ABSTRACT
The theme of the party faithful at the Democratic National Convention was that the party was the domain of adults. To these regular Democratic party delegates with long years of service the McCarthy supporters were spoiled children. Insofar as “youth” meant supporting “the people” against the privileged few, the Democratic party regulars believed themselves to be perpetually young. Youth and newness are indications that they will inherit control of the Democratic party. The confidence of McCarthy forces in eventually gaining control of the Democratic party rested squarely on the idea of youth. The predicted temporary collapse of the Democratic party was viewed not only as inevitable but desirable. Many delegates spoke interchangeably about the influx of new McCarthy people and of youth into the party as vehicles for change in party control. The McCarthy phenomenon is another harbinger of change in the style of political leadership in America.
