Why do people over 45, particularly seniors, not support Ron Paul? (voting, generations)

[Stars&StripesForever]

Why is there such a huge disconnect with older adults and Ron Paul? Why is it that Paul can do favorably in the 40 and under crowd, do okay in the 40-45 age bracket, but for ages beyond 45, it quickly drops off?

Why do the baby boomers and the elderly not like Ron Paul? What's not to like about a man who is principled, who has a proven, consistent, honest record. How can you not like a man who supports the Constitution, smaller government, and who offers a real plan for change that will help the republic survive?

Why do seniors support candidates who are for socialized medicine (Romney), government intervention (Gingrich), unconstitutional largess (Gingrich, Santorum, and Romney), irrational unconstitutional wars (Gingrich, Romney, and Santorum), poor character (Gingrich), working for government entities partially responsible for the housing bubble and the economic downturn (Gingrich), and flip-flopping (Romney)? Give me a break.

What about a person's character? Ron Paul is far more noble than anyone.

For all the talk seniors bring up about being patriotic Americans, it seems like a sham, nothing more than hyperbole to convince themselves that they don't support big government (stateism).

Check out the poll data from the past three primaries.

Iowa:

Ages: 18-24 Paul: 50% (1st)
Ages: 25-29 Paul: 45% (1st)
Ages: 30-39 Paul: 34% (1st)
Ages: 40-49 Santorum: 25%; Paul: 17% (3rd)
Ages : 50-64 Santorum: 27%; Paul 15% (3rd)
Ages: 65+ Romney: 33%; Paul 11% (5th)

New Hamsphire

Ages: 18-29 Paul: 46% (1st)
Ages: 30-39 Paul: 35% (1st)
Ages: 40-49 Romney: 42%; Paul: 24% (2nd)
Ages : 50-64 Romney: 42%; Paul 18% (2nd)
Ages: 65+ Romney: 42%; Paul 12% (4th)


Even in pro-big government military spending South Carolina, you can see a clear dividing line in ages.

South Carolina

Ages: 18-24 Paul: 30% (1st)
Ages: 25-29 Paul: 31% (1st)
Ages: 30-39 Gingrich: 40%; Paul: 22% (2nd)
Ages: 40-49 Gingrich: 39%; Paul: 13% (4th)
Ages : 50-64 Gingrich: 39%; Paul 11% (4th)
Ages: 65+ Gingrich: 47%; Paul 7% (4th)

President - Election Center 2012 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com

The problem seems to be compounded with the fact that of all contests, people of age 45+ equal around 70% of the people who are voting, while those under 45 are only about 30% of the people voting. How can it be so lop-sided in ages? It doesn't make sense. Is it simply the huge Baby Boom age cohort, or is it that seniors are retired and are more likely to be able to get to the polls or caucuses?

[PcolaFLGuy]

Liberty is foreign to the older generations. They are very used to the government controlling the masses and using their money to police the world. Changing the 'system' scares them. Those of use that possibly have more time left understand how liberty can improve our lives.

[CDusr]

It's hard to say, but I can speculate on my observations and experience. One, this group is more indoctrinated in the status quo. Particularly older group. It's no news flash that the older you get the more you hate change no matter how bad things get. The other is they aren't as pc/internet savvy.

The internet has been a big factor in RP's info getting out. He doesn't have big money. I can also say ironically some seniors seem to think he is "too old". However, I think that is one of those nice PC things you say to be non-controversial...LOL. This is just generalizations of course, but these are things I have seen.

[TempesT68]

I think much has to do with Paul wanting to end social security and medicare, he's not a warmonger, wants to legalize drugs etc,..

[box_of_zip_disks]

They want their entitlements and screw everyone else.

[CDusr]

Originally Posted by box_of_zip_disks

They want their entitlements and screw everyone else.

Unfortunately, this is just an innate problem w/ entitlements, especially govt ran. It isn't unusual for a vast majority of people to see things only through their eyes and be only mainly focused on what is happening in "their immediate reality". Our whole culture thrives on egocentric models.

Many seniors do buy the US is always righteous in war propaganda also.

[Goodpasture]

Originally Posted by Stars&StripesForever

, or is it that seniors are retired and are more likely to be able to get to the polls or caucuses?

NO, its because we are older, have a greater life experience and know a charlatan and a fool when we see and hear him.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

NO, its because we are older, have a greater life experience and know a charlatan and a fool when we see and hear him.

Exactly! Paul's ideas are simplistic at best. His extreme libertarianism is nutty, for example, it being OK to post a "no blacks" sign on a business that serves the public in the name of "private property rights". We saw the country before the civil rights movement. Some of us participated in it. Some are old enough to remember a country before medicare and medicaid. We know that churches and other charities won't/can't pick up the slack. Just a few examples.

[alphamale]

Life experience and common sense.

[KickAssArmyChick]

Originally Posted by box_of_zip_disks

They want their entitlements and screw everyone else.

They do not realize their children and grandchildren will be left behind to deal with all of this mess.