Young Americans Poised To Make Political Waves

The conventional wisdom on certain subjects is so deeply rooted that no amount of evidence disturbs its hold.

[mmmm]

The difference in this election is going to be two groups of voters. The first is young people who have either not voted before or have been turned off until recently. The second group is apathetic voters who have not voted in years but will step forward this election.

[Marco E Torelli]

Demographic profile of the 18-24 year old crowd:

• 51 percent male, 49 percent female;
• 39 percent between 18 and 20 years olds, 61 percent between 21 and 24 years old;
• 73 percent White, 11 percent Hispanic, 11 percent Black/African American;
• 40 percent say that religion is a very important part of their life;
• 14 percent are parents or guardians of a minor, 12 percent are married; and
• 4 percent are a member of the Armed Services or National Guard.

Educational profile:
• 83 percent of 18 to 24 year olds who are not currently enrolled in high school are either currently enrolled in some form of college, have taken some college courses or have obtained a secondary degree of some kind. In addition, 75 percent of those not currently enrolled in high school or a four year college have participated in some form of higher education. For this generation, higher education is the norm rather than the exception.

Civic profile:
• 72 percent are registered to vote;
• 60 percent follow national politics closely;
• 35 percent consider themselves Democrats, 27 percent Republicans and 39 percent are Independent;
• 35 percent consider themselves to be politically engaged. Media and communications profile:
• 87 percent own a cell phone and only 52 percent have a landline;
• 30 percent watch network TV news on a regular basis; 23 percent watch cable TV news regularly; and 16 percent watch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart regularly;
• 14 percent read online versions of major daily newspapers regularly, 14 percent read online columns or blogs and 7 percent read the print edition of major newspapers regularly.

This is a generation of smart, active and informed voters -- 27 million strong. They cut their teeth in the 2004 election and will likely stay involved in the future. The next wave of young voters, today’s 11 to 17 year olds, are an even larger slice of the pie -- totaling over 30 million.

[Brandon]

I just hope that all the people in state houses working slowly to pass laws to help seniors knows what this means....enjoy your time now because your days in that seat you hold so dear are numbered, go retire so we can start taking away all the cheap 55+ homes, make you all retake your driving tests, nad put alot of you in homes for screwing over the younger generation for so long.

[obama]

OBAMA SUCKS

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[Mister_S]

obama wrote:

OBAMA SUCKS
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What a well reasoned argument. It was the seventh time you said it that convinced me. Besides who wants to vote for a candidate with "charisma" or "A snowball's chance in hell of winning?"

[obama]

Mister_S wrote:

<quoted text>
What a well reasoned argument. It was the seventh time you said it that convinced me. Besides who wants to vote for a candidate with "charisma" or "A snowball's chance in hell of winning?"

Nicely put. Persistance is the key.

[Derek]

obama wrote:

<quoted text>
Nicely put. Persistance is the key.

What a childish idiot !

[Shoreliner]

I guess a new generation of 'victims' will emerge from this election.

[Jake in EastConn]

Do you think young voters are disinterested, or are political lines completely blurred? Many of the hotter issues are social issues. I think the social issues are the ones that the young voters take aim at. Have you noticed that modern political debates are no longer that? They're reduced to 5 minute stump speeches used to 'trump' the other candidate. When do young voters get a chance to hear a candidate give a thorough assessment of their principles and how those principles will be practically applied to the Nation's challenges? National elections aren't much different than American Idol. The Republican and Democratic party aren't completely different anymore. So how are young people supposed to care?

[obama]

Derek wrote:

<quoted text>
What a childish idiot !

I know you are but what am I?

you freekin idiot.