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The Ones We've Been Waiting for: How a New Generation of Leaders Will Transform America
An optimistic look at the future of American leadership by a brilliant young reporter
A new generation is stepping up. There are now twenty-six millennials in Congress--a fivefold increase gained in the 2018 midterms. They are governing Midwestern cities and college towns, running for city councils, and serving in state legislatures. They are acting urgently on climate change because they are going to live it. They care deeply about student debt because they have it. They are utilizing big tech but still want to regulate it because they understand how it works. In The Ones We've been Waiting For, Time correspondent Charlotte Alter defines the class of young leaders who are remaking the nation--how grappling with 9/11 as teens, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, occupying Wall Street, protesting with Black Lives Matter, and shouldering their way into a financially rigged political system has informed the perspectives of the people who will govern the future.
Through the experiences of millennial leaders--from firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttiegieg to Elise Stefanik, the youngest Republican woman ever elected to Congress--Charlotte Alter gives the big-picture look at how this generation governs differently than their elders, and how they may drag us out of our current political despair. Millennials have already revolutionized technology, commerce, and media and have powered the major social movements of our time. Now government is ripe for disruption. The Ones We've Been Waiting For is a hopeful glimpse into the newer, younger, brighter political generation, and what America might look like when they are in charge.
A new generation is stepping up. There are now twenty-six millennials in Congress--a fivefold increase gained in the 2018 midterms. They are governing Midwestern cities and college towns, running for city councils, and serving in state legislatures. They are acting urgently on climate change because they are going to live it. They care deeply about student debt because they have it. They are utilizing big tech but still want to regulate it because they understand how it works. In The Ones We've been Waiting For, Time correspondent Charlotte Alter defines the class of young leaders who are remaking the nation--how grappling with 9/11 as teens, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, occupying Wall Street, protesting with Black Lives Matter, and shouldering their way into a financially rigged political system has informed the perspectives of the people who will govern the future.
Through the experiences of millennial leaders--from firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttiegieg to Elise Stefanik, the youngest Republican woman ever elected to Congress--Charlotte Alter gives the big-picture look at how this generation governs differently than their elders, and how they may drag us out of our current political despair. Millennials have already revolutionized technology, commerce, and media and have powered the major social movements of our time. Now government is ripe for disruption. The Ones We've Been Waiting For is a hopeful glimpse into the newer, younger, brighter political generation, and what America might look like when they are in charge.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2020
172 people are currently reading
3034 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Alter
1 book49 followersCharlotte Alter is a national correspondent for TIME. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Crimson and has appeared on Good Morning America, Morning Joe, The Last Word, and CNN's Reliable Sources. She co-hosts a Sirius XM radio show on Radio Andy called Alter Family Politics. Previously she worked for Jenni Konner on GIRLS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 2, 2020
I am biased, because I wrote this book. After Trump's election, I could sense that something was changing in America-- the government was older and whiter than ever before, even as a generation of diverse, mostly progressive millennials were on the rise. I knew that wouldn't last forever: today's young upstarts are tomorrow's leaders, and so I've spent the last three years traveling the country talking to young political leaders about what they want American to be.
This book is about the historical forces that shaped the political leanings of the rising generation of American leaders: what millennials believe, why they believe it, and what America might look like when they're in charge.
It's a mixture of historical analysis and nonfiction narrative: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's trip to Standing Rock, and Pete Buttigieg's coming out story, and Elise Stefanik's quest to drag the GOP into the 21st century, plus a lot of exciting young people you've never heard of who are making change in cities and towns across the country. It's also about the youth-led movements, like Occupy and Black Lives Matter, that have helped pull so many young voters to the left, and the historical factors that led to those movements.
When I pitched this, I said I wanted to write a book for people who love news but are sick of bad news. So maybe this book is for you!
This book is about the historical forces that shaped the political leanings of the rising generation of American leaders: what millennials believe, why they believe it, and what America might look like when they're in charge.
It's a mixture of historical analysis and nonfiction narrative: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's trip to Standing Rock, and Pete Buttigieg's coming out story, and Elise Stefanik's quest to drag the GOP into the 21st century, plus a lot of exciting young people you've never heard of who are making change in cities and towns across the country. It's also about the youth-led movements, like Occupy and Black Lives Matter, that have helped pull so many young voters to the left, and the historical factors that led to those movements.
When I pitched this, I said I wanted to write a book for people who love news but are sick of bad news. So maybe this book is for you!
April 12, 2020
Primary theme: "political values are highly determined by what happens in the world during the first few years of political awareness."
Secondary theme: millennials are the products of technology, whereas baby boomers "were the products of television, not print," like their preceding generation.
Alter writes a well-research, but overly meandering treatise on what motivates millennial voters, which is probably enlightening to all. Millennials are dissatisfied with the status quo for many reasons, the most important of which is being saddled with debt from college educations, which have not resulted in well-paying jobs, forcing them into underemployment, a lack of affordable housing forcing many to live at home, costly health insurance, etc. They have also been witness to horrific act of violence and nature, such as 9/11, school shootings, unjustified police killings of minorities, and hurricanes. Other influences are huge and growing inequality, massive governmental deficits, the likelihood that social security will fail before they can receive benefits, and the inability of current leadership to protect the Earth they will inherit.
