Youngest-Serving Rep. Aaron Schock: Romney Could ‘Absolutely’ Win the Youth Vote in November
- Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:23pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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MUSCATINE, IA - DECEMBER 28: Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) (L) tells an audience at Elly's Tea and Coffee why he is endorsing former Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (C) during an event with Romney and his wife Ann Romney (R) December 28, 2011 in Muscatine, Iowa. Credit: Getty Images
Congressman Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) told TheBlaze Gov. Mitt Romney could “absolutely” win the youth vote in November, taking away a major voting block that President Barack Obama won handily four years ago.
Schock, who at age 31 is the youngest-serving member of Congress, said younger voters are less likely to be dazzled by Obama‘s personality this time around in an election that’s more about substance than style.
“[In 2008] President Obama was viewed as a much more likeable person, he was a lot of things to many people,” Schock said. “I think the fact that it’s more about issues and less about personality gives our party a greater opportunity to win the youth vote this November.”
With the economy a top concern, Schock said there’s “no competition” in terms of which candidate younger Americans will gravitate toward.
“Young people who are focused on getting a job want Governor Romney,” he said.
A Zogby poll released earlier this month showed Romney at 41 percent support among likely 18- to 29-year-old voters — his highest level since he started running for president. Obama still held the lead at 49 percent, but at a sharp decrease from the 66 percent he won in 2008.
“I don’t think you cede any demographic of the country,” Schock said. “Whether [Romney] wins it or not is yet to be seen but clearly he’s doing much better today than Republican candidates have done historically.”
Schock said it also doesn’t hurt Romney among younger voters to have as his running mate Rep. Paul Ryan, a devotee of the famed P90x fitness program.
“Hey, I think being in shape helps. I think a lot of young people care about their physical fitness,” said Schock, a member of Ryan’s congressional workout group. “Anything that makes you more relatable as a candidate is definitely a plus and so my hat’s off for Paul.
He added, “You know, obviously Governor Romney is a little bit older than the president, but he’s still in pretty good shape.”
TheBlaze’s Benny Johnson contributed to this report
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Quixotic-911
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 3:11pmPeople think that just because the schools and media are trying to indoctrinate the youth that they will just blindly follow, but the constant hammering of just one belief system is just as much a reason why it can fail. When I was in high school, rather than blindly follow,I blindly rebelled. I didn‘t know what to believe but I knew I wasn’t going to believe them. I instinctively resented institutions and collectivism.When I talk to the kids today they tell me it’s now considered cool to be either an Independent or Libertarian. Sounds like rebellion to me. God bless America and Rock n Roll.
Report Post »pbrenda51
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 9:23amDesignbyinspiration……you are so right…..we have lived in Illinois almost 10 years now……taxes are strangling us……..we plan to get the Hell out when our business is done here……..Chicago is a cesspool……beautiful in tourist areas but the crime has increased 38%…….an alderman said they need to “equalize” the neighborhood so all the crime is not in just black neighborhoods…..WHAT? I couldn’t figure what they meant but now I do……Panera bread (whose originator is liberal and donates to Obama), now has something called Panera CARES…….you pay what you can afford to pay…..it is in a nice neighborhood a few blocks off lakeshore…..it has drawn, homeless, mentally ill, welfare and the regular patrons have quit going….the area around there, in 2 months, was filthy with homeless squatting in doorways, etc…….would not walk down there anymore with crazies on the sidewalk, screaming nonsense…..I no longer go to any Panera….why give them my money when they will turn around and give some to Obama? I go to Chik fil A instead now……Illinois is a joke…..Quinn just can‘t or won’t stand up to the unions……..and yet, if he ran today, he would be elected, due to Chicago
Report Post »Bobaz
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 8:48pmWrong, wrong, wrong. No chance of that happening. It may be true that not as many of them will vote as voted in 2008, but those that do will still vote for Obama.
The youth are lazy, and uninformed. They get their information from the likes of Jon Stewart and Bill Maher. They lack the ability to think for themselves. They are indoctrinated by the left from kindergarten through college and they will vote for celebrity every time. They get what they deserve.
Report Post »ohdear
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 1:42amWhat, as opposed to getting your information from Bill O’ Reilly?
At least Jon Stewart’s funny.
Fox news is about as politically unbiased as the Chinese Daily.
Report Post »aeroengineer11
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:40pmSadly, so many kids are now brainwashed in the public school system. While standing in the concession line at a local ball game this weekend holding my 4 year old son I overheard some high school students debating politics. They only cared about supposed equality for everyone and the whole redistribute wealth agenda. Clearly, these young folks never worked a hard day in their life and need to be educated with a full time job. My only consolation is that when I asked if they were old enough to vote, they said no. However, i do live in Illinois (only because of my job) and the state is a lost cause
Report Post »pbrenda51
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 9:27amYes and the Republican party employees are just useless……a friend of mine went in recently with $5000 for a billboard and wanted help from the employees on a design……they were NO help so she left and about 5 of them are designing it themselves……the Republican party employees here really do nothing………maybe they have given up?
