Youth polling experts John Della Volpe and Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss apathy among young voters, opinions on presidential candidates, top economic issues, and Gen Z's faith in improving democracy. They explore challenges in engaging young voters with government policies, economic concerns like housing affordability and student loan debt, and the impact of student debt relief policies. The podcast highlights the importance of involving young voters in politics for societal improvement and progress.
Young voters prioritize diverse and youth-focused political direction.
Deep economic anxieties among young voters center on housing, wages, and student debt.
Gen Z values rights like clean air, education, and healthcare, reshaping political priorities.
Deep dives
Young Voters Push for Change and Equity
Young voters are seen as drivers of change, demanding a more equitable and fair society, pushing for progress even when existing progress is acknowledged. Anderson Clayton, a 26-year-old voter in a swing state, reflects this generational desire for a political shift towards a more diverse and youth-focused direction.
Challenges in Mobilizing Young Voters
While young voters have historically influenced Democratic wins, concerns arise for future elections as disillusionment and anger towards politics grow. Despite high voter turnout in recent years, there are signs that 2024 may not see the same level of support for Biden and Democrats among young voters, questioning what may motivate their sustained engagement.
Economic Anxieties and the Value of Education
Young voters express deep economic anxieties, especially regarding housing affordability, wages, and student debt. Issues such as the financial value of a college degree and concerns about obtaining stable employment after graduation emerge as significant points of frustration and disillusionment among the youth electorate, leading to questioning the traditional pathways to economic success.
Reproductive Rights and Young Voters
Young voters, particularly Gen Z, prioritize rights like clean air, education, and healthcare, including reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights. The importance of defining what constitutes basic rights has shifted for this generation, affecting their political views and potential voting behavior.
US Foreign Conflicts Concern Among Young Voters
Young voters express opposition towards US financial support for conflicts like Gaza, indicating a departure from traditional bipartisan views on America's role in global affairs. This shift aligns with a generational divide, reflecting a growing isolationist streak among young voters across party lines.
Jon is joined by youth polling experts John Della Volpe and Kristen Soltis Anderson to talk about apathy among young voters this election cycle. Why are they so disengaged? Are some truly defecting to Trump? And what message, if any, can get them out for the polls? Jon, John, and Kristen dive into the focus group tape to unpack Gen Z’s opinions of our octogenarian presidential candidates, their top economic issues, and the war in Gaza. And Anderson Clayton, the 26-year-old Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins to talk about Gen Z’s faith in their own ability to improve democracy.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.
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