Integrated in her book are profiles of some up and coming millennial politicians, most of which is focused on Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who seem to be the most visible of the next generation of leaders. Each has developed a compelling narrative, but with contrasting styles. Substantial focus on the policies and abhorrent behavior of President Trump, and how these new leaders, mostly Democrats, but some Republicans, have dealt with both.
I am glad to have read the book because I think it is insightful, but wish it had been shorter.
Secondary theme: millennials are the products of technology, whereas baby boomers "were the products of television, not print," like their preceding generation.
Alter writes a well-research, but overly meandering treatise on what motivates millennial voters, which is probably enlightening to all. Millennials are dissatisfied with the status quo for many reasons, the most important of which is being saddled with debt from college educations, which have not resulted in well-paying jobs, forcing them into underemployment, a lack of affordable housing forcing many to live at home, costly health insurance, etc. They have also been witness to horrific act of violence and nature, such as 9/11, school shootings, unjustified police killings of minorities, and hurricanes. Other influences are huge and growing inequality, massive governmental deficits, the likelihood that social security will fail before they can receive benefits, and the inability of current leadership to protect the Earth they will inherit.
Integrated in her book are profiles of some up and coming millennial politicians, most of which is focused on Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who seem to be the most visible of the next generation of leaders. Each has developed a compelling narrative, but with contrasting styles. Substantial focus on the policies and abhorrent behavior of President Trump, and how these new leaders, mostly Democrats, but some Republicans, have dealt with both.
I am glad to have read the book because I think it is insightful, but wish it had been shorter.
February 24, 2020
I am an old white guy who will one day rest easier in his grave if the good people that Charlotte Alter writes so ably about in her brilliant new book are running the world and saving our democracy.
February 15, 2020
This book was incredibly well written and easily understandable, which for someone who doesn’t know all the lingo (or most if I’m being honest) about government is very helpful. I learned so much from this book that is so important for this upcoming election.
I also learned a lot about my own generation - millennials. When most people think of us, it’s usually with a negative connotation. And to be honest I have too. However, reading about how boomers raised us and how what they did defined us and what we’re like now makes perfect sense. There’s also a lot of explanation as to why boomers think and vote the way they do, which is very helpful as to my own understanding of why relative I have might vote the way they do.
Besides having a lot of insight into the government, boomers, and millennials in general, Charlotte also takes us into specific government officials. We see how they started their career and why, and what they’ve done so far in their career.
The last important and helpful thing for me, was reading about the Republican Party. There’s so much backlash against them, however that’s all I’ve heard is negative. I’ve never really heard about the differences of the party. Nor have I really paid attention to republican’s agendas in congress and what their goals are. And seeing millennial republicans and what they’re doing in office and their goals makes me have a deeper understanding of the party and not always tense up if I hear about someone who is a republican.
Highly recommend this book ESPECIALLY with the up coming election.
I also learned a lot about my own generation - millennials. When most people think of us, it’s usually with a negative connotation. And to be honest I have too. However, reading about how boomers raised us and how what they did defined us and what we’re like now makes perfect sense. There’s also a lot of explanation as to why boomers think and vote the way they do, which is very helpful as to my own understanding of why relative I have might vote the way they do.
Besides having a lot of insight into the government, boomers, and millennials in general, Charlotte also takes us into specific government officials. We see how they started their career and why, and what they’ve done so far in their career.
The last important and helpful thing for me, was reading about the Republican Party. There’s so much backlash against them, however that’s all I’ve heard is negative. I’ve never really heard about the differences of the party. Nor have I really paid attention to republican’s agendas in congress and what their goals are. And seeing millennial republicans and what they’re doing in office and their goals makes me have a deeper understanding of the party and not always tense up if I hear about someone who is a republican.
Highly recommend this book ESPECIALLY with the up coming election.
August 29, 2020
The Ones We've Been Waiting For: How a New Generation of Leaders Will Transform America by Charlotte Alter was a riveting look at the political upheaval that has been taking place in recent years, but at the same time so hopeful as she profiles ten millennials who are changing the political landscape as they seek to change the fabric of this country. Alter is a national correspondent for TIME and has covered the 2016, 2018, and 2020 campaigns as well as youth social movements and women in politics. It is within this backdrop that Ms. Alter has tapped into the changes that are occurring as she highlights the millennials that are giving their all to public and government service, both locally and nationally, because they care deeply about the pressing issues, including climate change, health care, economic security and student debt.
The millennials featured in this book were the likes of Pete Buttigieg, Haley Stevens, Braxton Winston, Elise Stefanik, Dan Crenshaw, Eric Lesser, Max Rose, Lauren Underwood, Svante Myrick, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This was the generation that was shaped by 9/11, the candidacy and presidency of Barack Obama, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, climate change, marriage equality, and the fight for affordable health care. I loved this book, and in a time when we are struggling to survive in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic with all of the attendant social and economic woes, I am tired. I am ready for this new generation to rise through the ranks and come to lead us in a new direction, preserving our democracy and creating a place for all Americans to thrive and flourish. I will finish in the words of one of my favorite authors, Walter Isaacson, "By the end, you'll smile and say to yourself, 'There's hope.'" Indeed Mr. Isaacson, there is hope and I am applauding and cheering their dramatic entry onto the national scene. Godspeed.
