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In the 2020 presidential race, young voters played a crucial role, with an 11 percentage point increase in youth turnout compared to 2016. However, recent polling data suggests a shift in young voters’ attitudes towards President Biden. Despite their preference for Biden in the 2020 election, his approval rating among young Americans has declined. Additionally, concerns about his age and calls for more action on issues like climate change and Gaza have created challenges for the Biden administration.
To gain insights into the attitudes of young voters, NextGen America conducted a comprehensive poll of Americans aged 18 to 35. Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, the head of NextGen America, highlighted the importance of understanding the nuances within this demographic and the need to address their concerns to mobilize them effectively.
The poll revealed that in a two-party match-up, Biden led Trump by 12 points among young voters. However, when third-party candidates were included, Biden’s lead narrowed to 9 points, with 20% of young people considering voting for a third-party candidate. Ramirez emphasized the significance of addressing young voters’ concerns and focusing on mobilizing them effectively to secure electoral victories.
The findings of the poll shed light on the evolving attitudes of young voters and the need for political campaigns to engage with this demographic effectively to secure their support. In 2020, we dedicated significant resources, time, and energy to engage with young people and persuade them to vote for Joe Biden, who struggled to attract support from young voters.
We targeted and educated young voters on the differences between Biden and Trump, resulting in significant gains. However, new and young voters in 2020 may not have a strong recollection of Trump’s record, leading to concerns about Biden’s age. Despite worries about Biden’s age, many young people view Trump as a greater threat to democracy.
There is a knowledge gap among young voters regarding the Biden administration’s policy accomplishments, such as student debt, climate legislation, and gun safety. By highlighting progressive policies and contrasting them with Trump’s outdated views, we can sway young voters.
Foreign policy has become a more significant issue for young people in this election compared to the last. A majority of young voters are dissatisfied with the administration’s stance on Gaza and Palestine, influencing their support for Biden.
While there is disapproval of the administration’s handling of foreign policy, young voters are divided on alternative approaches. A significant portion of young independents are unsure about the best course of action. Calling for a ceasefire could help address the concerns of the youth electorate.
The administration faces challenges in addressing the specific concerns of 18 to 24-year-olds, who may have unique reasons for being less supportive of Biden compared to older age groups. At 10 years old, you were likely shielded by great parents who didn’t want you to witness the disturbing events happening in the world, such as babies being separated from their mothers at the border or white supremacists causing harm in Charlottesville. This lack of exposure may have left you unaware of these troubling incidents.
Many young people in 2020 were motivated to vote against Donald Trump due to the perceived threat he posed. Educating this generation about Trump’s actions and policies, particularly on issues like abortion, is crucial in inspiring them to support Joe Biden.
Abortion is a key issue that resonates with young voters, along with economic concerns. The Biden administration’s stance on labor unions, a living wage, and equal pay for women sets them apart from the Republican Party and appeals to young voters.
The Biden administration must effectively communicate their policies and accomplishments to win over young voters. Utilizing social media, influencers, and targeted advertising can help reach this demographic and sway their opinions.
While positive messaging can influence young voters, the impact may not be immediate. It takes time and strategic communication to shift opinions and mobilize youth populations to support a candidate.
It’s important to remember that expressing dissatisfaction with a candidate doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of participation in the electoral process. Young voters have shown their influence in past elections, demonstrating the power of their collective voice. In a universe where young people voice their criticisms of the administration’s foreign policy and Biden’s age, it may seem like a big gamble to ultimately support Democrats close to the election. However, based on our experience of engaging with young voters and seeing their impact in past elections, we know that connecting with them authentically on progressive policies can lead to their turnout at the polls.
Young people played a significant role in defeating Trump in 2020 and have been pushing for progressive policies under the Biden administration. While they may have questions and demands for the Democratic Party, their support at the polls shows where they are placing their trust.
The party has been responsive to the voices of young people, passing more progressive policies than previous administrations. By continuing to push for change and holding elected officials accountable, young voters are shaping the direction of the party.
Despite some interest in third-party options, many young voters ultimately support Biden when presented with the candidates’ records. Our goal is to increase youth voter turnout and see a majority of them supporting Biden in the upcoming election.
