Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:29 PM Nov 2014

Democratic Party Stands to Lose Youth Vote

This should be a dramatic wake up call that we need dramatic re-organization and a new emphasis on populist policies and to fully embrace issues like cannabis legalization and even drug decriminalization.

http://iop.harvard.edu/likely-millennial-voters-grabs-upcoming-midterm-elections-harvard-youth-poll-finds

"While more 18- to 29- year-olds (50%-43%) surveyed in the IOP’s fall 2014 poll would prefer that Congress be controlled by Democrats instead of Republicans, the numbers improve dramatically for the GOP when only young people who say they will “definitely vote” are studied. Among these likely voters, the IOP’s latest poll shows the preference shifting, with slightly more than half (51%) preferring a Republican-run Congress and 47 percent wanting Democrats to be in charge – a significant change from the IOP’s last midterm election poll in the fall of 2010 when Democratic control was preferred among likely voters 55 percent to 43 percent"

The youth vote is NOT guaranteed to be Democratic and as it stands the Democratic party has squandered their initial advantage in this area. Orthodoxy is not working and the more people cling to it the more the party will find itself irrelevant.

59 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Democratic Party Stands to Lose Youth Vote (Original Post) BlindTiresias Nov 2014 OP
What youth vote? JaneyVee Nov 2014 #1
This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Nov 2014 #2
They show up when he's on the ballot. bravenak Nov 2014 #3
That is true. Ykcutnek Nov 2014 #6
fair weather friends.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #28
That is a whole group you are talking about BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #38
and? VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #43
Talk About Jobs erpowers Nov 2014 #4
Why not back both? Dwayne Hicks Nov 2014 #7
They Can, But erpowers Nov 2014 #9
Ya I'll tell the thousands of people unjustly serving sentences Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #10
You don't? I do. Warren DeMontague Nov 2014 #14
Yesterday Oregon voted to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Also reelected a Democratic US Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #20
Student Loan Debt Needs To Be Addressed.... global1 Nov 2014 #8
Totally agree LeftInTX Nov 2014 #17
Mine certainly do....but I won't hold my breath now.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #29
A proper populism BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #15
Most of this country offers zero protection from discrimination in employment and housing for LGBT Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #22
I'm not a right wing religious type? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #24
Thanks for your input Indpendent voter.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #30
Thank you BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #35
apparently your facetious meter is off....need to recalibrate it... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #36
Yeah, that thought is familiar... Spazito Nov 2014 #57
What youth vote? upaloopa Nov 2014 #5
Not a good attitude to have BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #11
Don't worry about it. It's DU. Warren DeMontague Nov 2014 #13
I believe the poster is referring to the abysmal youth turnout KamaAina Nov 2014 #16
Yep BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #18
Our Statewide turnout was 70%. Democratic victory all over the place. Legalized cannabis. Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #23
So things are fine with the party and all is well? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #26
No thanks to you and your ilk....you were OH soooooo Optimistic until this point! VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #32
No I wasn't optimistic BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #34
That was not a good post that I put up there. upaloopa Nov 2014 #56
Isn't it time the 'youth' realized they need to step up to the plate instead of... Spazito Nov 2014 #58
K&R Warren DeMontague Nov 2014 #12
And the Hispanic vote if not careful. nt kelliekat44 Nov 2014 #19
I think we take these two voting blocs for granted AT OUR PERIL. calimary Nov 2014 #59
we'll see how they feel after 2 years of GOP senate control 0rganism Nov 2014 #21
they will get their come to jesus moment soon enough.... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2014 #33
I'm in a deep blue area of NY KMOD Nov 2014 #25
The federal and state governments need to start funding universities again. Also we need liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #27
You would like that? treestar Nov 2014 #31
I'm actually not sure the research can lead to that conclusion BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #37
Well if the youth vote Republican too treestar Nov 2014 #39
If only they had a VOTER APP... Historic NY Nov 2014 #40
Good attitude BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #41
yes lets blame the ones with tens of thousand of dollars in school loan debt. Sure let's blame the liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #42
Well apparently they aren't paying attention... Historic NY Nov 2014 #44
Have you seen tuitions costs lately? KMOD Nov 2014 #45
You obviously have no clue how much things have changed. The federal and state governments have liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #46
State Colleges are just find...I drove 62 miles one way.. Historic NY Nov 2014 #47
The University of Washington is a state college. College is un-affordable. Plain and simple. liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #48
Washington a liberal state who would have thought... Historic NY Nov 2014 #50
That is not the point. The point is the Democrats don't put up enough of a fight. liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #53
Face of the Democratic party Old Guard, folks! BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #49
yeah I'm getting pretty tired of all the Millinneal bashing tonight. Boy people will blame anybody liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #51
The old guard votes...you did get that didn't you. Historic NY Nov 2014 #52
They are not the reason we lost. The coward democratic politicians are the reason we lost. liberal_at_heart Nov 2014 #54
Smart kids will soon figure out ... GeorgeGist Nov 2014 #55

Response to JaneyVee (Reply #1)

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
3. They show up when he's on the ballot.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:43 PM
Nov 2014

Funny hw we only get our asses handed to us when he's NOT on the ballot.

