Progressive Millennials Prove to be a Solid Match for Hillary

*Editor’s note: I wrote this piece before the election took place, so I apologize if the rhetoric is not indicative to the post-election outcome.*

The massive surge of millennial support created by Bernie Sanders should have proved to be a harbinger for both candidates; young voters are ready for a more progressive political agenda. Millennials have been very active in their support of governmental responsibility to provide insurance, per PewResearchCenter. Also, young voters have put emphasis on providing more financial support towards today’s youth, for greater social mobility and direct profit.

Why do these issues coalesce nicely with Hillary Clinton? On Clinton’s main website, she has, “… a comprehensive plan to put higher education within reach for all Americans, and take on the crisis of student debt.” Her promise to invest large amounts of federal funding to alleviate the burden of tuition falls in line perfectly with millennials demands for financial investment. https://www.facebook.com/hillaryclinton/videos/1084864358236759/ (*video for college affordability). In terms of insurance, Clinton’s continuation of the Affordable Health Care Act is the most blatant example of universal insurance coverage for all Americans. https://youtu.be/jXE1Ik3oSMc (Hillary Clinton Health Care video).

Two of these major platforms, among other issues, has Clinton holding a 49 to 21 percent among voters under 30, per Harvard University Institute of Politics. While young voters advocate a more progressive platform, she has tended to struggle with undecided voters due to her “far left wing” approach on multiple social issues (gay marriage, abortion). In fact, undecided/independent voters have grown from a margin of 9 percent in 2012 to a more substantial number of 30 percent.

While not as progressive as Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton’s political platform caters to a young generation eager for governmental involvement and expansion. With more young, college educated women trending towards a democratic candidate, it would seem to place Hillary Clinton in a very nice spot with many millennials come Election Day.

Hillary Clinton Makes a Push to Obtain Black Millennial Voters

Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton is fighting to procure strong voting numbers among millennial minorities. In what seems to be a reoccurring theme in my prior blog posts, Clinton’s lack of substance regarding policies pertinent to young voters had turned off Black Live Matters supporters, like DeRay Mckesson. However, Mckesson now actively supports Clinton after a recent meeting in Cleveland. He stated that, “There was no platform the first time. There’s a platform now.” Burgeoning black support for Hillary has come either energetically, or pragmatically due to the enmity held for Donald Trump.

Clinton’s platform for young African Americans involves elements of controlling police violence and how to curtail bias while on duty, as well as legislation for racial profiling and job creation. Clinton has also been more successful in creating social events that cater to a targeted demographic, with rap superstar Jay-Z set to perform a “get out and vote” awareness concert. Hillary also stopped by the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club” and gave a shout out to the Howard University during their Homecoming celebration. A recent GenForward poll has 49 percent of African Americans claiming they will vote in the election; of the 49 percent, 80 percent openly support Clinton, with Trump only managing a meager 4 percent. However, her ground with black millennial felt short of once candidate Bernie Sanders, who held a substantial margin of 46 to 28 percent.

While Hillary has held solid ground among African Americans, she is also being aided by members of the hip-hop community. The “Anti-Trump” rhetoric created by numerous rappers has garnered improved support in the black community. For example, the expletive ridden and controversial song entitled “F*** Donald Trump” has received over ten million hits on YouTube, as well as thousands of derogatory remarks about the real estate mogul in the comments section. https://youtu.be/WkZ5e94QnWk With the election less than a week away, Hillary’s fight to procure black millennials is not one against Trump, but rather against third parties that can pull valuable votes away from major party candidates. With young black independent voters like Erica Mines voicing her concern that Clinton, “… is not someone who can be trusted.”, it shows that the former Secretary of State still has some work to do.