"This little-known Illinois senator represented a definitive break from the past. Before Obama, politics was for parents and teachers--after Obama, young people of color could see themselves reflected in the Oval Office. Before Obama, politics was boring--after Obama, politics was cool."
"This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected," he said. "And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation--the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election." -- Barack Obama, March 2008
". . . the Obama presidency would be a transformational moment, not just for them, but for their entire generation. Over the course of eight years, the president--their president--would deliver for them on affordable health care, college loans, marriage equality, and climate change, all issues that would become especially important to millennials in the years to come."
"Pete and AOC may have been on the opposite sides of the Democratic primary, but together they would represent the dawn of a new political era--one in which millennials swung the center of political gravity to the left just as boomers had swung it to the right."
The millennials featured in this book were the likes of Pete Buttigieg, Haley Stevens, Braxton Winston, Elise Stefanik, Dan Crenshaw, Eric Lesser, Max Rose, Lauren Underwood, Svante Myrick, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This was the generation that was shaped by 9/11, the candidacy and presidency of Barack Obama, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, climate change, marriage equality, and the fight for affordable health care. I loved this book, and in a time when we are struggling to survive in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic with all of the attendant social and economic woes, I am tired. I am ready for this new generation to rise through the ranks and come to lead us in a new direction, preserving our democracy and creating a place for all Americans to thrive and flourish. I will finish in the words of one of my favorite authors, Walter Isaacson, "By the end, you'll smile and say to yourself, 'There's hope.'" Indeed Mr. Isaacson, there is hope and I am applauding and cheering their dramatic entry onto the national scene. Godspeed.
"This little-known Illinois senator represented a definitive break from the past. Before Obama, politics was for parents and teachers--after Obama, young people of color could see themselves reflected in the Oval Office. Before Obama, politics was boring--after Obama, politics was cool."
"This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected," he said. "And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation--the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election." -- Barack Obama, March 2008
". . . the Obama presidency would be a transformational moment, not just for them, but for their entire generation. Over the course of eight years, the president--their president--would deliver for them on affordable health care, college loans, marriage equality, and climate change, all issues that would become especially important to millennials in the years to come."
"Pete and AOC may have been on the opposite sides of the Democratic primary, but together they would represent the dawn of a new political era--one in which millennials swung the center of political gravity to the left just as boomers had swung it to the right."
June 18, 2020
It's happening right now. Pete Buttigieg, AOC, Elise Stefanik — they are all in here. Born between 1994 and the early '80s, the first wave of millennials — tech savvy and type-A, thanks to hovering boomer parents — is on the cusp of holding real political power. The number elected to Congress jumped from 6% to 26% in 2018, and mayoral offices and city councils are suddenly filled with them. More woke than previous generations and less inclined to stick to party lines, this freshman class may be our only hope. Alter weaves the stories of these often unlikely candidates together to create a narrative that feels promising and apprehensive at the same time. So relevant!
February 26, 2020
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
More like a 2.5, actually.
My hope for this book was that it would be about how Millennials (in politics or otherwise) approach leadership differently than the generations who came before. There are some significant differences that should be interesting to look at...what works, what doesn't, and where things are going. My fear for this book was that it would be a rehashing of the Boomer vs. Millennial debate.
Well...it's not a total rehashing, but it comes close. I'm very confused as to who the author thinks her audience is. It seems like it's written for liberal Millennials, but then she spends entire chapters discussing things that liberal Millennials already know (e.g. Boomers don't understand technology) and so it just seems like a very unfocused book. Also, the author has some heavy bias that I found grating (she refers to Francis Fukuyama, a respected and complex thinker on political theory and economics, as a "Boomer historian"...which is so dismissive and, frankly, unfair, that my jaw actually dropped).
There are also sections where the author loses track of this being a book about Millennials and starts writing about the Democrat vs. Republican divide. Yes, that is very relevant in a book about young politicians, but it's not the point. There are conservative Millennials (which the author is aware of, she interviews and discusses multiple throughout the book) as well as liberal Millennials (and even those come in various shades...something the author acknowledges towards the end of the book).
Overall, the book doesn't really bring anything new to the table and while I found several parts interesting, I'm not really sure what the purpose of it was. I will say that I enjoyed the case study approach and enjoyed the more in-depth look at a handful of Millennial politicians. I feel like I gained a better understanding of where they are coming from and how their approaches came to be.
More like a 2.5, actually.
My hope for this book was that it would be about how Millennials (in politics or otherwise) approach leadership differently than the generations who came before. There are some significant differences that should be interesting to look at...what works, what doesn't, and where things are going. My fear for this book was that it would be a rehashing of the Boomer vs. Millennial debate.
