1) It isn’t really about Republicans and Democrats, because as you say, the meaning of R and D is a function of time. For example, it isn’t obvious if John F. Kennedy could get nominated in today’s D party.

2) What it is about is America’s fundamental values and prosperity. Every 55 to 60 years we enter an ebullient time of major economic growth (a Maslow Window). In addition to enabling great explorations and MEPs, the widespread ebullience has transformative effects across society, as in the 1960s. But the 1960s were only the most recent example over the last 200 years.

3) During Maslow Windows, the leader who can best manifest prosperity and model ebullience wins. In the early 1800s it was Jefferson, in the mid-1840s it was James Polk (of all people), in the early 20th century it was Theodore Roosevelt, and in the 1960s John F. Kennedy. My sense is that the long-term economic circumstances do more to determine our leaders than the reverse. (That’s why #1 is true.)

As I look at economic and technology history I strive to be empirical and to think long-term! Most in the media, academics, and leadership are overly focused on short-term trends and politics. They’re often amazed when the world doesn’t work the way they expect.

If you can do those two things — stay empirical and think long-term — you’ll have a powerful advantage over others and be more successful. Hope you also keep reading 21stCenturyWaves.com!!