"Spurred into action by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq, youths 18 to 24 years of age have dramatically accelerated their participation in politics, both at the ballot box and on college campuses" – 47 percent for the 2004 presidential election, up from 36 percent in 2000. Which 2008 candidates would benefit from added youth interest?News coverage indicates that Barack Obama (outlasting a challenge by John Edwards) and Rudy Giuliani are the winners here. "Young voters favor (Obama) among the Democratic contenders and Giuliani among the GOP candidates, according to (an) Institute of Politics survey," the Globe reports.
Is courting young voters a quixotic goal, though? Election-Day mainstays include senior citizens concerned over issues that directly affect them, such as Social Security and Medicare, two big topics in 2000. Yes, 9/11 and the Iraq War have drastically changed our nation. But because we do not have a draft, young people are not immediately affected by the War on Terror unless they volunteer to join the military or know someone who has.
If candidates and political parties continue addressing topics like student loans, however, the youthful enthusiasm over Obama, Giuliani, and maybe Edwards might translate into even more votes.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I think it is not just a good idea, but it should be required that people who are running for election should address topics that effect young people as well as old. Younger people are more interested in voting these days, and something should be done to maintain interest. Older people who have voted for years should still have their issues addressed, yet should young people be ignored or not ever take part in an election until they are senior citizens themselves? A lot of younger people aren't seen as being important voters, yet in the future they will be, so their issues might as well be addressed now, or when they do get older, they could become apathetic to the whole process.
Kim Pierce at 7:12PM on May 24th 2007
2. One nice thing about youthful voters is that they're probably not chained to one party or the other. They'll vote their conscience and their own interests rather than toe the party loyalty line.
Steve Bonomo at 11:02PM on May 24th 2007
3. The 2008 Election seems to be following the same downward trend of American Idol. The process is entirely too long, too expensive, and way too early. Only Howard Dean wins the White House in March. All these early primaries are trying to grab America's attention before the "Patriotic Season" which includes Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Summer Conventions, Olympics, September 11th, the October Surprise, the Debates, Baseball and the vote. Kerry had to endure the Fox Political Sweeps. It wasn't easy. We had Kerry-Edwards ahead after the first debate and that should silence any hindsight critics like Bob Shrum. If Shrum wants to blame anyone for Kerry's loss he should blame Clinton. Who changes staff so late in the game and wins? They relied on bogus documents at CBS and Kerry's momentum stopped. Experience matters. This election isn't about youth, it's about the Constitution and the future. Democrats won 2000 and in 2004. We remember who help and who hurt us. America doesn't know, but the real contenders are already getting attacked. All "Free Press" is good press and Sanjaya "The Rock Star" didn't win. Wait until we start singing. Edwards already won the "Haircut and Iraq Primary".
Cecil Jones at 5:05AM on May 25th 2007
4. Heaven help us, if the election of the President of the United States turns into a popularity contest, like "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol", instead of electing the most qualified.!!!
Constance Stephan at 5:39PM on May 25th 2007
5. he most depressing thing about the 2008 election, is that not a single candidate has emerged with a goal, aim or general
direction about vision for the future.
Leon Thompson at 12:55AM on May 26th 2007
6. Haha, you can tell who is starting to feel the burn. You know why Obama doesn't have all these hardcore ideas...Because he's not trying to b.s. his way into office. You want the same ridiculous instances to keep comming up, you want the world to continue to hate, you want us to keep doing nothing, vote for those old hypocrites! If you want a positive change you vote Obama. Honestly, it doesn't matter what you vote for, the youth will swing this one whether you like it or not, time to "Face the Music," we are no longer "Waiting on the World to Change." You can already see what we are doing and the impact we are having. We enjoy it! We know they want us, and we are keen. Get over it.
Miki at 6:14PM on Aug 2nd 2007