Report Post »p00gles
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:10pmI love Mr. Schock, I’m proud that he represents my district. I have written to him several times on a variety of issues and he ALWAYS promptly responds in writing, completely different story when it comes to Quinn and Durbin.
Report Post »pbrenda51
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 9:07amActually, you get a “personal” letter that is sent out to anyone who write him…..sometimes it doesn’t even match what I called in about……he is having NO townhalls this summer, so obviously, not concerned about his constituency…..I remember at some of his first campaign events, he would tell how this is not to be a “career” for him, yet, I have heard from some in the Republican party here who have worked with him, that he absolutely plans to run for governor next, then eventually President….I called Schocks office to see how he will vote on issues and they won’t tell you til AFTER the vote…..I asked to speak to a representative about this 3 times, and nobody called me……he doesn’t care about his constituency at all……so just keep voting for him…..he wants those who are just blindly following and don’t ask questions….he has lost my vote
Report Post »Shifty6
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 3:17pmI have met him a couple of times, My concern for Schock is that he is in this as a career politician like his predecesor Ray “the chucklehead” LaHood. LaHood is a clown who read too many headlines about him being a big deal.
I have no problem with Schock running for other offices. I think that is a great way to make politics a career. I struggle with the guys like Kennedy, Kerry, LaHood, Democrats AND Republicans alike that get elected and make this their career just wasting my money.
Report Post »FloridaFarmGirl
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:06pmI tried to convince both of my sons in 2008 that Obama was a disaster, and it didn;t work. Now, however, after the disaster happened both are convinced that Romney is the answer. (Mama is always right!!) As a single parent who has tried to raise responsible American citizens I now have hope that the younger generation is finally facing up to the reality of what this country faces today. Romney/Ryan 2012!!
Report Post »kalli
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:05pmI caught part of Chris Wallace’s interview of Romney yesterday where all the leftist talking points were thrown at Mitt. Romney handled it with class, including questions on his tax returns. I would have told Chris to pull his head out of the sand and get to what is important. A part of the interview was within the family home that showed a typical American family, not a family of crowned snobs the elitists on the left are. Compare the $7000 spent by Michelle to an oh-so cheap one worn by Ann at the Olympics. I heard Ann said Mitt has had to iron his own shirts at times.
I believe Mitt will win the youth vote, not just because of the jobless, but because he and his family are an American story, an American family with principles and moral values that makes America great. The alternative family life in America will be a living hell if the current resident remains in our WH. I pray every day God will bless this nation once again with righteous leadership.
Report Post »perry1980
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:48pmIf we can stop the Brainwashing of 0ur Youth then this country has a chance.
Report Post »Wise Up young people. The Dems only want your vote and they will promise all kinds of lies to get it.
JRook
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:07pmUnfortunately given Romney’s Medicare and Welfare political ads… its more about lying than substance.
Report Post »edie1945
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:33pmI have to believe the young generation will actually do some REAL homework. I also hope that ignorance is not bliss.
Report Post »OhioRifleman
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:55pmIgnorance is still bliss, my friend.
That said, there is a whole helluva lot less ignorance going around today than there was during the ‘HOPE AND CHANGE” season of ‘08. Reality has been b17ch-slapping a lot of young people in recent months and years, so the illusions are fading.
I hope it is enough.
R & R for 2012!
Report Post »Quixotic-911
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 3:15pmPolitical ignorance brings misery.
Report Post »AnAmericanToo
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:09pmLoved the comment that the young would vote from Romney ‘because there is no competition”….that‘s because the one that the youth were turning out in droves to support won’t be having a seat at the table.
Time to vote as a write in Ron Paul or vote Third Party —
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:32pmNo way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »AnAmericanToo
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:57pmNo way? really??? darn!!!
People I know who voted for Obama last time voted for slogans but knew nothing about what he meant by “hope and change’. Not one of them knew about his contempt for the US Constitution.
Report Post »DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 5:21pmI wrote in Ron Paul in 2008 and regret it. Wasted vote. He also has completely turned me off with his pacifist foreign policy and stance on radical Islam. The whole Ron Paul movement will be dead if Obama is re-elected.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 5:35pmactually the movement will rise if Obama is relected because big goverment will destroy itself at a faster rate and the Paul movement will be the mobile alternative people come to and under the so called republican label but if Romney were to get in and he failed and made everyones lives worse, than the so called tea party under false label of Romney would die and the paul movement would have a harder time fighting off the romney label of failure.
Report Post »pbrenda51
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 9:10amRon Paul doesn’t have a chance in Hell…..your vote for him, will simply be a vote for Obama…….wake up!!!!
Report Post »ricckky
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:03pmHey Ranger 65–You are so correct!!- The problem is– the explanation may become too tedious for the younger generation–hell– the older generation also—— to concentrate more than 5 seconds. There is a major factor I never hear about that is the most important result of a successful presidency—THAT IS –WHO IS RUNNING THE SENATE AND CONGRESS—–DEMS OR REPUBLICANS. Clinton gets credit for a stable economy when the house and senate passed bills to make the economy strong—In reverse, Bush got hammered for too much spending–when the congress and senate were run by the big spending left—Hello–let’s educate–We have to keep this simple stupid—-The KISS principle”" A landslide in Nov.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »justangry
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:59pmI don’t think so, and the economy isn’t my main concern. It’s politicians setting us back centuries regarding our rights and where they come from.
