Politics

Fewer Young People See Themselves as Democrats

A full six months after Pew Research reported that the Democratic Party was losing support among some of its biggest backers in 2008, the New York Times reports that this year’s college vote is “up for grabs.”

How and whether millions of college students vote will help determine if Republicans win enough seats to retake the House or Senate, overturning the balance of power on Capitol Hill, and with it, Mr. Obama’s agenda. If students tune out and stay home it will also carry a profound message for American society about a generation that seemed so ready, so recently, to grab national politics by the lapels and shake.

To take the temperature of America’s young voters, the Times traveled to Colorado State University in Larimer County, Colorado:

A spokeswoman for the university’s chapter of College Democrats, Mandi Asay, 22, said her group battled apathy on one hand and anger on the other.

“People are angry — about the budget deficit, health care plan, angry about this and that,” she said. “I feel like Republicans definitely, definitely have a chance of getting back on their feet.”

Comments (143)

  • RayGone
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:56pm

    GOD DID NOT CREATE UNIVERSE says HAWKING

    “God did not create the universe and the ”Big Bang” was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics, the eminent British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a new book.”

    Stephen Hawking is wrong says college dropout and recovering junkie Glenn Beck.

    Report Post »  
  • countrysideflair
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:55pm

    Two more years of “you can’t get a job with a Bachelor degree”, will all but guarantee a conservative win in 2012.

    Report Post » countrysideflair  
  • nextwave
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:54pm

    The way the libs act, spewing their hate for everything,Its either their way or esle. Even a baby can see that,And the way they do it with just a crooked face.The lame stream media has really turn to be a ulgy side of Amer.and young people can see that, hell everyboby can. They are just mean, ulgy and full of hate.CNN, CBS, ABC, and MSNBC has become just a joke and insignificant and it really ****** them off and makes them that way..NO WOUNDER..

    Report Post »  
  • L1BERALEYES
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:41pm

    Too Stupid

    Report Post »  
    • sarahf
      Posted on September 6, 2010 at 4:45pm

      How old are you?
      A million seconds is 12 days.
      A billion seconds is 31 years.
      A trillion seconds is 31,688 YEARS!!!!
      Translate that into dollars and see what obama, pelosi, and reid have stuck you with.
      All in the name of “hope and change”.
      You are going to have to work until the day you drop dead because “they” need your taxes.
      You will NEVER be allowed to retire; you will NEVER start getting social security payments and God help you if you live a long time because obamacare will ration your medical care.

      Report Post »  
  • 10rights
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:24pm

    How Exciting to see young people actively engaged in political discussion, campaigns, and voting !!! Next, hopefully they will become active in county politics, which really need young people to become Precinct Chairs and Election Judges, and help hold an election / Caucus. Believe it or not, it is way2much fun to be the person to set up everything and open the polling place door at 7 am and help people vote, and lock the door at 7pm, and possibly even hold a Caucus. Then, gather up everything and rush to the County Court House to turn in everything…Exhausted and Excited at the same time…then off to an Election Night Party to watch the results roll in. Young folks, Check it out, as you will love being involved in grass roots politics !!! Call your local County Court House for more information:)

    Report Post » 10rights  
  • Mirimichi
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:23pm

    Maybe all of the endoctrination in school isn’t working. They are looking at other things and finding the truth.

    Report Post »  
    • EZBurns
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:38pm

      Even better, rebelling.

      Remember, we all want to be the opposite of our teachers ;)

      Report Post »  
  • RayGone
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:19pm

    News Corp’s number-two shareholder funded ‘terror mosque’ planner

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100820/bs_yblog_upshot/news-corps-number-two-shareholder-funded-terror-mosque-planner

    I am pretty sure Mr. Magic Underwear Beck will get to the bottom of this ( after he comes back from his honeymoon in Wasilla)

    Report Post »  
    • BS61
      Posted on September 5, 2010 at 1:22am

      I’m really impressed with Jon Stewarts reporing credentials!

      Report Post »  
  • NoMarxist
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:08pm

    Hey, that’s pretty good.. Maybe Letterman will hire you.. He’s a closet Glenn Beck worshipper..