 

Ykcutnek

(1,305 posts)
6. That is true.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:48 PM
Nov 2014

The Dems who lost their seats last night got there riding his coattails in 2008.

And lost in 2014 by jumping off.

 

VanillaRhapsody

(21,115 posts)
28. fair weather friends....
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:48 PM
Nov 2014

they will get theirs....unfortunately the rest of us have to suffer their punishment with them...

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
38. That is a whole group you are talking about
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:01 PM
Nov 2014

And one kind of critical to the future of the party. May not want to engage in apocalyptic fantasies there.

 

VanillaRhapsody

(21,115 posts)
43. and?
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:09 PM
Nov 2014

we are not talking some time in the distant future...we are talking during the next two years here.....

erpowers

(9,350 posts)
4. Talk About Jobs
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:46 PM
Nov 2014

I do not think Democrats need to get behind canabis legalization and drug decriminalization. They need to talk about finding a way to help young people get better jobs and better paying jobs. They also need to come up with policies that put the United States back on track for young people to do better than their parents. Finally, they need to talk about ways to help young people get better educations that are less expensive and lead to good paying and high paying jobs.

erpowers

(9,350 posts)
9. They Can, But
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 07:00 PM
Nov 2014

Last edited Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Democrats can back both. I just do not think it is that important to back Cannabis legalization and drug decriminalization. I do not think a lack for support for Cannabis is the main reason the Democrats may be at risk of losing the youth vote. I think that has more to do with their frustration due to the lack of good jobs, the thought that they will not do as well in life as their parents, and their high college debt load without well paying jobs. I think Democrats should focus more on improving the economic well-being of young people.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
14. You don't? I do.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:08 PM
Nov 2014

A majority of Americans favor legalization, now. 4 states and counting have legalized.

Democrats on the West Coast have figured out which way things are headed. The beltway is clueless, as usual.

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
20. Yesterday Oregon voted to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Also reelected a Democratic US
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:21 PM
Nov 2014

Senator and 4 Democratic House Reps, a Democratic Governor, passed an Equal Rights Amendment for our State Constitution.....and most of the people on DU are complaining that their neighbors did not vote and that Republicans won.

global1

(25,169 posts)
8. Student Loan Debt Needs To Be Addressed....
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 06:58 PM
Nov 2014

So many of our youth are so burdened by student loans they are behind before they even start their career and life. How do you raise a family? How do you buy a house?

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
15. A proper populism
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:09 PM
Nov 2014

Would likely entail debt relief, economic stimulus aimed at the working and middle class, the cessation of the drug war and at the very least cannabis legalization, and some kind of housing initiative or a robust program to control rents and help the 25-35 crowd become homeowners.

Education reform should also likely be on the table, including making public universities free of charge.

Ignore gun control wedge traps, gay marriage has enough inertia to let the special interest groups finish the victory, and don't get mired in culture war BS.

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
22. Most of this country offers zero protection from discrimination in employment and housing for LGBT
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:25 PM
Nov 2014

people. So fuck your inertia. Until you right wing religious types drop your hate and make good on the Constitutional promise of equal protection under the law for all, your lack of effort to make change will continue to cost you votes, voters and Seats in Congress.

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
24. I'm not a right wing religious type?
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:42 PM
Nov 2014

I feel you misunderstand what I mean. Dems should support LGBT issues but make whether it is at the forefront of their campaigns regionally based and I think the other economic and social issues need to be at the forefront for the time being.

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
35. Thank you
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:58 PM
Nov 2014

I'm glad you find it helpful, it seems many other agree. Together we can improve the Democratic party!

Spazito

(49,783 posts)
57. Yeah, that thought is familiar...
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 10:48 PM
Nov 2014

civil rights are important BUT they go to the back of the bus until we deal with all these other issues. Interestingly, those who think that way always find more OTHER issues to sit in the front of the bus.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
13. Don't worry about it. It's DU.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:05 PM
Nov 2014

Otherwise known as the internet home for "My Grandchildren Never Call, I still have an AOL email address, and I can't program this VCR"

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
18. Yep
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:12 PM
Nov 2014

A bad turnout now does not mean a bad turnout forever and disregarding the youth because they don't turn out and making no effort to appeal to them is a great way to have them be turned over to the right wing who is actively courting them via right libertarianism.

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
23. Our Statewide turnout was 70%. Democratic victory all over the place. Legalized cannabis.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:37 PM
Nov 2014

But then again, we are not atavistic, hate mongering semi-Republicans.

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
26. So things are fine with the party and all is well?
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:44 PM
Nov 2014

yeah, I think the current situation defies your optimism.

