Increase In Young Voters Has Democrats Excited About 2008

[JABBS]

To read the whole story, click here.

<snip>

Exit poll data from the elections suggested that the increase in youth turnout aided Democrats in capturing control of Congress. In House races, young people formed the most supportive age group, with 61 percent voting Democratic.

By comparison, the 18-to-29 age group voted Democratic 55 percent of the time in 2004, and roughly 50 percent of the time in 2002, according to exit polling at the time.

[SteppingRazor]

1. But, but ... I thought young people were lazy and apathetic...

and never voted! :sarcasm:

Hopefully, after this midterm election result, I won't have to read posts slagging my entire generation anymore :P

[JABBS]

3. the flip side

is that it's only 24% of young people actually voted.

But the number of voters is increasing, and the percentage of Democrats are increasing. The question posed in the linked article: is that the result of Iraq, or is it a broader trend?

[SteppingRazor]

4. I think it's the same reasons as people of any other age group...

Iraq is only a small part of it. I think it primarily represents general disillusionment with the Republican platform and politicians.

[JABBS]

7. maybe

I think it's:

1) IRAQ
2) minimum wage
3) abortion rights
4) gay rights
5) envirnoment
6) perception that GOP doesn't care about their needs
7) issues related to minorities/fairness issues

[patricia92243]

2. Jon Stewart watch out - he is in for a rough time from the Republicans from now on. n/t

[AnnInLa]

5. That means Stewart/Colbert need to keep it up

That grumbling,repuke professor that had quotes in the San Fran newspaper ( I think ) credited the increase in the youth vote to Stewart/Colbert. I hate it when they continue to say that young people "get their news from Jon Stewart."

I also hate it when they imply only young people watch Stewart/Colbert. Everyone I know watches it, and we are all over 40. Many of us think that the new political-comedians are taking the place of the folk-singers of the 60's and 70's....they both are getting the message out in a way that young people identify with.

[lcordero2]

6. and it's best NOT to betray them

should the Dems approve a draft, those voters will be more than happy to slap them down at the next election. People in that age group face low wages, sky high car insurance, and outrageous college expenses.