It may go against conventional wisdom about the Millennials, but a recent Time Magazine poll found that 7 out of 10 Americans under-30 are paying attention to the presidential race. And the candidates are taking notice. They're talking about issues like predatory student lending and global climate change - priorities for young voters. Monday, we're looking at the Youth Vote - and what difference it will make in the 2008 election.
Under 30 and Voting
Are you under 30 and eligible to vote? Will you? What are you hearing from the candidates that addresses your concerns? Continue the conversation ...
The first presidential election I was old enough to vote in was 1992. I had just started college and was enthusiastic about the change my generation could bring to the country. When I saw Bill Clinton play the saxophone on MTV, I was hooked, voting for him not because of his experience or stance on political issues, but because he played the Sax on MTV and therefore he HAD to be better than the stodgy status quo. I think most of my friends did the same.
Years later, I look back on that choice and I wonder, "what the hell was I thinking"? Not in voting for Bill Clinton, but the reasons I used for voting for him. It has taken me years and years to learn about the economy, foreign policy, domestic issues such that now I know I am truly an "informed" voter. I don't have a problem with young people voting...but I wonder how many of them have taken the effort to become truly informed rather than simply enamored with an "idea".
I am very pleased that young people are finally taking an interest in politics and this important election. However, a lot of what I have heard from younger voters either by talking to them or listening on the radio or T.V. I am encouraged about the issues they concerned about but when choosing a candidate they seem to choose the more motivational speaker rather then the candidate with actual plans on what what to do. This really concerns me because we need a President who can fix problems for Americans not only motivate Americans. I don't really think they know the history of a lot of the issues and how to choose a candidates plan based on what is being proposed.
I also think that there has been so much emphases on Obama on the radio and T.V. and why he is so appealing that he is getting a lot more free press them other candidates and I think that is going to play a big role in a young voters choice in hurrying to get behind a candidate so they can feel like they are part of the process.
I am eighteen and this will be the first election that I will be voting in. My concerns are not only for the current state of the country but for the future of it. My biggest concerns are for education and the rising costs of tuition, because i myself am a student who plans on attending law school, and for the disappearing middle class. I am worried for my future and I go to sleep every night worrying if my entire life will be a constant struggle to survive. That is why I am supporting Barack Obama because the only way I see this not happening to my generation is through his platform of change. I believe in him because he has acomplished the American dream of working your way from the bottom to the top and he has never been handed anything is his life. He has had to work for it. He is not only a great role model, but will make an excellent and relatable president.
Emily
02/04/2008 11:23:20 AM
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