    Report Post » NoMarxist  
  • thewookie1
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:59pm

    I’m 17 and going to be 18 just barely before the November elections, I hope I get to vote this year and help boot the morons from New York out of office but I highly doubt that will ever happen. After reading this and its comments I feel that I am not the lone Conservative teenager on earth, since my school is 55% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 40% Independent and others. (Poll for yearbook last year) When a fellow classmate states he hopes the US becomes a anarchist society, it isn’t good. Funny part is, the Democrats wont drop their name, I would guess at least half of them, in my school, are only Dems in name.

    Report Post »  
    • EZBurns
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:46pm

      People often say things without experience to back it up. That’s where the term wisdom the ages comes from. We’ve all been there, done that….so it’s having seen the truth talking.

      It’s nice knowing there are young people out there who are paying attention, thinking and asking questions. It gives me hope :)

      Report Post »  
    • mplsmike
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 9:53am

      “When a fellow classmate states he hopes the US becomes a anarchist society, it isn’t good. ”

      Your classmate could only be an anarchist in America, otherwise he would be sent to be “re-educated” in a cold place, with lots of manual labor to do.
      Unfortunately, he may well go to a “re-education” camp called a University where they will encourage that kind of behavior.
      Be strong, this wave will pass. Remember, Remember, the 2nd of November.

      Report Post » mplsmike  
    • sarahf
      Posted on September 6, 2010 at 4:51pm

      You must get involved NOW!
      It is your generation that is going to have to repay the obscene, 13 TRILLION dollar debt to the god awful CHINESE (who hate us).
      Preach, beat the drum, tell this to your generation:
      A million seconds is 12 days.
      A billion seconds is 31 years.
      A trillion seconds is 31,688 YEARS!!!!
      Translate that into dollars and see what obama, pelosi, and reid have stuck you with.
      All in the name of “hope and change”.
      Tell those deluded friends of yours that they will probably never be able to retire because the government will need for your generation to work until the day you drop dead because they need your taxes to survive. After obama, reid and pelosi are finished with their vile agenda, the state will, literally, OWN you.
      Tell your silly friends to put that in their hookah and smoke it!

      Report Post »  
    • 2Corinthians3-17
      Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:27pm

      @thewookie1; I know. It feels like I’m swimming in a sea of sheeple(aka progressives).

      Report Post »  
  • DanniDee
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:52pm

    What happened to my post?

    Report Post » DanniDee  
  • NoMarxist
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:51pm

    Kids are learning, it may be worth the risk of being labled as racists by the progressive union thugs, if the alternative is jobless, homeless and begging for government handouts and the promise that someday, everyones helathcare will suck as much as mine.

    Report Post » NoMarxist  
  • DanniDee
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:50pm

    Democrats were never able to fool me thirty years ago and they still don’t fool me now. While there are bad apples on each side, I prefer the lesser of two evils, the Republicans, because they certainly are more intelligent than the Democrats. I understand not everyone is gifted with even a modicum of smarts, but when it comes to handling major affairs of a country, one must decide intelligently to avoid another Obamination….

    Report Post » DanniDee  
    • Judie in Va
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 7:44am

      Well said Dannilee. We must vote all of the DemoRats out. We need to get the majority in the House and the Senate. Then, maybe we can start investigating all of the corruption that has taken place under the Bobo administration. Also, we need to get rid of all of his appointed Czars, etc.

      Report Post »  
  • rocktruth
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:02pm

    Vote for the person not the party. Maybe now is the time for registered Democrats and Republicans to switch to Indie. Imagine a mass exodus leaving both parties. hehe… Now that’s a way to hold them accountable!

    Report Post » rocktruth  
    • notimeforthis
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:56pm

      Unfortunately right now we can not just vote for each individual. As it stands we cannot trust one democrat to do the right thing. Down size the government, and give the money back to the people who are earning it! Voting Republican this Nov. is the ONLY way to stop this fast track to hell. Vote for republicans that will not fund the healthcare bill, and will cut taxes and cut spending of an over bloated federal government. We also need to hold our state reps to state budget cuts as well. In 2012 we can start voting for the man or woman who will lead us out of this mess.

      Report Post »  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 9:13pm

      I agree, right now we need to focus on 2010. I hope all the newly registered Independents vote conservative.

      Report Post » rocktruth  
  • RickMartin
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:01pm

    I was only excercising my freedom of speech, and being honest! Very old saying! Does that bother you? To bad!

