President Obama may still have the support of the youth population, but will they turn out to vote for him? A new poll indicates that is uncertain. A Gallup poll conducted earlier this week surveyed voter registration and likelihood to vote, broken down by age groups. Among the 18-29 set, 60 percent indicated that they are registered to vote. Obama enjoys a wide lead over Romney in this age group: 64 percent support Obama while only 29 percent support Romney. However, when asked if they definitely will vote in the general election, only 56 percent replied yes.Nonetheless, as the Washington Post explained this week, youth turnout was not the decisive asset for the 2008 Obama team's electoral math (though the size of the millennial vote did top that of recent presidential contests).
Rather, it was the proportion of young voters who favored then then Democratic candidate Obama over Republican McCain (a 2/3 Obama vote, according to exit polls). This margin was particularly relevant in 08's swing-states, and remains ever so crucial this year.
Over at CNN, I broke down President Obama's campus tour and message to young Americans. Happy weekend reading! Wesley, what is your reaction to the flurry of recent surveys indicating young people's waning - or at least less fiery - support for the President?