Well...it's not a total rehashing, but it comes close. I'm very confused as to who the author thinks her audience is. It seems like it's written for liberal Millennials, but then she spends entire chapters discussing things that liberal Millennials already know (e.g. Boomers don't understand technology) and so it just seems like a very unfocused book. Also, the author has some heavy bias that I found grating (she refers to Francis Fukuyama, a respected and complex thinker on political theory and economics, as a "Boomer historian"...which is so dismissive and, frankly, unfair, that my jaw actually dropped).
There are also sections where the author loses track of this being a book about Millennials and starts writing about the Democrat vs. Republican divide. Yes, that is very relevant in a book about young politicians, but it's not the point. There are conservative Millennials (which the author is aware of, she interviews and discusses multiple throughout the book) as well as liberal Millennials (and even those come in various shades...something the author acknowledges towards the end of the book).
Overall, the book doesn't really bring anything new to the table and while I found several parts interesting, I'm not really sure what the purpose of it was. I will say that I enjoyed the case study approach and enjoyed the more in-depth look at a handful of Millennial politicians. I feel like I gained a better understanding of where they are coming from and how their approaches came to be.
March 20, 2020
An easy, breezy read with a hopeful message in these dark political and social times where we teeter on the brink of disaster daily, and where each fresh news report brings with it responses ranging from head-shaking and muttering to outright rage and despair. But don't despair - yet! The Ones We've Been Waiting For..." offers great dollops of hope because a fresh breeze is about to blow in to town and clean things up.
I have been raising one of these Game Changers and I didn't realize it, but I recognized my daughter in these pages. These kids are smart, tech-savvy like they were born with an extra chromosome that allows them to use social media in ways that their parents think unhealthy, but which makes perfect sense for this generation's agenda. Plus they don't care what we think about their socializing habits so get over it. Because these kids are pragmatic. They "get it." They've been dealt a hand that makes lofty notions and intellectual, angst-ridden high-mindedness obsolete; it just ain't solving anything. They are kind but practical and, at the end of the day, things need to be fixed. Wunderkinds like AOC and Buttigieg, along with a number of other new political operators, are showcased with the same energy and drive that they bring to the table and I was impressed.
I didn't intend to be because I have bought into the stereotypes: these kids are whinny, self absorbed loners, but Atler makes her case. No! This generation is Gladwell's "Tipping Point" to the future. I was particularly interested in the case made for socialism, Bernie/AOC-style. You see, I was raised in a country were democratic socialism was the ruling majority, and it wasn't so bad. Yes, there were definite problems created by the Socialist state, but over the long haul, life was pretty good. There was a cradle-to-grave social welfare safety net. There was good public housing. There were free school meals and a daily pint of milk for all children. There was free and good health care. There was a strong and robust economy and life was pleasant. My father has a different view on things and we argue frequently, especially now that he has become a card-carrying Trumper. But frankly, I think that the examples he critiques are the very issues he struggled with and had more to do with the rigid class structure that kept him locked out, than with socialism. The social program put in place to lift people up was the very thing that pulled him, and other smart kids of his age, out of poverty and into a thriving middle-class. And he has done very well for himself because of these opportunities.
I think that Americans' views of socialism slides quickly towards communism (and we know how the USA hates the Commies), and fascism. But the kind of socialism (according to Alter) that is being paraded through town these days is not that. It's more Fabian than Revolutionary. And it would be worth learning more about what Bernie and AOC and the democratic socialists are proposing, rather than continuing to believe the stereotypes. Because if there's one thing I got from this book, it's that we (The Boomers) need to rethink our stereotypes about many things. What we think they are talking about is not what they are talking about and they don't care if we don't understand what they're talking about because they're just gonna keep moving to fix all the things that previous generations (Boomers) have broken out of Capitalist greed, self-interest, and a complete disrespect for the planet we call home.
If you are tired of the same old white men who are in charge but seem to be making things worse, not better; if you are weary of Boomer shenanigans - yeah, you're smart and all, but pretty dumb with it. If you you feel tired and weary and overwhelmed by what's facing this planet - and I'm writing this as we sink deeper in to the Covid-19 Pandemic - then this is a book to read because you will quickly spot that our saving grace lies in these pages. The Calvary is coming folks. You may not like the look of it or the sound of it, but just get out of the way and let them do what needs to be done. It's their future, not ours. Boomer's time is done; the Millennials have come and they just might save the day!
I have been raising one of these Game Changers and I didn't realize it, but I recognized my daughter in these pages. These kids are smart, tech-savvy like they were born with an extra chromosome that allows them to use social media in ways that their parents think unhealthy, but which makes perfect sense for this generation's agenda. Plus they don't care what we think about their socializing habits so get over it. Because these kids are pragmatic. They "get it." They've been dealt a hand that makes lofty notions and intellectual, angst-ridden high-mindedness obsolete; it just ain't solving anything. They are kind but practical and, at the end of the day, things need to be fixed. Wunderkinds like AOC and Buttigieg, along with a number of other new political operators, are showcased with the same energy and drive that they bring to the table and I was impressed.
