Well maybe your general point about layers is right, but in this instance I'd bet the other way. Their new editor is a youngster, under 30, and I saw him on Charlie Rose and was so impressed that I dozed off. I don't think he's that knowledgable, although no doubt other writers are, but it's my impression that those under 30 who have sold out are quite unaware of the left's history and have bought the establishment line, hook line and sinker. Back in college, I shared some classes with one of The New Republic's new senior editors, Michelle Cottle - 29 or 30, and she was and is a prolific, decent writer, but not all that sophisticated. Then again, she never fell for any of the sophisticated psywar bullshit I layed on her when I repeatedly tried to obtain her phone number.
As for your point about the less credulous - what's aimed at them/us is TINA - there is no alternative, i.e., what, you want Dick Armey as the Secretary of the Treasury?
Peter - who's not discussing the New Republic any more