Last May, George F. Will published a column that was learned, sparkling, and wise. In other words, typical. It was also shocking.

To anyone who’s spent time in Democratic politics in the past decade, a certain type of young person will immediately be familiar: bright-eyed, old enough to drive a car but not old enough to rent one without insurance fees, maybe taking a gap year before starting college or else filling a period of post-graduation, pre-employment idleness.

Nations, like people, have reputations, and in both cases there can be gaps between the rep and the reality.