Tonight's Winner: The Youth Vote

While we pore over the results from Iowa and turn to New Hampshire, the clear winners for the 2008 presidential election are young voters. Dismissed by some as being too cynical to care and disenfranchised by others who discouraged them from returning early from Christmas vacation to vote, young voters made a decisive impact on the presidential race in Iowa. From young Democrats and college Republicans to non-partisan "rock the caucus" participants, a wave of young voters made their voices heard tonight.

While we await Iowa City results, we already know that on the Democratic side, a historic 22% of caucus-goers were under 30 -- matching the 22% of caucus-goers aged 65 and over. This means that ALL presidential contenders will have to connect with the aspirations of young people and listen to the voices of the future of America. Candidates beware: the youth vote is stronger than ever and is a force to be reckoned with in the primaries and caucuses ahead. The campaigns must be tech-savvy, youth-friendly, and otherwise inclusive of this new generation of voters. Rock on, young voters -- tonight is your victory. We'll see you in New Hampshire!

Comments

[QueenCeleste]

Not to rain on everyone's parade, but where were young voters four years ago? And four years before that? Not at the polls, that's for certain.

And when people say Obama stands for change, what exactly does that mean? I've heard him say nothing unique or new. What can he offer that, say, Joe Biden or Chris Dodd cannot? I want to like him, but just don't feel inspired.

[InofTouch]

WOW...A Kid Nation :rolleyes:

[StealthisBlog]

That's right you all (20-30yr olds) have a chance to help shape the world you will inherit. Vote now and run for pres after you turn 35.

[longislandlol]

Our Obameter is running the greatest political marathon known to modern man----

[aigeanta]

We young'uns have just got to fight for the changes we desperately need, for the environment, healthcare, and poverty.

[lboucher]

The problem HRC has is her campaign stands for nothing. Obama stands for change and Edwards stands for helping the lower and middle classes.
The only point HRC seems to make is she should be President because she is entitled to the position. She feels entitled to the Presidency by the fact that she lived in the White House and wants to move back into the mansion and have the privileges that come with living there once again for eight more years. Needless to say the public and electorate could care less about indulging her standard of housing and ego needs.

[kirotahoe]

it's a long hard road
from selma up to memphis
but we changed the world
along the way

[kirotahoe]

i just hope that the youth voters realize they must also deliver a democratic majority in the house and more than sixty senators to truly make a change. the key to political power exists right there in your home town. vote for the local representative to the u.s. house and your democratic candidate for senator. you can't do this for another ten months. i am not so old that i can't remember how long ten months is in the life of a youngster. but remember a slogan from my generation and "press on regardless!"

[Chewelahboy]

Sieze the Flag! I'm and old guy of Hillary's generation. I hope you are right. It's time for a change.

[Qbear]

BRAVO!
I hope Iowa youth ignite the youth in every other state...you'll change America.