracted to a potential president. But I digress...

We Gen-Xer's are not a very large generation and we've always existed in the shadow of the Baby Boomers. Hopefully now we can step out into the light.