I didn't intend to be because I have bought into the stereotypes: these kids are whinny, self absorbed loners, but Atler makes her case. No! This generation is Gladwell's "Tipping Point" to the future. I was particularly interested in the case made for socialism, Bernie/AOC-style. You see, I was raised in a country were democratic socialism was the ruling majority, and it wasn't so bad. Yes, there were definite problems created by the Socialist state, but over the long haul, life was pretty good. There was a cradle-to-grave social welfare safety net. There was good public housing. There were free school meals and a daily pint of milk for all children. There was free and good health care. There was a strong and robust economy and life was pleasant. My father has a different view on things and we argue frequently, especially now that he has become a card-carrying Trumper. But frankly, I think that the examples he critiques are the very issues he struggled with and had more to do with the rigid class structure that kept him locked out, than with socialism. The social program put in place to lift people up was the very thing that pulled him, and other smart kids of his age, out of poverty and into a thriving middle-class. And he has done very well for himself because of these opportunities.
I think that Americans' views of socialism slides quickly towards communism (and we know how the USA hates the Commies), and fascism. But the kind of socialism (according to Alter) that is being paraded through town these days is not that. It's more Fabian than Revolutionary. And it would be worth learning more about what Bernie and AOC and the democratic socialists are proposing, rather than continuing to believe the stereotypes. Because if there's one thing I got from this book, it's that we (The Boomers) need to rethink our stereotypes about many things. What we think they are talking about is not what they are talking about and they don't care if we don't understand what they're talking about because they're just gonna keep moving to fix all the things that previous generations (Boomers) have broken out of Capitalist greed, self-interest, and a complete disrespect for the planet we call home.
If you are tired of the same old white men who are in charge but seem to be making things worse, not better; if you are weary of Boomer shenanigans - yeah, you're smart and all, but pretty dumb with it. If you you feel tired and weary and overwhelmed by what's facing this planet - and I'm writing this as we sink deeper in to the Covid-19 Pandemic - then this is a book to read because you will quickly spot that our saving grace lies in these pages. The Calvary is coming folks. You may not like the look of it or the sound of it, but just get out of the way and let them do what needs to be done. It's their future, not ours. Boomer's time is done; the Millennials have come and they just might save the day!
March 18, 2020
I don’t often right reviews of books, but I really enjoyed this one and want to help promote it to others who may be on the fence about picking it up.
So much of our lives and politics are simplified down to viral memes that provide little context and nuance but an abundance of stereotypes and assumptions. The fact that this book is the opposite of that left me feeling refreshed. While it certainly leans liberal in its coverage of millennial leaders, I feel like the author did a great job of delving into what drives both young democrats and young republicans who are empowered to lead our towns, states and nation. It left me with a more humanized view of both parties and hope for the future of our nation as our generational cohort of leaders use the forces that shaped our youth and young adulthood (school shootings, technology, student debt, economic hardships,climate forces) to innovate for change.
I also appreciated the contrasting examples of how the experiences of baby boomer shaped how they view the world and how they impact and engage with millennials. It helps to better understand where older family member, colleagues and leaders are coming from and how they approach policy.
The writing is incredibly digestible, providing lots of personal anecdotes from millennial leaders (Mayor Pete, AOC, etc.)and also historical context that is both enlightening and enjoyable to learn about. It feels good to read a book that seems to “get you” the way this book does. Highly recommend!
So much of our lives and politics are simplified down to viral memes that provide little context and nuance but an abundance of stereotypes and assumptions. The fact that this book is the opposite of that left me feeling refreshed. While it certainly leans liberal in its coverage of millennial leaders, I feel like the author did a great job of delving into what drives both young democrats and young republicans who are empowered to lead our towns, states and nation. It left me with a more humanized view of both parties and hope for the future of our nation as our generational cohort of leaders use the forces that shaped our youth and young adulthood (school shootings, technology, student debt, economic hardships,climate forces) to innovate for change.
I also appreciated the contrasting examples of how the experiences of baby boomer shaped how they view the world and how they impact and engage with millennials. It helps to better understand where older family member, colleagues and leaders are coming from and how they approach policy.
The writing is incredibly digestible, providing lots of personal anecdotes from millennial leaders (Mayor Pete, AOC, etc.)and also historical context that is both enlightening and enjoyable to learn about. It feels good to read a book that seems to “get you” the way this book does. Highly recommend!
July 12, 2020
An interesting profile of up-and-coming Millennial leaders. I liked how the book put into context the issues Millennials face as a cohort. I thought it was clever to organize the book by shared experiences that the Millennial leaders had, such as 9/11.
It was interesting to learn that it is not necessarily true that people are more liberal when they are young and more conservative when they’re old; research shows there is a significant effect from the president in power during youth and the reaction towards him/her. Also the author pointed out that Baby Boomers often benefited from policies that were stripped from Millennials.
The book points out that there are some issues that conservative Millennials have common ground with liberals on, such as climate change and marijuana decriminalization. Maybe there is some hope...
I did not know that the Republican Party has term limits on committee chairmanship, while the Democrats do not. This means that influence in the Democratic Party necessarily skews to older members.
I enjoyed reading about the innovative policies implemented by Svante Myrick, the Millennial mayor of Ithaca, NY, such as changing zoning to allow more density/affordable housing and using a screening method to weed out potentially belligerent police recruits.
