Bernie Sanders: Young voters struggle to feel enthusiastic
Sen. Bernie Sanders: Young Voters Struggle to Find Motivation in Current Political Climate
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) acknowledged on Sunday that the current state of politics in the United States has made it “very hard” for younger voters to be motivated ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
“But there is no question, it is very hard for young people — I think for most Americans, to be excited about what is going on right now,” Sanders said on CNN’s State of the Union. “President has got to change course.”
The independent senator’s comment stems from President Joe Biden’s support of Israel in the midst of its war with the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. Sanders did predict that the president would ultimately win over voters in the general election in November, especially if the Republican Party nominates former President Donald Trump as its candidate.
Sanders went on to state that the United States cannot give “billions of dollars” to a country that “ignores your wishes.” Because of this, he suggested that Biden tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. will withhold funding from Israel unless it changes its tactics in its war with Hamas in order to lower civilian casualties in Gaza.
The younger voting demographic in the U.S., which consists of those under the age of 35, has expressed disappointment with Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. Trump currently has a lead among younger voters with 37% of support compared to Biden’s 33%, according to recent polling data.
The 2020 presidential election saw the largest voter turnout of the 21st century, and young voters were a key group that helped deliver Biden to the White House. In that election, the turnout among voters under 35 was 57%, an increase of about 8 points from the same group in 2016, according to the Census Bureau.
The Iowa caucuses will begin on Monday, potentially being a key point in the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential primary race. Trump is currently leading the primary against his opponents, meaning the 2024 election could end up being a rematch between him and Biden.
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How does the perceived lack of meaningful change in recent years impact the motivation of young voters?
Nger people to be motivated when they look at the current political climate,” Sanders told CNN’s Jake ⁍Tapper on State of the ⁍Union.
Sanders, who ran for president in 2016 and 2020, has been a prominent voice in progressive politics, with a strong following among younger voters. However, even he recognizes the challenges facing this demographic in the current political landscape.
One of the main reasons why young voters may struggle to find motivation is the perceived lack of meaningful change in recent years. Many young people entered the political arena with high hopes for transformative policies and a more equitable society. However, they have been met with gridlock, partisan bickering, and limited progress on issues they deeply care about, such as climate change, income inequality, and racial injustice.
The constant polarization and divisiveness within the political sphere further exacerbates the problem. Young voters are disheartened by the constant back-and-forths, the demonization of the opposition, and the lack of substantive debate on important issues. They feel disconnected from a system that seems to prioritize political posturing over meaningful policy solutions.
Furthermore, the influence of money in politics is a significant concern for young voters. The outsized influence of wealthy individuals and special interest groups in shaping policy decisions undermines the voice of ordinary citizens, making many young voters question the integrity of the political process. When they see money influencing elections and policies, it erodes their faith in the ability of the system to address their concerns and bring about real change.
Another factor contributing to the lack of motivation among young voters is the widening generational gap. As older generations hold onto power, young people often feel marginalized and ignored. Their concerns, aspirations, and perspectives are not adequately represented in the halls of power. This breeds cynicism and disillusionment, which can be barriers to active political engagement.
In order to counter these challenges and reignite motivation among young voters, there are several steps that need to be taken. First and foremost, politicians need to listen to the voices of young people and take their concerns seriously. This means actively engaging with them, seeking their input, and incorporating their ideas into policy proposals.
Furthermore, there is a need for comprehensive political reform to address the influence of money in politics. Implementing campaign finance reform and reducing the role of money in elections would help restore faith in the political system and level the playing field for all voters.
Lastly, bridging the generational gap is essential. Efforts should be made to include young people in decision-making processes and provide them with meaningful opportunities for leadership and representation. Creating mentorship programs, internships, and youth councils can empower young voters and make them feel that their voices are being heard and valued.
Sen. Bernie Sanders’ acknowledgment of the challenges faced by young voters in the current political climate is a crucial step towards addressing this issue. By recognizing the concerns and struggles of young people, policymakers can work towards creating a more inclusive and responsive political system that motivates and engages young voters.
It is imperative that the voices of young voters are heard and their needs are addressed. The future of our democracy depends on the active participation of all citizens, particularly the next generation. Only by ensuring that young people feel motivated and empowered to participate can we pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
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