Report Post »allyoucaneatbaby
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:50pmBusinesses save money by sending jobs overseas, romney is “pro-business” and would likely encourage companies to watch their bottom line any way they can(its a free country and corporations are people). Where would the jobs for all Americans(esp the young) in that business friendly-human hostile environment?
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:27pmThey send jobs overseas b/c your favorite leftist politicians who tax and regulate businesses so much.
Report Post »www.TopTheNews.com
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:43pmOf course young people are disillusioned with the current administration. They are unemployed and buried in debt…
Report Post »allyoucaneatbaby
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:01pmWhat about the party of the last administration? The one that caused the recession you blame Obama for not cleaning up fast enough, despite the obstruction you desire.
Report Post »designbyinspiration
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:42pmallyoucaneat (obvious entitlement recipient) by now you are either a moron or a socialist koolaid drinker. Clinton setup the housing failure by opening up mortgages to those who couldn’t possibly pay back, held open to point of failure triggered by the Soros led derivatives run on the market by Bawney Fwank and (Dem) Co.
The Executive branch does not CREATE legislation, unlike the trash in office now. That’s the job of.. Hmm. Maybe YOU could tell me which branch? You are educated, right? Fool.
Report Post »KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:42pmHe’s already got it. Tampa, where I live is teaming with 20 something’s that have been shafted by Mr. Hopey Changy. And they’re pissed! Land slide November, count on it.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:56pmI also hear that Occupy has gone from the predicted “thousands” to a few hundred .. can you confirm .. I am south of you listening to local radio.
R & R 2012
Report Post »KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:16pmMy girlfriend works for 911 in Tampa, some little $hit stain tried to get on the 911 grounds the other night and armed security took him down. For the most part, it’s quiet with only a few occutards holding signs. Once again, the media has over hyped and lied about their numbers and signifcance.
Report Post »ricckky
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:41pmExcept for the sound bite drones–who are completely out of touch and stupid–There is no one with any brain power–special interests- excluded–that will vote for this fool. I truly believe there are more of us than them!!! The media will never let you know this fact!!! I heard today that the liar-n-chief is up by 22%— Sure and I have an oil well to sell you for ten bucks!!!!–OMG–How shameful have these people become!!!!
Report Post »RANGER1965
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:41pmI‘ve always felt that the main problem with Conservatism is that we have few who can preach it’s benefits. It’s always a muddled and mixed message, when the youth above all need clarity.
Liberalism is evangelized on every campus, in every newspaper, on TV, in culture, and it’s done 24-7
It might be a complete lie, but preachers of this philosophy promises a better and fairer world. A peaceful technological world, where all needs are met, and nature is preserved.
It’s no wonder that the youth are drawn to this dreamy fabrication. The problem is that this lie is never countered by an alternative. Conservatives tell everyone that liberals are lying about this utopia, but never get to the point of explaining what conservatism offers, how it works, or why it works.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:52pmyou speak validatable truth…I can‘t but believe that the repubs get it but really don’t get it.
Report Post »OhioRifleman
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:03pm@ Jungle J
I validate this truth. I was a confused indie before 9/11, when I grew up listening to Clinton say the world was a safe place, which contradicted my father’s 20+ years as a police officer in the Chicago area and my own experiences in the school districts there.
The allure of utopia was the confusion. For a time I even went pacifist, and was almost killed for it. My first rude awakening. After 9/11, I received another rude awakening, and I have never seen the world the same way again.
The problem is simple. Repubs get it: this planet is not a nice place. This planet will never be a nice place. An act of God would be required to clean up this cesspool mudball we live on. No amount of Liberal Utopia is going to clean it up. Only problem is, nobody on the R side of the aisle can point that fact out in such a way that it furthers the cause.
If we had someone that could make it our message, and tie it together by putting America first, and do it in a properly conservative fashion, we would have an instant winner.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 2:39pmRomney/Ryan SHOULD win the youth vote. The younger you are, the more time (on average) you have to live. If one guy is offering quick fixes (”Tax the rich, feed the poor ’till the are no rich no more” — THEN what) and another guy has a long term plan to fix things (like the budget and national debt), then the youth vote should go to the guy with the long term plan.
Report Post »designbyinspiration
Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:48pmQuick fixes? Quick ruination you mean. Not picking a fight, but my opinion is a bit different. Which of those wrong actions fixed what? Economy? Nope. Foreign relations? nope. Infrastructure? nope. Taxes? nope. Civility or personal safety? nope.
Better example is the quick fix in Wisconsin, one year -in spite of Obama’s led regulations and taxes- and the state is turned around and on the road to recovery. One state south did the traditional liberal tax and cut (Illinois) and is circling the toilet one last time.
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