A number of liberal commentators recognized that Reagan's significant electoral victory revealed serious challenges for the Democratic Party. This shift in political alignment was particularly concerning, as it indicated a generational change in conservative support, moving from an older demographic to a younger one. This trend pointed to a potential long-term decline in liberal influence.

Pat Moynihan articulated the anxiety felt by liberals, suggesting that what was once thought to be the domain of older conservatives was now being embraced by younger generations. He expressed a sense of dread over this transformation, fearing that liberals were losing their foothold in the political landscape as the youth adopted more conservative views.