Clinton, says Harriger, faces an uphill battle for youth support during the primaries: “I think she is unlikely to have a massive swing of these voters away from Sanders during the primary, but if he fades in the upcoming primaries that are in less advantageous places for him, her job will be to persuade them to support her despite their disappointment.” Republicans have an even tougher row to hoe, she says, “because this is the most diverse and tolerant/accepting of difference generation ever and so the positions they take on immigration, abortion and gay marriage are unlikely to resonate with most young people, including college students. Rubio's youth and ethnicity may give him a slight advantage over other Republicans but since most young people and Hispanics are voting in the Democratic primaries, this isn't likely to make much difference for him.”
Harriger studies political participation and voting among young people and is the co-author of a new multi-year study showing that college students who participate in public deliberation and learn to talk with those with differing viewpoints, are more politically involved 10 years after graduation. Harriger is the co-author of Speaking of Politics: Preparing College Students for Democratic Citizenship through Deliberative Dialogue and three other books. She teaches courses on American politics.
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Looking for an example of how youth are engaging across difference? Check out Wake the Vote.
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