Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality?
In 2004, the windsurfing John Kerry was counting on riding a wave of young voters straight into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Instead, wipe out!
Neil Oxman is a Philadelphia-based Democratic political consultant:
"In almost every primary and every general election, people over 60 tend to vote in much larger numbers as their share of voters than people under 30."
But he thinks 2008 will be different -- that young voters will turn out in droves because they feel an urgency to cast a ballot:
"Because people are afraid that gas is $3 a gallon, the economy's shaky, people are worried about our situation in the world. You will see a larger participation of voters under 30, and voters especially 18-25, than you usually see."
Another Philadelphia-based campaign consultant and advertising guru, Elliot Curson, says fears of a negative return on investment keep candidates off cable networks such as MTV, Spike, and the like:
"It gets to be kind of expensive when you go after every voter in a big race, if you're on cable and you say, 'Well, why don't we take this money and put it over here and really drive our message home?' "
So -- what to do if you're a young voter who doesn't like any of the choices? Here's Curson's take:
"I would tell people, you don't have to vote for somebody -- you can vote against somebody. The American thing is to be able to vote against somebody. It's a time-honored tradition."
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Regional Affairs Council Podcasts: Listen or Download
Youth & Politics: The Underage
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with an Interboro High School junior who won't be able to vote in 2008, but wants to play a role anyway. (14:32)
Youth & Politics: The Internet
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with Ray Murphy, co-editor of the blog YoungPhillyPolitics.com. (23:14)
High School Voters
High school is about as young as you can get when it comes to being eligible to vote. But not all high school students are lucky enough to be turning 18 this year. KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports on their efforts during this year's election.
The Underage
At two area high schools, politics are front and center. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look.
Political Party Efforts
So, what are the political parties doing to encourage the youth vote? KYW’s David Madden has this report.
Youth Issues
So what drives youth interest in politics -- and, as candidates hope, gets them to the polls on Election Day? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Relying On The Youth
Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Social Networking
If 2004 was the year of the Internet in politics, 2008 is all about social networking web sites. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look:
Politics and Youth
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports one person who may know a little something about youth and politics is Pa's youngest current serving general assembly member.
Getting Youth To The Polls
The push to get young people to the polls is not just a national thing. Just ask newly elected Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter. KYW’s David Madden spoke with two youthful political activists who helped get him there.
Voter Registration
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports there are a lot of questions when it comes to voter eligibility.
History of the Voting Youth
The importance of the youth vote has grown in recent years. KYW’s David Madden takes a look at its short history.
