The 2008 elections sparked feelings of hope and change causing students everywhere to eagerly rush to cast their ballot for the most historic presidential election America has ever seen.
With Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama running against each other in the democratic race and John McCain for the Republican presumptive candidate in 2008, people were excited and attentive to see if the first woman, Clinton, or first African American, Barack Obama would have a shot for the presidency. Four years have passed and the spark has dulled as students, who were rooting for Obama and change in 2008, don’t seem to be paying as much attention in 2012.
Political Science professor Monte Freidig said among the reasons for students to not pay as much attention this year is that it is still very early in the election circle. “Many people only begin to pay serious attention in the month or so before the election.”
There are other reasons for the lack of interest. Freidig said, “I think a lot of young people are disappointed and had very high expectations [for Obama].” With President Obama not appearing to live up to the hype and the constant misfortune this generation has seen within the government, it is understandable why some students seem turned off by voting and the government.
Some students are disgusted. Leah Erickson said “I don’t believe in [voting]. I think it is bullshit. I think it’s controlled and whoever they want to win is going to win. It’s manipulated big time due to money and other interest.”
As students struggle to find jobs out of college and the Occupy movements spread with great student participation, students question what Obama has done and what he should do to win the votes in 2012. Student Michael Aaronson said, “[Obama] promised big and failed to deliver. He had a groundswell in 2008 on hope and change and then things didn’t change. Some things didn’t change because they can’t change as fast as people thought they would. The health care thing and job stimulus took too long to get through, and they were way too butchered to get anything done once they passed.”
Aaronson thinks Obama could gain more student support by supporting colleges and students financially and by showing that he is against Internet censoring that SOPA presents.
The biggest worry among college students is how to pay for school and student Beau Bergstrom said, because President Obama has not come through to make it easier to pay for college, it is hard to support him.
However, Obama is not going to be the only one vying for the student vote this fall; the Republicans will also be competing for the votes. Competing for the Republican nomination are Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum. This political season these candidates have been stealing media attention as they battle for a presidential nomination; however, they don’t seem to be very popular among students. Student Jolissa Glur said, “I kind of think they are stupid; they seem like kids arguing.”
Ron Paul seems to be popular among students; however, there is not much hope he will to win the Republican nomination. Aaronson and Bergstrom said they liked things about Paul such as having the most libertarian views of the Republicans, and Aaronson said Paul has good ideas but according to polls, but we don’t know who will win he nomination.
What have these politicians been doing and what should they do to get the support of students? Aaronson said he is not exactly sure what the candidates have been doing to get the attention of students, but they were right to step out in front of the SOPA bill and oppose it. That is something this generation will agree with and respect them for.
Bergstrom told the Republicans “Don’t take any more money from big business. Let business sink or swim on its own.”
As we press into this New Year, students should start to get more involved in the political festivities. In a poll taken at SRJC of 100 students asking whether or not they are planning to vote this year, 60 percent said yes, 26 percent said no, and 14 percent were undecided
Freidig said voting is extremely important. “I give them extra credit for working on a campaign and turning in their voter stubs. I encourage my students to pay attention, follow the news, become familiar with the candidates and positions and go work for a cause they believe in. We have the privilege of living in a great country, with great privilege comes great responsibility,”
Complete hope is not lost in voting. Bergstrom said, “Yes [voting] is worth it because you have to have your voice.” Students still seem interested but if these candidates want to ensure votes from students in this year’s election, they need to step up.