    Report Post »  
  • warner
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:44pm

    Younger generation is catching on to the Hopey Changey thing! LOL! Eyes are being opened really wide with this pathetic attempt at a President. Kids tell Nancy and Harry…it’s time for you to go…becuause there won’t be any jobs for us after college if you keep this crap up! Words go out the window when you graduate with $200,000 in college loans and you can’t find a job in your field of study. Pie in the sky Democrates are vaporware…

    Report Post »  
  • RickMartin
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:26pm

    America, Love it or Leave it!!!

    Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:43pm

      America — it’s ok to criticize to make it better. :) Freedom of speech baby!! That’s what you need to embrace! Once we aren’t willing to here honest criticism …. well, we are lost.

      Report Post »  
  • belleharbor
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:14pm

    We as Americans need someone who has that quality of if its not big government way or big unions way we push back and they respect it now it is all there way so who New Jersey Governor maybe we need to find that person 1st.

    Report Post » belleharbor  
  • nordspan
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:04pm

    I am surrounded by younger adults (heavens, I am only 41 LOL!) and must say that they are the brightest, most informed group of people. I believe in them, and we, as a society must give them as much support and encouragement as possible.

    Hold to the rally teachings last week, and that shouldn’t be a hard task – teaching by personal example really goes the fartest, doesn’t it!

    Report Post »  
    • MusicCityVictor
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:53pm

      Now that people are more aware of the garbage being taught in High Schools and Colleges in this Country, we can work on educating the future generations about the real history of the Country and the differences in the parties and they can actually make their own decisions.

      Progressives have shown that their only arguments are playing the race card and the anti business, giant government card, and we see how that works. The difference this time is there are other outlets beside the mainstream media that show all sides of what is going on, not just those awful conservatives.

      Report Post »  
  • Beckkk
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:01pm

    I believe the younger generation are sick of Republicans to.

     
    • rhet 2
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:12pm

      Actually, I think we’re ALL — young, old, middle aged alike — sick of LYING CHEATING politicians who promise us Nirvana — and deliver us sewers full of back-biting predatory animals who TAKE what they want from citizens to live in mulit-million dollar palaces and eat sushi while college students end up owing anywhere from 30 thousand to 100,000 in college loans just to get a job. When a nation as poor as Nigeria gives ALL its citizens a free college education — while our politicians waste millions playing very expensive games in Copenhagen — something is very very very wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:41pm

      Sick of the wars based on lies. Sick of bailouts to fraudulent bankers. Sick of deficits brought in by the prior generation that appear to be hopelessly unpayable. Sick of the fighting and the “us vs. them” mentality and the cheap political points. Sick of hearing “death panels” and other moronic nonsense. Sick of a consumer culture. Sick of seeing muslims and atheists and latino immigrants painted as “evil other”. Sick of all the good jobs going overseas. Yeah… a lot to be sick about.

      Report Post »  
    • NoMarxist
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:04pm

      It‘s not just the younger generation that’s sick of R&D politicians.. It‘s a majority of Americans that don’t think government has the authority to tell Americans how to live thier lives. That’s what the tea party is all about if you want to be honest about it. What they need to do is repeal every law written since the constitution was signed and start over.. First new law on the books would be term limits.. Second would be no unions for government paid employees.. Third would be to encourage the prosecution of any Washinton politician who breaks his oath to obey, defend and protect the constitution.. The states can do the rest.
      YEAH OK.. It’s just a dream.. Guess I’m stuck with “hope and change” till November.

      Report Post » NoMarxist  
  • Beckkk
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:00pm

    The left raise their children to know right from wrong..The right raise their children to know their right from their left. But, the younger generation are sick of both partys. Racism is frowned upon in the Dems, but encouraged by the Repubs.

     
    • keb
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:10pm

      Beckkk, from what I can see, Dems are ones obsessed with race. They are the ones who insist on keeping their voting blocks, and separating Americans into their “places/race/background”. To blanket the Republicans as encouraging racism is just following the MSM rhetoric.

      Report Post »  
    • NoMarxist
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:55pm

      You are wrong, but then you know that.. Progressives promote racism and liberal thugs come to promote chaos. Your name says it all.. Bow down to your Altar of Keif Overbite and beg forgiveness.

      Report Post » NoMarxist  
    • Bronson
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:21pm

      BEKKK, please put down the koolaid.

      Report Post » Bronson  
    • Venom
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 12:14am

      Garbage

      Report Post » Venom  
    • judd
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:09am

      Racism is not a Republican or Democrat problem; its a human problem.

