Republican presidential candidate John McCain is reaching out to baby boomers, saying the 80 million-strong Boomer Nation is an untapped resource.
Speaking in New York at a forum at Columbia University — following a day in which he and Democratic counterpart Barack Obama put aside partisan politics for a joint appearance at Sept. 11 anniversary ceremonies at ground zero — McCain was asked by co-moderator Judy Woodruff what baby boomers and older people can be doing to give back to the country.
"Well, I think there are obviously organizations that we have in place for ability to serve, but we ought to really probably do a more and more effective job of utilizing the talents and experience of people who have had very successful lives and careers, and continue to motivate them to serve," McCain, 72, replied. "I think that's part of the proposals that have been made. And we do have the Senior Corps and other organizations. But the fact is that people are living longer and they're more active and vigorous. And I'm here to tell you that's a fact."
McCain then started to continue, but as he has done several times throughout the campaign — most notably during a stint on Saturday Night Live — he made a self-deprecating joke about his age and feigned falling asleep, complete with snoring.
After the crowd laughed and applauded, McCain completed this thought, saying, "I really believe that that is one of the under-utilized aspects of community service in America. And I think that would be one of the areas of emphasis really."
McCain was one of the original co-sponsors of the Hatch-Kennedy Bill, which created Encore Fellowships as an incentive to baby boomers to utilize their experience in the volunteer sector.
Boomers will be a key demographic come the November 4 general election. Baby boomers are described as those born between 1946 and 1964. Although Obama was born in 1961, his camp believes he is more aligned with the following era, Generation X, than with baby boomers.
McCain predates both generations, having been born in 1936.
Baby boomers will rally for both candidates next month at the Boomers Show, a two-day convention Oct. 25 and 26 at the Long Beach (Calif.) Convention Center. The Obama rally will be on Saturday, the 25th, and the McCain rally will be the next afternoon.
Rally and show organizers say baby boomers represent the largest, wealthiest demographic, and are concerned about the economy, Social Security, taxes, careers, health, aging, parents, and children. The Boomers Show (Boomersshow.com) features exhibits and seminars relevant to the needs of baby boomers.
To read about how grandparents are involved in Sen. Obama’s campaign, click here.
These days, the election's on everyone's mind — including ours! So from time to time, Grandparents.com reports on political issues that pertain to grandparents and grandchildren. We make every effort to keep this coverage 100 percent impartial — meaning, we are not affiliated with nor do we support a particular party, campaign, or organization. What we do support is every grandparent's right to know about the issues that affect them. We think it's great that so many grandparents are getting involved in the election, and, as always, we'll do our very best to keep you informed.
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