It was interesting to learn that it is not necessarily true that people are more liberal when they are young and more conservative when they’re old; research shows there is a significant effect from the president in power during youth and the reaction towards him/her. Also the author pointed out that Baby Boomers often benefited from policies that were stripped from Millennials.
The book points out that there are some issues that conservative Millennials have common ground with liberals on, such as climate change and marijuana decriminalization. Maybe there is some hope...
I did not know that the Republican Party has term limits on committee chairmanship, while the Democrats do not. This means that influence in the Democratic Party necessarily skews to older members.
I enjoyed reading about the innovative policies implemented by Svante Myrick, the Millennial mayor of Ithaca, NY, such as changing zoning to allow more density/affordable housing and using a screening method to weed out potentially belligerent police recruits.
January 25, 2020
Alter is a brilliant, insightful, and revolutionary writer. This book is incredibly well researched and thorough with thoughtful and cutting commentary. Cannot recommend highly enough.
December 20, 2019
Charlotte has written an incredibly sharp, detailed and well-researched treatise about how millennial politics has been shaped. In some ways, the book is a brilliant defense of the millennial generation as a whole. But context is important here. Charlotte points out that millennials are the last generation to grow up both with and without the internet. She examines how the constant state of war and the 2008 recession affected views of younger generations, both culturally and otherwise.
And she also gets valuable insights from some of the top millennial politicians currently in the news - Mayor Pete, AOC, etc.
I highly recommend the book.
And she also gets valuable insights from some of the top millennial politicians currently in the news - Mayor Pete, AOC, etc.
I highly recommend the book.
March 10, 2020
Alter is a great storyteller and does a great job in this book of stitching together a series of profiles of millennial politicians into a coherent whole. I especially enjoyed learning about some of the less well-known politicians. Her research was thorough and unearthed an unknown (to me at least) account of the influence that AOC’s cross country road trip to a tribal protest on her approach to the power of social media in political narrative.
Her narration of the audiobook brings even more life to this interesting and highly readable book.
Her narration of the audiobook brings even more life to this interesting and highly readable book.
January 22, 2020
Soooooo many incredible nuggets here. No spoilers but I ate this up.
December 30, 2021
I found Charlotte Alter's book very interesting and accessibly written. Of course, I don't know nearly enough about the American political landscape to evaluate this book thoroughly, but as a reader from outside the USA that is not really required. Her portraits of young elected officials from the huge cohort of millennials were personal, vibrant and exciting - I trust that they will shape American politics into something more humane than the current ... shall we stick to "circus"? May they also be in contact with leaders in their age group all over the world, including my country (South Africa) with the aim to develop a world order in which they can raise the next few generations.
Charlotte Alter bied interessante, energieke portrette van millenniërs wat in die VSA verkiesings op verskillende regeringsvlakke gewen het. Ek hoop dat hulle die geleentheid kry om - saam met hulle portuurgroep oor die hele wêreld - die politieke orde op plaaslike en internasionale vlak te vorm tot iets meer mensliks, waarin hulle die volgende paar geslagte kan laat voortleef.
Charlotte Alter bied interessante, energieke portrette van millenniërs wat in die VSA verkiesings op verskillende regeringsvlakke gewen het. Ek hoop dat hulle die geleentheid kry om - saam met hulle portuurgroep oor die hele wêreld - die politieke orde op plaaslike en internasionale vlak te vorm tot iets meer mensliks, waarin hulle die volgende paar geslagte kan laat voortleef.
February 25, 2020
Hopeful Societal Direction
Fine portrayals in political activism.
My thought was that the millennials are taking the ball from the 60’s/70’s when it sure looked like we were headed towards a more inclusive Society. The oligarchs took the ball.
More regulations as well as voting rights were compromised; we were complacent - many were too busy to be involved.
After this excellent read,
I feel confident that the millennials are the ones’ we’ve been waiting for.
Fine portrayals in political activism.
My thought was that the millennials are taking the ball from the 60’s/70’s when it sure looked like we were headed towards a more inclusive Society. The oligarchs took the ball.
More regulations as well as voting rights were compromised; we were complacent - many were too busy to be involved.
After this excellent read,
I feel confident that the millennials are the ones’ we’ve been waiting for.
April 22, 2020
Alter is an excellent interviewer, and all the interviews and follow-ups to them are relevant and well-organized, 5*. These are well worth reading. Her generalities about the characteristics of different American generations are too often cliched or stereotypical. There is some real insight about Millennials, and why they've developed and lived as they do. But Alter's descriptions of other generations -- as generations -- are pretty pedestrian. Alter also seems to think there was only one generation before the Boomers -- the "Greatest" Generation, who were born roughly 1918-29. She ignores both the Depression Generation born in 1930-39, too young to fight in WWII,and the War Baby Generation -- the smallest -- born in 1939-45. ( The War changed things a lot, even before the US joined in it, but 1942-45 is a fair alternative.) Where the author talks about individuals, their qualities, and how they've pursued their interests in leadership, she's on solid footing. Generalities about leadership and government, as with the generalities about each generation, are not especially insightful. Alter is very fair-minded with each interviewee, but seems unable to resist putting a thumb on the scales with regard to which side she favors on the macro scale. I think this could have been a much sharper, more universal or "timeless" book if she had had an editor more eager to highlight her strengths.
