*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.