As we've both chronicled — specifically in our pieces in The New York Times Room for Debate forum last week — President Obama has got some work to do to reinvigorate young voters.
Obama stormed into office with the grandeur of a history-changing presidency. He was going to rid the White House of partisan rhetoric while simultaneously solving the economic woes that have plagued the country since 2003.
But, despite what his GOP rivals would have you believe, Obama has accomplished much during his first term. Internationally, he's hunted down and killed Osama bin Laden. Domestically, he's passed historic health care reform and overseen a four-year span in which the economy has gotten better - and is continuing to show signs of slow, but sure, improvement.
As you pointed out, it's going to take more than powerful speeches and buzz words to convince young voters not only to support Obama's re-election bid but also to show up at the polls.
In my mind, it's a simple equation.
Obama must specifically evidence the accomplishments he's overseen domestically, and refuse to run from the promises he made to young voters in 2008. He's got to use his well-spoken nature to remind young voters that change takes time, while also reminding them that his re-election is essential to realize that change - which they ensured with his resounding win over John McCain.
But let's get back to the Republicans - there's a GOP debate tomorrow night, after all. Alexander: What do you think Romney, or any other candidate who is ultimately nominated, can preach to young voters to persuade them to abandon Obama next November?
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