But there is a continual struggle for credibility on the national political stage, according to a panel at A Better Deal conference—an event hosted by the nonpartisan policy group Demos and held in Washington D.C. today.
(Wash. DC) There's one major obstacle blocking a theft of the 2008 presidential election. It's highly significant and challenges even the most devious minds. That obstacle is "net new" Democratic primary voters in 2008. "Net new" Democratic primary voters represent the difference between primary turnout in 2004 and 2008. More on that in a moment.
The Supreme Court took one of its many wrong turns this morning, this time with a decision that will make it harder for people to vote. The result means we all have to work harder than ever to promote voting this year. Luckily, some terrific organizations are revving up. Some of us from Campus Progress were lucky enough to join Rosario Dawson, Maria Teresa Petersen (both pictured below), and others for an event on Saturday to support Voto Latino, which has been doing great work with new technology and young people since its founding in 2004. We’re also glad to be working with HeadCount, which signs up voters at concerts and festivals – we at Campus Progress are not averse to these kinds of events, and we’re discussing new ways to work together. Our good friends at Rock The Vote also deserve a mention, as well a voter registration button on our home page – they are doing a fantastic job this year. Every one of us knows someone who really seems engaged and smart and all, yet somehow did not vote when last given the chance. Point them in the direction of these organizations, or march them to a voter registration table or polling place. Elections and change – they go together. Please vote.
Campus Progress received an advance copy of an MTV/CBS poll this morning (which will be published on chooseorloose.com later today), which shows some significant things about a national sample of 18-29 year olds:
About two-thirds of young people believe they have as much or more influence on the presidential election as other generations. Of those, 31 percent believed they had more influence.
The economy now takes place as the number one issue young people are concerned about. The breakdown of issues is as follows: 22 percent said the economy was the number one issue, 13 percent said the Iraq War, 6 percent said education, 5 percent said the environment, and 5 percent said health care. About two-thirds of young people also think they have a fair or poor chance with job prospects.
Young people overwhelmingly (34 percent) listed economic problems as the number one problem that needs to be addressed in the next 20 years. The next biggest group (18 percent) listed the environment as the biggest problem to be addressed in the next 20 years. Interestingly enough, they can both be tackled by investing in green jobs.
Sixty-five percent of respondents said the coverage of the presidential race as focused too much on race and gender. Young people want to talk about issues.
The Chronicle of Higher Education has a good story about some of the obstacles students face getting to the polls. They also explore some of the great youthvoterregistrationefforts going on right now.
The most egregious problem:
Many students who go away to college want to register to vote where they are in school. In some states it is relatively easy. Minnesota and Wisconsin, both of which allow voters to register on Election Day, had the top two youth turnouts in the 2004 presidential election: 69 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
In some other states, voters must prove an "intent to stay." Election law in Ohio has specific provisions about students, who may vote, it says, if they intend "to reside permanently in the Ohio county in which the school residence address is located."
Record turnout in both Iowa and New Hampshire proves that the battle cry of the democratic candidates (and a few of the Republicans) is true – Americans want change. Regardless of age, political affiliation, their sex, race, their economic background we are all dissatisfied with the present and worried about our future.
This collective discontent can go one of two waves: Tear us apart and cripple (if not destroy) our country or it can unite and rejuvenate us.
The deciding factor of which path we take, I believe is communication. Open, honest, earnest communication – not with our friends, but with those outside of our comfort circles, people with views and ideas different than our own – is the only thing that will carry us out of the storm we are facing. Sure it’s nice and cathartic to vent with people you agree with, but nothing happens ‘til we share our thoughts and struggles with people who aren’t like us. I say, get out there and discuss, discuss, discuss.
Start a few friendly arguments; just remember to take in as much as you give out. Communication isn’t a one way process…listening and receiving are elemental parts of any successful dialogue. Then what? Learn, collaborate, and finally DO.
"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." Gandhi
Tomorrow's New Hampshire primary represents a major turning point in the presidential primaries. We've got the rising star of Obama, the stunned Clinton camp, and the populist efforts of the fast moving Democrat, John Edwards, just off a 9% increase in the national polls. At this juncture, the Republican race is less compelling unless you happen to be John McCain or Mitt Romney.
Does Obama's highly favorable corporate media image stack up against reality? Is this the end of Hillary, or at least the beginning of the end? Can Edwards kick in the door with a strong showing and demand coverage? Will Ron Paul embarrass Giuliani by edging him out for fourth?
My gender studies education has taught me, if nothing else, to do my best to approach things in a gender-blind way. Thinking in that way, is it possible for me and other feminists of my generation to reconcile casting votes for female politicians if part of our vote is based on their gender?
Well maybe not...but Minnesota does. The state that brought us political giants like Paul Wellstone, Walter Mondale, and Jesse "The Body" is also one of the only states in the country that allows same-day voter registration.
An MTV video recently cited CIRCLE's (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement) research which included this sweet fact:
Almost 70 percent of Minnesotans ages 18 to 24 voted in 2004 presidential election, compared to 47 percent nationally.
If every state used same-day registration, just think how overwhelming the youth vote could be.
Another awesome thing about the Minnesota voting process? To register, you have to show an ID (and a utility bill if you've moved and your address is different on your ID). Don't have a utility bill? Your neighbor down the street can vouch for you in writing. Since young people move around so much, this seems like a pretty great way to ensure that they get to vote.
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