October, 2008
Seemingly Unusual Supporters
Jeff Ivey
It doesn’t take a political junkie to realize the obvious about this presidential race- that Barack Obama is attracting large numbers of young voters to rally for his campaign. No one needs to look further than the UF campus- the cries of "Are you registered to vote in Alachua County?" all around campus are deafening and pain your ears like someone scratching a chalkboard. However, young people are not monolithic in their political beliefs and there are young people who support John McCain- and these unlikely supporters are also Republicans.
Again, no one needs to look further than the UF campus than for evidence to prove that young people care about the McCain campaign- despite being in the Democratic domain that is Gainesville, FL. Large numbers of students have signed up and are phone banking, waving signs, precinct walking, and tabling on campus at the Plaza of the Americas.
And UF is not the only place where young people are interested in the McCain/Palin ticket- all across America, the McCain movement is growing among young people- and Barack Obama’s support is shrinking. According to a Reuters/Zogby poll conducted in July, Obama led McCain 64 percent to 26 percent with voters between the ages of 18-29. In mid August, Obama’s lead was cut to 52 percent compared to McCain’s 29 percent. Although still in the minority, the numbers of young Republicans are growing at a steady rate and the Democrat’s are losing theirs at a very fast rate. And this election is going to be very close- every vote will certainly matter.
Sarah Palin continues to be a strong reason for solidifying support for the McCain ticket with young voters. One such example is a college student at George Mason University, who said in an interview conducted by NPR, that "I was already going voting for John McCain, I’m already a Republican, but the choice in Sarah Palin excites many young conservatives" and elaborated that she is appealing to young people because she is "young and she brings a new dynamic to the race."
In other words, don’t be fooled by all the fainting young people at Obama’s rallies and all the "Change" buttons across the UF campus and at other college campuses for that matter. There are young Republicans out there and there are more than you think. Our support may seem unlikely according to pundits and polls, but we believe in what’s right, not what’s popular with our peers.