Tag: “Millennials”

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

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* “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.

 

 

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*(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

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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.