      Report Post »  
    • HenryBowman
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 8:22am

      Racism wouldn’t even exist anymore if people like you, Beckkk, didn’t promote its existence every chance you get. Stop being so dishonest, if your political ideology is so correct then you shouldn’t have to resort to disgusting tactics like defamation and lies to get your message across. Try preaching your actual political positions instead of spewing garbage designed to insult and stereotype people, you might actually get someone to listen.

       
    • debak
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 2:22pm

      It is true that there is a difference in how Progressives and Conservatives raise their children. The Left defines what is right based on their biased opinions or the words of elitists professors and Hollywood self-worshipping “stars”. Everyone else is wrong. The Right raise their children to know right from wrong in their very heart and souls based on the words of Jesus Christ, the founders of our Nation and the honorable men and women who love our country. Racism is used by Democrats as a weapon to destroy the Republicans. Racism is defined by Republicans as Wrong. Period.

      Report Post »  
  • OKTransplantInPA
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:46pm

    I believe this article is spot on…I see it happening in my own family.

    Report Post » OKTransplantInPA  
  • umrebel1991
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:43pm

    As an 18 year old I can say I have been worried about my generation and they way we are headed. This is just one thing I can look at and least have some hope in it.

    Report Post »  
    • Venom
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:57pm

      Word

      Report Post » Venom  
    • rhet 2
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:02pm

      You and your generation are MY future. Take a real hard look at your own grandparents — and your parents.

      What will THEIR lives be like when you are 27 and 30, the primary wage earners of the nation, the people the majority of the responsibility is going to land on.

      Better start figuring out how you’re going to carry that weight now — because the future is rushing down on your heads at full speed.

      Obama and the socialist “progressives” will either lighten the load — or make it so heavy it crushes you — just like the same policies crushed the Ukraine, crushed Chechoslovakia, crushed Poland, crushed Cuba — and now threaten Kenya, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

      I’ll fight as long as I can — but I’m getting old, my young friends. Very old and very tired.

      You are no longer babies to be held by the hand and controlled when you walk across the street.

      YOU are the hope of your parents and your grandparents. So choose — choose very very very carefully. Choose ONLY after a lot of hard thinking about what those choices shall be.

      Because it is YOUR future we struggle over.

      Report Post »  
    • Stevsea
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:17pm

      @ VENOM and UMREBEL1991~~~Young people like you is what inspires me and gives me hope and belief that things will get better for your generation. I was in the USMC from 1981-1985 under Ronald Reagan and was so proud that he was the Commander in Chief at the time. I honestly couldn’t imagine being in service now under the President that we have now. With dedication and perseverance, we can vote out these self important, self absorbed, career politicians and bring America back to where it should be. As it was meant to be. This Socialist “experiment” has been going on for decades and I for one apologize to you all for being asleep at the wheel. Complacency equals laziness. I will be lazy no more. God Bless you guys and never give up the your God given right to be free from these Monsters of Power and Greed.

      Report Post » Stevsea  
  • Venom
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:40pm

    Im 18 and i will never be a Democrat. Why would i want to join those money spending corrupt losers, they blame everyone but themselves. And btw i have been called a racist for being republican….way to make me sway to your party, man how attractive.

    Report Post » Venom  
    • smokie
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:58pm

      I was the same way, Venom, but born into a liberal family. I had self-interest in voting the way I did back then, but now, I’m voting for my nieces and nephews, hoping we can fix this deficit somehow.
      My one niece went to Obama’s Inauguration, we worked hard to get her money, her travel, and her ticket, she worked hard, also, which was my first clue that she may not be a true Democrat.
      She was ten feet from the entrance when she was shut out due to bussed in gatecrashers. This was her first hard lesson on liberals, I’m pretty sure from the way things are going, it won’t be her last.

      Report Post »  
    • chiquelitz
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:42pm

      Good 4 u Venom…alot of us weren’t th/ smart when we were 18. Just send some of wh/ u perceive 2 b the most cogent articles 2 your friends via Facebook or wherever else u communicate…eventually they’ll get it. Stand strong.

      Report Post » chiquelitz  
    • countrysideflair
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:59pm

      I got an invite to the Bush inauguration. But, when I asked for time off (unpaid) from my boss, he said the only way he would see me going to that “fools party” is if I quit my job.

      So, I didn’t get to go. But, shortly thereafter, Microsoft hired me and I left that company to their misery.