Affordable College does not Reach a Wide Segment of “Lost” Millennial Voters

*One of Hillary Clinton’s largest campaign planks has involved the integration of a “college affordability plan”; an issue that has been pervasive for both Clinton and prior Presidential hopeful, Bernie Sanders. However, Clinton’s interchangeable usage of young voters and college students is not an effective attack method, for 40 percent of young voters never progressed past the high school level. CIRCLE, a research center that focuses on youth issues, was the source of the data.

Young, Blue Collar Political Landscape:

A sense of “political disengagement” has kept politicians from targeting this segment of voters, with only 29 percent showing up to polls in 2012. Upwards of 17 million voters may still be targeted by Clinton’s campaign team, but not without overcoming several obstacles. Obstacle number one involves Trump’s popularity, with as much as s 40-point lead over white male voters without a four-year college degree. On the other end of the spectrum lies the disgruntled Bernie Sanders supporters, who comprised (at one point) almost 70 percent of young voter’s support. One way to ratify this issue would be to alter the political channels in which Clinton uses. As the elections looms near, Clinton’s team would be wise to target avenues like music festivals, churches and labor unions. President Obama, along with other shrewd political maneuvers, reeled in 66 percent of youth voters in 2008. While holding rallies on collegiate campuses is an effective tool for college voters, it politically disengages a large segment of young Americans.

Final Thoughts/Conclusions:

The “Clinton Cool” factor is obviously not the correct campaign approach this late in the General Election. Hillary should instead use the 25 years of political experience and acumen to her advantage to appeal as the most logical and “presidential” option for the American populous. In the words of Rebecca Nelson, author of the article, “They’re not looking for a pop-culture icon; they want someone who hears their concerns and gets the job done for them.” (Nelson). Effective and not exciting; it doesn’t pop off the screen, but it might bring the Clinton campaign a victory come Election Day.

Clinton’s “Fast Finish” Social Media push; will it Garner more Millennial Support?

* “Trust your heart, because if we work together, we can make this country what we know it will and should be.” These are the words from Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton after a recent rally at Wayne State University. She was speaking on behalf of her understanding that many millennials still remained tentative towards giving Hillary their full endorsement.

*(Let’s hope Clinton’s new social media campaign resonates more positively than the infamous ” 3 emojis or less” Tweet)*

Ramping up Political Activity:

Clinton’s political team recently launched a massive social media campaign to the tune of 30 million dollars, which will reach numerous pivotal social media platforms:

Twitter, Pandora and Spotify: Digital advertisements
POPSUGAR: Clinton will be sending out guest columns on site popular site designated for women ages 18-34.
Facebook: A shrewd move by Clinton’s staff has created multiple “Facebook live streams.”
- The “Live” feature enables an interactional dialogue with young undecided voters, as opposed to transactional, prerecorded statements.
A quick policy update: Hillary has become more vocal on issues regarding college debt, criminal justice and climate change. She also is holding Q and A’s in areas that are less formal and more likely to draw in young voters:
- Shoe stores, nail salons and barber shops

Clinton holds with millennials, but lower than in previous years:

Clinton wields a controlling lead among millennials, who are predominately left-leaning during this campaign season. A recent poll, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, has Clinton establishing a 51-31 percent advantage, with 20 percent being undecided. While comforting, Clinton still does not seem to garner numbers as large as President Barack Obama, who held 55 and 56 percent controls during the 2008 and 2012 elections, respectively.

Final thoughts/conclusions:

While not always perfect, Clinton’s late push to enhance her social media and visible credibility among millennials seems to be spawning positive dividends. Donald Trump’s refusal to actively reach out to millennials could also lead to higher support for Clinton. Trump’s effect as a “polarizing” T.V. personality could be one reason for his lack of young over focus, for myriads of young people have watched/ are familiar with the show “The Apprentice.” Whatever the case may be, it is becoming more and more evident that Hillary, while begrudgingly, could be millennials primary choice.

