College Students Favor Kerry, but Apathy Grows

[AmyStrange]

College Students Favor Kerry, but Apathy Grows
By Charles Babington
Saturday, June 12, 2004; Page A04

FROM: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35269-2004Jun11.html
There's good news from college campuses for Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.): Students clearly prefer him over President Bush in this fall's election. The bad news? College students express a declining belief in the importance of voting and the relevance of politics to their lives.

These are among the findings of a recent nationwide poll of college students conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Panetta Institute for Public Policy.

Although both presidential campaigns are courting the campus vote, Kerry seems to have the most to lose from students' growing indifference. The poll found 42 percent of college students backing Kerry, with 30 percent for Bush and 4 percent for Ralph Nader. Kerry's challenge will be getting them to the polls Nov. 2.

"There is a downward trend in the perception that voting is a way to change society," the Hart analysis says. "In March 2001, almost half <47 percent> of students felt that voting in elections for president was a way to bring about a lot of change in society." Only 35 percent now feel that way. "Few American college students believe that politics is very relevant in their life," the survey found.

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[Terry_M]

1. There was a way to make em believe again

But it was rejected :cry:

[Southsideirish]

2. Agreed - we had magic right in our hands and let it slip away. nt

[RafterMan]

3. Bring back the draft -- Rangel style

That'll make it relevant.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. Looks like the disinformation campaign from the Nader wing

of the Republican party is having it's effect. The way to counter it is with the truth.

[Leilani]

5. Politics is not very relevant in their life....

Maybe they will take an interest in politics when their butts get hauled off to Iraq.