BlindTiresias

(1,563 posts)
34. No I wasn't optimistic
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:57 PM
Nov 2014

Because I saw this kicking we received months ago while you were mainlining Unicorn glitter into your veins and would mutter nonsense in a hallucinatory daze.

upaloopa

(11,417 posts)
56. That was not a good post that I put up there.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 10:42 PM
Nov 2014

I was a bit pissed to see the youth vote drop this election cycle. Maybe we aren't paying enough attention to their problems.
Personally I care a lot that young people today have a harder time getting ahead than I did. I think it is because of conservative and corporate policies.

Spazito

(49,783 posts)
58. Isn't it time the 'youth' realized they need to step up to the plate instead of...
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 10:55 PM
Nov 2014

sitting back and waiting until they receive a gift-wrapped package at their door? The youth that participated in the Freedom Rides didn't sit back waiting for someone else to deliver their gift-wrapped package, they put their very lives on the line to make a difference. Change doesn't come on a 'wish and a prayer', it comes from actually working for change, working hard for incremental change, a lesson today's youth, by and large, have yet to learn, imo.

calimary

(80,700 posts)
59. I think we take these two voting blocs for granted AT OUR PERIL.
Thu Nov 6, 2014, 12:59 AM
Nov 2014

I hope the Dems fire up about this.

And they can give DEBBIE the heave-ho, too, while they're at it. I think we can well expect her not to care all that much, or pay that much attention, on the road ahead. She's been pretty damn tone-deaf, and has two midterm shellackings on her credit. Howard Dean anyone? He got us a midterm election back in 2006 that was FABULOUS, and gave us SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PELOSI, too.

0rganism

(23,856 posts)
21. we'll see how they feel after 2 years of GOP senate control
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:24 PM
Nov 2014

i think they'll find they can't blame Obama for everything, and the preferences shift back our way by 2016

 

KMOD

(7,906 posts)
25. I'm in a deep blue area of NY
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:43 PM
Nov 2014

so most of the millennials I know are liberal minded.

What they want are, jobs, lower tuitions, lower student loan rates, LGBT rights, an end to the war on drugs, and they are concerned about climate change. Those are the issues on their minds.

Talk about and address these issues, and they will vote.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
27. The federal and state governments need to start funding universities again. Also we need
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 08:46 PM
Nov 2014

a living wage and we need to rebuild our unions. Legalizing marijuana wouldn't hurt but it really is the economic issues that will either turn out the youth vote or keep them at home.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
39. Well if the youth vote Republican too
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:02 PM
Nov 2014

Then society has gone really really conservative. I'd hate to live in that country. Fortunately I do not think we do.

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
40. If only they had a VOTER APP...
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:02 PM
Nov 2014

they are too concerned with themselves. You know what would wake them up is mandatory national service or a draft.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
42. yes lets blame the ones with tens of thousand of dollars in school loan debt. Sure let's blame the
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:06 PM
Nov 2014

ones who can't get a job and when they do get a job it is temporary and low wage. Let's blame them. Because it sure as hell couldn't be the party's fault could it?

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
44. Well apparently they aren't paying attention...
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:10 PM
Nov 2014

I paid my own college loans off working nickle and dime jobs. And they have tens of thousands in debt because?

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
46. You obviously have no clue how much things have changed. The federal and state governments have
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:14 PM
Nov 2014

drastically reduced how much they fund universities. Cost of tuition has skyrocketed. It costs $30,000 a year to attend The University of Washington. Did it cost that much for you to attend college?

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
48. The University of Washington is a state college. College is un-affordable. Plain and simple.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:20 PM
Nov 2014

It should not cost over $100,000 to go to a state college, and it wouldn't if federal and state governments would start increasing funding to universities.

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
50. Washington a liberal state who would have thought...
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:28 PM
Nov 2014

perhaps if it was more progressive. Thinking it going to happen now before you graduate is a dream. Obama tried to reform some of the student loan programs but w/o congressional help it will not happen.

http://www.newpaltz.edu/financialaid/tuition.cfm most liberal college in NY state

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
53. That is not the point. The point is the Democrats don't put up enough of a fight.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:32 PM
Nov 2014

I would rather elect a politician who is willing to fight for me and my children and not get anything passed than someone who does not fight and gets republican light policies passed. Obama did redirect some federal loans from the private banks back to federal lenders, but he also agreed to tie the interest rate to prime interest rates. That is disastrous. We cannot afford those kind of compromises. We need politicians who will fight.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
51. yeah I'm getting pretty tired of all the Millinneal bashing tonight. Boy people will blame anybody
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:28 PM
Nov 2014

except those who deserve the blame, the candidates themselves.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
54. They are not the reason we lost. The coward democratic politicians are the reason we lost.
Wed Nov 5, 2014, 09:35 PM
Nov 2014

I refuse to engage you anymore. You obviously know nothing about Millennials. I have a Millennial daughter who is currently in college and did vote, but I, her mother who has witnessed what thirty years of democrats compromising with republicans has gotten us, don't blame those who didn't vote.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Democratic Party Stands t...