Clinton Stands on Strong Ground for Presidency, but not with Millennial Voters

Millennial Voters current stance:

Young voters are frustrated, and who can blame them? As the picture above indicates, millennial voters (ages 18-35) comprise 31 percent of this year’s potential voting populous. After the second Presidential debate held this past Sunday, young voters painted an even bleaker picture of the two candidates. Zach Persing, a sophomore at Washington University, bluntly stated that “The reason that Donald Trump remains somewhat competitive is that he is running against someone who is so unpopular.” He claims that young voters are tired of the mudslinging that is occurring by both candidates, while issues of importance continue to go unaddressed.

Ways for Clinton to resonate more powerfully with young voters:

It’s not all doom and gloom for the former Secretary of State when it comes to millennials; while she is underperforming, she still “shares their values” more than any other candidate. In a recent New York Times/CBS poll, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein only hold a potential 36 percent of the young vote. This leaves a large pool of undecided voters left for Clinton to reel in come Election Day. In order for her to do this, the rhetoric has to change. People have become wary and tired of Clinton’s “pre-canned” answers when dealing with issues of controversy and policy. According to Bill Tulchin, a former Bernie Sanders pollster, Clinton should:

Drive home similar policy issues at every campus in order to maintain consistency
Develop an earnest and savvy social media campaign
Hold a firmer position on the Black Lives Matter movement (found to be one of the most important issues amongst millennials)
Continue to advocate a College Affordability Plan

While not a full proof plan, the issues listed above should act as a harbinger of what is to come from young people who are politically active. They are progressive, aggravated and looking for leadership in our current turbulent political landscape. If Clinton were to attack some of these issue earnestly, her chances are only set to improve.

Final Thoughts/Conclusions

Emily Neighbors, a 20 year old junior from Pennsylvania, summed up the “Trump factor” with this statement: “I lean towards Republicans and Conservatives, but I don’t think Donald Trump is a good representation of the party.” Between his wild, off the cuff rhetorical style and his recent, degrading marks involving women, it seems clear that Trump has lost credibility among myriads of millennials. With a remaining campaign strategy that places issues first, Clinton has the potential to rapidly expand her support among youthful ballot castors.

Hillary Clinton “Wants You!”… But Does She Know You?

Potential Impact of Millennial Voters:

How important is it to resonate with this election’s bracket of millennial voters? According to PewResearchCenter, “ As of July, an estimated 126 million Millennial and Gen X adults were eligible to vote (56% of eligible voters), compared with only 98 million Boomers and other adults from prior generations, or 44% of the voting-eligible population.” With younger voters comprising a majority of the potential voting population, it would seem of paramount interest to both candidates in question.

Are Clinton’s Issues resonating with Millennials?

After the “Feel the Bern” campaign sputtered and finally (though resentfully) endorsed Mrs. Clinton, many believed free college education would continue to be a major plank that the Presidential hopeful could preach upon. However, myriads of young voters are beginning to grasp the financial burden that comes with no tuition. In the words of George Washington student Chioma Iheoma “…we know it’s not really sustainable. We’re going to have to pay taxes. We don’t want to pay for that.” According to Breana Ross, president of the United States Student Association, more pertinent issues include:

With Election Day looming, Hillary would be wise to reign in on issues that evoke a stronger emotional trigger for young voters.

Clinton’s Fluctuating Numbers: A Cause for Concern?

Hillary’s failure to grasp and hold onto millennial voters manifests itself in numerous polls:

Even though Trump has seen very little jump in undecided young voters, Third Party candidates are beginning to make headway; most noticeably a thirteen point surge from Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. While neither candidate is a serious contender for the Oval Office, rising support late in election season shows a wave of discontent for both Presidential hopefuls.

Brief Ending Thoughts/Conclusions

I do not believe that a lower turnout of young voters for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be detrimental to her campaign, as long as they are not usurped by Donald Trump. As alluded to in class, middle age and undecided white women seem to be a predominant factor in this year’s election. Nevertheless, a drop of youth support for both candidates depicts a political climate that is all but at ease with our current representatives.