While re-electing Biden is a priority for our organization, we also aim to maintain and build on the progress made in engaging young voters. The idea of nominating an older candidate like Biden for re-election does not necessarily mean long-term damage to the party’s relationship with the next generation, as young people are focused on pushing for progressive policies rather than age considerations. In my opinion, the Democratic Party has made significant strides in welcoming and understanding young people, both as an institution and through their candidates. In the past, there was resistance to the demands of young progressives like AOC, but now there is more dialogue and collaboration. Economic issues like canceling student debt, raising the minimum wage, and addressing climate change have become central to the party, thanks to the influence of young people. This shift has improved our country.
When it comes to the sentiment of voting for the lesser of two evils, it’s important to recognize the tangible impact of not voting. Basic rights can regress significantly when individuals choose not to vote, as seen in issues like reproductive rights. The consequences of sitting out an election can be stark, especially when it comes to critical decisions about personal autonomy and health.
Moving forward, it’s crucial for individuals to understand the power of their vote and the potential consequences of abstaining. Every vote matters, especially when it comes to protecting fundamental rights and shaping the future of our country. I believe it’s impossible to discuss Biden’s choices on climate and social justice without acknowledging the ongoing genocide in Palestine, which I find to be cruel and atrocious. Therefore, I have made the decision not to vote for either Biden or Trump in the upcoming election. The past year has shown me that the divide between the Democratic and Republican parties may not be as significant as we once thought.
I am encouraging others to consider not voting for Biden as well. I believe that Biden has not proven to be a better president than Trump, and I would rather see Trump win and face similar negative impacts than endorse Biden’s actions. For me, it’s about supporting people over political parties and corporate interests.
I am confident in my decision not to vote for Biden in November. I am deeply invested in community care and believe in supporting those around me. I encourage others to focus on community and divest from the electoral system in order to prioritize the people in their lives.
Thank you for the insightful conversation. I appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective. I consider myself to be economically very progressive leftist and a radical feminist. This sets me apart from many who identify as liberals, especially on social issues related to feminism. So, I hesitate to label myself as a liberal. I am most concerned about the increasing number of undecided young voters. It worries me, especially when there is intentional targeting towards young Black voters in conservative online spaces. The Biden campaign’s lack of acknowledgment of this issue is frustrating, considering the potential impact it could have on the upcoming election. Despite this, I believe that as we get closer to the election, Biden’s support among young voters will increase. Young people want to see their policies represented, but many are unaware of the accomplishments of the current administration. The campaign should focus on issues like abortion, which are important to young voters. Age may be a factor for some young voters, but I don’t believe it is a significant deterrent to supporting Biden. I believe that when comparing Joe Biden and Donald Trump, we see a stark difference between an older individual who overturned Roe v Wade, denied the election, denied climate change, and took no action on gun violence, versus another older individual who is extremely empathetic and has been attentive to young people’s concerns on these issues.
In terms of warning signs, there are more warning signs for Donald Trump, including his age, than for Joe Biden.
While it may not seem like young people love Joe Biden, the data suggests the same. However, young people are practical and will vote for the candidate who delivers results for them, which in this election, is Joe Biden.
Some climate activists are not fully supportive of Biden, with some actively campaigning against him due to his foreign policy decisions. Despite this, Biden’s campaign is making efforts to reach out to young people and ensure their support.
It’s important to remember that the loudest voices do not represent all young people, and disagreements are natural within any generation. Despite any anti-Biden sentiment, there was a record-high turnout of young voters for Biden in the previous election.
The Biden campaign is actively reaching out to young voters through a dedicated youth vote team and advertising on social media platforms.
In other news, Donald Trump’s criminal trial has begun, and Joe Biden recently spoke in Scranton, Pennsylvania, highlighting the differences between himself and Trump.
The countdown to the Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention, and the general election is on, with 88, 123, and 201 days left respectively.
“The Run-Up” is produced by a team of reporters and editors, with original music and mixing by various contributors. For questions about the 2024 election, email therunup@nytimes.com or send a voice memo. Follow the podcast feed for updates on new episodes. Thank you for listening. Can you please rewrite this sentence? Please rewrite the following sentence:
Original: The dog quickly ran across the park.
Rewritten: The dog dashed through the park with speed. Please rewrite the following sentence: “The cat quickly ran through the backyard and jumped over the fence.”
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