      Report Post » countrysideflair  
    • Bronson
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:13pm

      Don’t feel bad VENOM. These days a “racist” is anyone that wins an argument with a liberal.

      Bronson  
    • Eraty Bab
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 11:07pm

      Welcome to the dark side! We have candy!! ;)
      Honored to have you stand with us Republicans, God bless you in your future endeavors.

      Report Post » Eraty Bab  
    • DarthHubrys
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 9:42am

      stick to your guns Venom. I’ve faced the same, even my “best friend” referred to me as a “ignorant, redneck racist” for pointing out #44′s Marxist ways. he is a die hard Lib, and resorts to the name calling whenever loosing a political “debate.” My mom is a socialist, though she resists the label, her political views define her that way. With love I asked her to stay out of the voting booth if she wants her grand-kids to have any sort of happy, successful future.

      I bought the lies, the slick production, shaming as it is. I thought we were going in a positive direction by electing a younger black man to the highest office in the land. Then I tuned into conservative radio, heard some things I felt “unbelievable” did some online research and was “awakened” Thanks to Glenn, Rush, Savage and company. Especially Glenn who always tells us, “don’t take my word for it, look into it yourself”

      Report Post » DarthHubrys  
    • sarahf
      Posted on September 6, 2010 at 4:47pm

      You must get involved NOW!
      It is your generation that is going to have to repay the obscene, 13 TRILLION dollar debt to the god awful CHINESE (who hate us).
      Preach, beat the drum, tell this to your generation:
      A million seconds is 12 days.
      A billion seconds is 31 years.
      A trillion seconds is 31,688 YEARS!!!!
      Translate that into dollars and see what obama, pelosi, and reid have stuck you with.
      All in the name of “hope and change”.

      Report Post »  
    • 2Corinthians3-17
      Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:07pm

      I’m in the same boat. I’m 17, and it seems like i’m surrounded by liberals/progressives. Ugh.

      Report Post »  
  • Freelancer
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:37pm

    That is directly as a result of PARENTS teaching their children right from wrong.

    Report Post » Freelancer  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:37pm

    I had the privilege of voting for Ronald Reagan when I was in college. I hope we can offer these kids an opportunity to cast a vote they can be proud of 30 years down the road.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:35pm

      I’m afraid the deficits started in his era will be the undoing of his legacy.

       
    • L1BERALEYES
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:28pm

      I’m not sure about the 18 year olds. Many of them are still very idealistic at that age.

      I’m sure many 22-26 year olds, searching for MEANINGFUL employment, are wondering what went wrong. They have spent the last 4-8 years in collage for what? How will they ever pay back their student loan obligations.

      Maybe that’s why Obama wanted to take over the Student Loan Program.

      Report Post »  
    • EZBurns
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:36pm

      Real jobs, real mortgages, real paychecks and the FIRST time you file your IRS return all have a way of knocking the ideal out of you and making you say “WTF is happening to all my money.”

      Having kids will do it too… suddenly, all that conservative ‘blather’ makes sense.

      Report Post »  
    • EternalFlamenews
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:27pm

      The youth is starting to wake up to truth!

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanRose
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:50pm

      AMEN!

      Report Post »  
    • LeoPonceJr
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 2:22am

      I’m 20 years old and have been following politics religiously since I was 14. The truth is that most of my peers are still very liberal. Especially since I go to a university.I have literally been booed by a lecture hall full of students when answering the professor in a non-socialist manner.

      Report Post »  
    • Stu Pete Bestid
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 10:01am

      I talk to every young person in my family, and tell them what our marxist lying dictator in chief has planned.

      Iman Barak Hussein  
    • Crispy59
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:07pm

      I had the privilege of voting for President Reagan while on active duty (Go Navy) via absentee ballot. I sincerely hope the youth of America wake up and see the ‘light’ for what the current administration is doing.

      My how times have changed, I miss ‘the Gipper’

      Report Post »  
    • ProgressivesLoveAmerica
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 3:32pm

      Ronald Reagan began the wholesale destruction of America.

      Ronald Reagan is the wrost president in American history. I’m thinking about his horrible economic policy which led to this great Great Recession we are in right now.

      ProgressivesLoveAmerica  
    • Emily Shelley
      Posted on September 6, 2010 at 9:29pm

      I had the privilege of being born during the Reagan Administration, and I hope his values return to our leadership as well.

      Report Post »  

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