Political Pedestals: Historic election strikes youth
Lauren Sampson
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
The up-and-coming 2008 presidential election has, more than any before it, seemingly caught the interest of America's younger demographic.
The increase in young-adult, and even non-voting youth, attention is credited to the occurrence of the war in Iraq, the economy effecting the lives of our younger generation, and the fact that, no matter the outcome, this election will be historic.
"For the first time in history a major political party has nominated an African-American as its presidential candidate. The Democrats have chosen Barack Obama who is both young and very charismatic," said Dr. Gary Rose, professor and department of Government and Political Science chair.
"At the same time, the Republicans have named an attractive woman governor from Alaska as their party's vice-presidential candidate. Regardless of who wins this election, history is taking place and the students apparently want to be a part of it."
This year has brought about a major change in the youth's involvement in the election. First off, there is more media coverage than ever before (some think almost too much) which has caught the attention of many.
"The appeal to the youth is that there's an actual change happening and young adults feel that by voting there's a chance that they'll be making a difference," said sophomore Emmy Comai.
Dr. Steven Michels, associate professor of Political Science and advisor to the College Democrats, agrees that having a younger presidential candidate is a big part of why younger Americans are becoming aware and involved.
"Obama is a compelling figure, who seems to have tapped into the desire for young people for something new," said Michels.
The media has played a big part thus far in the election. Though some people believe the media coverage is becoming over-done, you can't deny it has attracted more attention than ever.
"I would say that this election is different because of the media coverage. It has been so expansive and long, the media over-did it when they began coverage before the primaries, which got people involved early," said Comai.
The increase in young-adult, and even non-voting youth, attention is credited to the occurrence of the war in Iraq, the economy effecting the lives of our younger generation, and the fact that, no matter the outcome, this election will be historic.
"For the first time in history a major political party has nominated an African-American as its presidential candidate. The Democrats have chosen Barack Obama who is both young and very charismatic," said Dr. Gary Rose, professor and department of Government and Political Science chair.
"At the same time, the Republicans have named an attractive woman governor from Alaska as their party's vice-presidential candidate. Regardless of who wins this election, history is taking place and the students apparently want to be a part of it."
This year has brought about a major change in the youth's involvement in the election. First off, there is more media coverage than ever before (some think almost too much) which has caught the attention of many.
"The appeal to the youth is that there's an actual change happening and young adults feel that by voting there's a chance that they'll be making a difference," said sophomore Emmy Comai.
Dr. Steven Michels, associate professor of Political Science and advisor to the College Democrats, agrees that having a younger presidential candidate is a big part of why younger Americans are becoming aware and involved.
"Obama is a compelling figure, who seems to have tapped into the desire for young people for something new," said Michels.
The media has played a big part thus far in the election. Though some people believe the media coverage is becoming over-done, you can't deny it has attracted more attention than ever.
"I would say that this election is different because of the media coverage. It has been so expansive and long, the media over-did it when they began coverage before the primaries, which got people involved early," said Comai.
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