July 4, 2020
This could easily have been a "two star" because I think Alter is just flat wrong on some elements of the political scene, or it could have bee a "four star" if she had given a more complete picture of the range of thought that goes into some of what makes up our political scene. As it is she seems far to complacent in buying Mayor Pete's and AOC's arguments "hook, line, and sinker." Perhaps that was not her intent because she actually seems to have looked at issues from more than a single side. The whole idea for many of her subjects that we need to "transform" America comes off a bit strong for what they are prepared to do to effect those changes. My favorite takeaway is her repeated claim that AOC got to congress, and once there determined that it was not her job to legislate but to be an activist. Well, someone should tell her that her constituents elected her to participate in the legislative process to represent their interests. A couple throwaway lines for Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren are tossed in. She also seems to think that America is ready for some new style socialism - I think that's a stretch. She keeps insisting that it is a red herring when people say we should just look at Venezuela - I think a lot of Venezuelans would disagree.
September 5, 2020
I really needed a hopeful book in 2020 and this proved quite a nice escape while also acknowledging the realities of today. This book was published in January of 2020 however, so much of what has transpired during this year is not here. I expect many volumes to be written of 2020 in the future.
However the hopeful tone of this book persists even through the incredibly horrible year we've had. Alter takes a look at the long game in the generational divide in politics. There is an insistence here that good governance has existed before, exists now in other parts of the world, and can exist again in the US. The coming wave of millennial and Gen Z politicians will ensure this, however this effort has temporarily been marred by the last desperate power grab of a dying generation and its 20th century ideologies and traditions.
The numbers are on our side. America will be a very different country politically in the future, certainly as soon as 2022, definitely by 2024. While a vocal minority will fear the changes in population geography, racial makeup, and technological innovation, the generations and groups native to such upheaval will thrive. The events of 2020 have essentially cemented the political futures of the main parties in the United States for two generations.
Daring to hope in the face of danger and despair is one of the bravest things one can do, or so I hear. I want that to be true, because as of writing, the U.S. presidential election is coming up in mere months. The discipline and mental fortitude to resist the constant onslaught of anxiety inducing news and personal tragedies has been difficult to maintain, and indeed I was overwhelmed a few times this summer. I am now reaching for anything that gives me hope for my country, while also acknowledging that no matter what may happen in the future, I am responsible for my actions, my life, and my destiny, and that I can help my friends through these tough times. No president, no congressman, no family member, no internet provocateur, and no supposed authority figure will truly have full power over me as long as I choose hope. I implore you to do the same.
Recommended if you need a pick me up as well as a good analysis of the political long game in the US.
However the hopeful tone of this book persists even through the incredibly horrible year we've had. Alter takes a look at the long game in the generational divide in politics. There is an insistence here that good governance has existed before, exists now in other parts of the world, and can exist again in the US. The coming wave of millennial and Gen Z politicians will ensure this, however this effort has temporarily been marred by the last desperate power grab of a dying generation and its 20th century ideologies and traditions.
The numbers are on our side. America will be a very different country politically in the future, certainly as soon as 2022, definitely by 2024. While a vocal minority will fear the changes in population geography, racial makeup, and technological innovation, the generations and groups native to such upheaval will thrive. The events of 2020 have essentially cemented the political futures of the main parties in the United States for two generations.
Daring to hope in the face of danger and despair is one of the bravest things one can do, or so I hear. I want that to be true, because as of writing, the U.S. presidential election is coming up in mere months. The discipline and mental fortitude to resist the constant onslaught of anxiety inducing news and personal tragedies has been difficult to maintain, and indeed I was overwhelmed a few times this summer. I am now reaching for anything that gives me hope for my country, while also acknowledging that no matter what may happen in the future, I am responsible for my actions, my life, and my destiny, and that I can help my friends through these tough times. No president, no congressman, no family member, no internet provocateur, and no supposed authority figure will truly have full power over me as long as I choose hope. I implore you to do the same.
Recommended if you need a pick me up as well as a good analysis of the political long game in the US.
May 17, 2020
Very readable book highlighting the millennial generation in politics—how they see things and how they came to see things the way they do as well as how they campaign and serve differently.
The author follows approximately 10 millennial elected officials (largely Dems but a few Republicans too). She highlights the boom in women legislators since Trump and how the landscape has changed. Definitely a good read if you are interested in the current political landscape and appreciate the historical context.
As a boomer I really appreciated the insights and think others will benefit from the discussions around the exploding costs in education (how and why), the cancel culture, how conventional wisdom in campaigning has been upended, and how to reach this generation. There’s also a bit about Generation Z and their path to political influence.
I’m curious to hear the insights of some millennials on this read.
NOTE I was reading it on my Kindle and the text ends at 65% or 295 pages as there are extensive notes documenting her sources.
The author follows approximately 10 millennial elected officials (largely Dems but a few Republicans too). She highlights the boom in women legislators since Trump and how the landscape has changed. Definitely a good read if you are interested in the current political landscape and appreciate the historical context.
