How Obama Could Create a Long-Term Democratic Majority

[RedEarth]

Commentators are talking, and rightly so, about how young voters are flocking to Barack Obama. Their overwhelming support gave Obama his Iowa margin, kept him just a few points behind in New Hampshire and Nevada, and contributed to his massive South Carolina victory. Young voters haven't always turned out historically, but they're responding to Obama's message, and together with his equally massive support from African Americans and strong appeal to independents, their passionate enthusiasm could help him expand the Democratic base enough not only to win in November, but to win decisively.

Obama also offers the chance to make this new generation part of an enduring Democratic coalition--because once young voters support a particular party a few times in a row, they're likely to gravitate toward that party for the rest of their lives.

That so many young Obama supporters are turning out to rally, volunteer and vote suggests that he might be one of those watershed candidates who really can bring a new generation into politics and help shape their long-term loyalties, permanently enlarging the Democratic share of the electorate. But because of Hillary Clinton's attacks on Obama, she risks destroying this shift just as it's beginning to emerge.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20080202/cm_huffpost/084579

[Radical Activist]

1. I remember how badly the party was doing with young people in 2000.

Most college campuses I went to had larger Green party groups than College Democrats. The Clinton approach may get you through the next election but it destroys the party in the long run. Hating Bush got Democrats motivated but I'm not sure the party could survive another 8 years of a Clinton who doesn't inspire anyone or stand for anything.

[Ravy]

2. If he is already conceding we can't have Universal Health Coverage,

then he may get us a majority, but I wouldn't necessarily call it Democratic.

[Barack_America]

3. I just came across this. Thanks for posting it.

Some interesting ideas here.