Monday, July 02, 2012
Stung by Recession, Young Voters Shed Image as Obama Brigade
Polls show that Americans under 30 are still inclined to support Mr. Obama by a wide margin. But the president may face a particular challenge among voters ages 18 to 24. In that group, his lead over Mitt Romney — 12 points — is about half of what it is among 25- to 29-year-olds, according to an online survey this spring by the Harvard Institute of Politics. And among whites in the younger group, Mr. Obama’s lead vanishes altogether.I was talking to one of the lifeguards at the pool in our subdivision. She was lamenting that she felt lucky to have a summer job at all. She is going into her senior year at ISU. Her friend who goes to the local community college, living locally full time could only find a job as a nanny for $60/week. I didn't push it but I got the impression that the economy was her first concern given she would be in the job market in a year.
Among all 18- to 29-year-olds, the poll found a high level of undecided voters; 30 percent indicated that they had not yet made up their mind. And turnout among this group is expected to be significantly lower than for older voters.
Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, Youth more conservative
