Great article, CG. I am also a later "Boomer", born in the late 50's and inbetween the two generations...in HS in the 70's. Went to college in 76 and my roomate kept telling me about this guy running for President named Jimmy Carter.
Since my parents NEVER shared their political opinions with me I was left to fend for myself. When asked how he voted my dad would always reply, "You mean for the dumb Democrats or the rotten Republicans?" So my first vote was cast for Carter (I've repented here several times since I came her 4 years ago, LOL). But to make things worse, I campaigned for him in '80. and was so distressed he lost to Reagan.
Needless to say, I got married, grew up (in that order) and voted for Ronald Reagan in 1984. I am proud I got to vote for him at least once and rectify my terrible mistake of the previous election. :)
I have great hopes for the "Gen-Xers" (I like Gen-Reagan better!) My daughter just turned 18 and will vote in her first election. Thankfully she has common sense.
My daughter first voted in 2000. She went to all the freep gore rallies with me. What an experience for her.