Young And Hispanic Tend To Be Most Politically Disengaged - FDL

[WillyT]

Young and Hispanic Tend to be Most Politically Disengaged
By: Jon Walker - FDL
Monday July 7, 2014 2:29 pm

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The bad news for Democrats heading into the midterm election is that some of the groups which tend to most strongly break in their favor are also the least politically engaged.

Adults under the age of 30 are most likely to be classified as “political bystanders” by Pew Research, meaning they rarely vote or pay attention to political news.

This is particularly problematic for Democrats now because in just the past few years a huge generational divide has emerged in partisan politics. Until recently Democrats actually had a slight affiliation edge with senior citizens but that disappeared under Obama. Democrats are now dependent on strong support from less reliably younger voters to make up this loss.



<snip>

More: http://elections.firedoglake.com/2014/07/07/young-and-hispanic-tend-to-be-most-politically-disengaged/

[bravenak]

1. I've said this over and over.

We need outreach to the youth and minorities. Here. On DU even.

[nomorenomore08]

2. +1

[AverageJoe90]

3. And we have been. Quite a bit, even!

Speaking for myself, I haven't seen any (notable) shortage of outreach to PoC, or youth(or women for that matter!). Now, to be honest, what one defines as "proper" outreach may differ to a degree(for example, one person may involve "white privilege" or "rape culture", etc. in discussions, and another may not), but if we go by the most common understanding, then no doubt most will understand that we've been doing alright after all, even if we may stumble from time to time.

[bravenak]

6. I do not think you know what you are talking about.

This happens with you and i from time to time.

You seem to be laser focused on your buzzwords. We have not 'been doing allright'. We have few of those two groups even though those groups represent the 'base' of the party.

[AverageJoe90]

8. You may THINK so, ma'am, but I do know otherwise.

Believe me, I was around when President Obama's 2012 campaign took off. I saw what was going on, I observed what other people were saying and doing. And to say that the Party was ignoring these two groups.....well, I'm not sure it needs to be said, really.

[bravenak]

9. Poor Joe.nt

[AverageJoe90]

10. Just the facts, that's all.

I can understand the frustration when things don't go the way that we'd hoped for(believe me, I've felt that way myself), but it's quite obvious to most anyone, that the Party's been making a very sincere effort to reach out to minorities and women. Even if we fall short at times.

[bravenak]

11. Bye Joe.nt

[steve2470]

5. very interesting how the black percentage is 10%

second only to the senior percentage at 6%. That's very impressive.

[bravenak]

7. I also find it impressive.

I think we can get that rate even higher if we focus a bit of attention that way. At the same time i think we need to go out and hunt for the youth. Even if that means starting groups that they will like and advertising DU on the sites they use. And being nice to them when they come.

[KamaAina]

4. As a wise woman once told me,

"the electorate is older, whiter and wealthier than the general public".

And that, my friends, is why things are as FUBAR'd as they are.