As a boomer I really appreciated the insights and think others will benefit from the discussions around the exploding costs in education (how and why), the cancel culture, how conventional wisdom in campaigning has been upended, and how to reach this generation. There’s also a bit about Generation Z and their path to political influence.
I’m curious to hear the insights of some millennials on this read.
NOTE I was reading it on my Kindle and the text ends at 65% or 295 pages as there are extensive notes documenting her sources.
February 16, 2021
This book is both depressing and full of hope. Seeing all that has happened in the US and the difficult road ahead for the country laid out is disheartening, but the stories of the millennial politicians that the book chronicles elegantly show the direction the country could turn towards in the near future. The book tells stories of both democratic and republican millennials though the narrative fizzles for the Rs most because they have no new ideas and youth based political momentum on the right is non-existent. A more accurate portrayal of right wing millennials would be the story of online trolldom.
AOC is the true star of the show here unsurprisingly. Her star was bright before this book was published and her influence only continues to grow. For me personally this book most changed my mind on Pete Buttigieg; I went into it with a low opinion of his politics but after this book I have more understanding of who he is and am bothered by him less. I also really enjoyed learning about the other less famous millennials in the house like Haley Stevens from. She is young and just as important for Ds going forward but is vastly different from the much more public AOC.
AOC is the true star of the show here unsurprisingly. Her star was bright before this book was published and her influence only continues to grow. For me personally this book most changed my mind on Pete Buttigieg; I went into it with a low opinion of his politics but after this book I have more understanding of who he is and am bothered by him less. I also really enjoyed learning about the other less famous millennials in the house like Haley Stevens from. She is young and just as important for Ds going forward but is vastly different from the much more public AOC.
February 22, 2020
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you!
This book's task is to try to define the millennial politicians on both sides of the aisle. The author first describes the major historical events that shape the millennial perspective, then works through the Obama and Trump years talking about the young politicians that are running for office and winning spots in state or local government. Along the way, she tries to find differences between them and previous generations as well as the similarities they share despite party differences.
I enjoyed this book. The interviews Alter had with these young lawmakers and with people close to them painted interesting pictures about who they are and what they care about that had me moving very quickly through the book. There are many more liberals and progressives than conservatives in this book, which the author explains is due to who is getting into office. However, she lets in a lot of her own liberal bias, especially at the end of the book while discussing their reactions to Trump, and I found that distracting and unnecessary. I was looking forward to reading something that talked about the generation without passing judgment on the individuals. Despite this, I found it a refreshing read for the hopeful tone she takes about the future and the positive changes this generation could bring to our government as more individuals from this generation take charge.
This book's task is to try to define the millennial politicians on both sides of the aisle. The author first describes the major historical events that shape the millennial perspective, then works through the Obama and Trump years talking about the young politicians that are running for office and winning spots in state or local government. Along the way, she tries to find differences between them and previous generations as well as the similarities they share despite party differences.
I enjoyed this book. The interviews Alter had with these young lawmakers and with people close to them painted interesting pictures about who they are and what they care about that had me moving very quickly through the book. There are many more liberals and progressives than conservatives in this book, which the author explains is due to who is getting into office. However, she lets in a lot of her own liberal bias, especially at the end of the book while discussing their reactions to Trump, and I found that distracting and unnecessary. I was looking forward to reading something that talked about the generation without passing judgment on the individuals. Despite this, I found it a refreshing read for the hopeful tone she takes about the future and the positive changes this generation could bring to our government as more individuals from this generation take charge.
March 3, 2020
A very interesting and accessible book that makes a lot of great points. I think the author focuses too heavily on the Boomer/millennial split and completely overlooks any distinction between GenXers and Millennials. That said this is very insightful into millennials’ voting tendencies and features several rising stars.
March 24, 2020
Fascinating. As an older millennial, I spent so much of the book nodding my head and feeling like the author was talking about me. Because she was!
I’m glad the book ends on a positive note with the future of the Democratic Party in Pete Buttigieg and AOC’s hands. They give me hope, a limited resource these days.
I’m glad the book ends on a positive note with the future of the Democratic Party in Pete Buttigieg and AOC’s hands. They give me hope, a limited resource these days.
March 30, 2020
Very interesting read! I normally don't read books about politics, but this book intrigued me as it explained what life experiences helped shape the positions of the younger politicians and spurred them to run for office.
July 9, 2020
Obviously this book was just going to print at the commencement of Trump's impeachment. Too bad, because this book paints Elise Stefanik as a more normal Republican--but we know that now not to be the case. She's all in for Trump, and that will age your soul more than anything else.
July 13, 2020
People have no filter when it comes to height.
January 19, 2021
This made me want to read a novelized version of the Congressional class of 2018’s first year in the House
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August 26, 2022Coastal book group choice
March 15, 2020
I generally shy away from books where the focus is on current political issues. However, I heard good reviews on this book, and I must say it did not disappoint. It’s hard to imagine ~300 pages more succinctly and neatly summarizing the millennial psyche in American politics without being overly theoretical, one-sided, or preachy. Charlotte lays out the facts and shares interesting and inspiring stories while doing just that.
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