Jake Tapper: Gen Z May Shift Conservative After Leftist School Politics

Jake Tapper, the host of CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” has made a noteworthy prediction regarding Generation Z. He believes that this demographic will lean more conservative than previous generations, attributing this shift primarily to the influence of progressive educational policies.

Influence of Progressive Politics on Gen Z

During a recent appearance on “The Reason Interview” podcast, Tapper discussed his observations of young people aged 13 to 28. He stated that many Gen Z individuals display skepticism towards progressive ideals that were presented to them during their schooling.

• Tapper noted personal insights from his two teenage children and their peers.
• He suggested that this skepticism might be a reaction to the previous generations’ advocacy for progressive views.
• He mentioned specific progressive movements, including Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement, as catalysts for this change in perspective.

Changing Political Landscape

Tapper contends that failures within these progressive movements have also contributed to a more conservative lean among young voters. He pointed to significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that such experiences have shaped their political outlook.

He remarked, “I think Gen Z is gonna be a lot more conservative.” These sentiments echo the changing dynamics observed in recent electoral processes, including the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Gen Z’s Voting Behavior

Recent data illustrates Gen Z’s evolving political stance. Research from Harvard University’s Kennedy School indicates a narrowing margin in young voters’ preference for Democratic candidates. Notably, in the last election, Gen Z favored Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by only four percentage points. This contrasts sharply with the 25-point lead for Joe Biden over Trump in the 2020 election.

• Approximately 52% of Gen Z women identify as Democrats, a higher percentage than any other gender-age group.
• In contrast, only one third of Gen Z men affiliate with the Democratic Party.
• An April NBC News poll noted that around 45% of young men approved of Trump’s performance, compared to 24% of young women.

Conclusion

As Generation Z continues to mature politically, insights from figures like Jake Tapper suggest a potential realignment toward conservative values. The influences of education, political movements, and personal experiences will likely shape their beliefs in the coming years.