The new mainstream?

According to an Associated Press story, the young adults ages 18-24 of Generation Next are more likely to be Democratic voters than their predecessors, Generation X. That according to the Pew Research Center, which also found that group is less inclined to vote than older generations. Among the other characteristics of the generation that leans toward the Democratic Party:

-- Believes casual sex, binge drinking, illegal drug use and violence are more prevalent among young people today.

-- Says getting rich and being famous are top goals

-- Reads the newspaper and follows the news on television and radio less than those in older generations

-- Keeps close touch with their parents for financial help

-- Is twice as likely to admire entertainers as political leaders

-- Has often gotten a tattoo, dyed their hair an untraditional color or had a body piercing

Oh well, these kids are only 24, mere puppies by today’s standards, which just happens to remind me of a story.

Back in the era of the first President Clinton, Bill was out jogging when he came upon a small boy outside the White House gate with a box of new born puppies so cuddly and cute, President Bill couldn’t help stroking them.

“And they are Democratic puppies,” the boy told the President, which made him beam even more.

That evening he told Hilary about the cute and cuddly puppies.

“And the boy said they were Democratic puppies,” the President declared.

A few days later, Hillary ventured outside the White House and saw the boy with the box of puppies. Just as Bill had told her, the puppies were adorable.

“They are Republican puppies,” said the boy. Hillary was taken aback.

“But you told my husband they were Democratic puppies,” she said.

“They were,” said the boy. “But now they have their eyes open.”

We can only hope.