McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters

Despite Challenges, GOP Candidate Vows To Reach Out To 18- To 29-Year-Olds

(AP)  He's a Republican, for starters. He describes himself as "older than dirt." And he makes no apology for an Iraq war that is especially unpopular on college campuses.

Doesn't sound like a recipe for winning the hearts of young voters. And yet John McCain has vowed to make a serious play for the 18- to 29-year-old crowd that's often identified with "Obama-mania."

Could the 71-year-old grandfather possibly have a shot?

Several polls, including a recent AP-Ipsos survey, show Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton faring far better with that age bracket when pitted individually against McCain.

But in the last month or so, there've been blips in McCain's favor. One recent AP-Yahoo News poll found that 38 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds supported McCain, while 37 percent were for Obama. When pitted against Clinton, it was McCain 43 percent, Clinton 28 percent. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

The varying outcomes may indicate the difficulty pollsters have in getting a good sample of youth, particularly when many have cell phones and no land lines. Some political scientists also note that young voters have historically been among the most "fickle" or "soft" - more willing than some to change their minds right up to the election.

Either way, McCain is seizing the opportunity to challenge the Democrats for a group that hasn't gone strongly Republican since the Ronald Reagan era.

McCain appeared on MSNBC's "Hardball" college tour with commentator Chris Matthews. He has launched his own YouTube channel and various social networking pages - though, so far, his numbers of "friends" and supporters on Facebook and MySpace are far fewer than Obama's. (Clinton is somewhere between the two.)

So far, one political analyst says, McCain has managed to avoid looking like he's trying too hard to be hip.

"He's not going to blow the saxophone on MTV or talk about boxers or briefs," says Christopher Malone, an associate professor of political science at Pace University in New York. "But that's part of the allure. There's a real dignity about him in terms of his patriotism and war record."

It means that McCain has unapologetically stuck to his support for the Iraq war, even if it's unpopular, says Joe Pounder, a McCain campaign spokesman. But he's also been willing to take on issues not necessarily associated with Republicans. Those include global warming, a top concern for many young voters.

That reputation for standing tough has resonated with some young people.

Zach Bennett, a freshman at Davidson College in North Carolina, says he admires McCain for being "honest and rebellious."

So does Matt Woods, a 26-year-old financial analyst from Tampa, Fla.

"I like to consider him a fiery little fellow," says Woods, a former chairman of the student Republican group at the University of Tampa who now considers himself "more conservative than Republican."

Though he doesn't agree with McCain's stance on the war, he says he trusts him enough to vote for him. "He seems to be a thorn in people's side, but in a good way," Woods says.

The tough-guy war hero image might not appeal to everyone, though. And some election watchers wonder if McCain's reputation for having a temper might turn off some young voters.

Chelsea Dodd, a 23-year-old Republican in Hoboken, N.J., recently met McCain.

She concedes that he lacks the charisma of Obama, or even Clinton. But, she says, he still "holds a certain appearance of wisdom." So in that sense, she thinks his age works for him.

"While I dislike how he reminds everyone he's a veteran in every speech and that he's not as personable as his rivals, he definitely has involved himself in enough international affairs to be better equipped to deal with them," says Dodd, who has family in the military, including a cousin who died in Iraq.

Pounder, McCain's spokesman, says the campaign will grow its ranks of young Republican volunteers as the campaign heats up.

The Obama campaign, too, is continuing its own outreach with a summer "fellows" program, enlisting thousands of students to work for the campaign.

"No one should assume that young voters, older voters - voters of all backgrounds - are going to side with any one candidate," says Steve Hildebrand, Obama's deputy national campaign manager. "So we certainly don't feel any ownership over young voters."

It also means they will take nothing for granted, even if Obama has already drawn young primary voters in large, sometimes unprecedented numbers.

Such outcomes have some political pundits wondering if McCain has any real chance of winning over young voters.

"He should not concede these voters, but he can't count on making big headway with them," says Steven Schier, a political scientist at Carleton College in Minnesota. He says McCain's age and the overall "unpopularity of the GOP" with young voters will be difficult to overcome.

And even some young Republicans are doubtful.

"Frankly, I don't have much faith in the majority of this country's young voters," says Laura Loffredo, who's 19 and a member of the Republican Campaign Committee at Babson College in Massachusetts. "As much as I support McCain for president, unfortunately, I don't believe its very realistic that a significant amount of young voters - particularly college students - will be persuaded into rethinking their choice of candidate."

Time will tell, says Malone at Pace University. But he gives McCain credit for trying.

"You got to hand it to him - at least at the initial part of his campaign, he has certainly not gone to his base to shore that up," Malone says, noting the Arizona senator's recent trips to New Orleans and other struggling regions of the country.

"My sense is that he's going to use the next month or so continuing to appeal to the groups Republicans have written off."

[omaar-101]

Yeah Sure...

His Youthful Demographic of...59 Yrs of age and Upwards !!

Drop Out John and allow your Young Fine A$$ Wife Cindy McCain to Run for President of the USA and I will be the 1st in Line to Vote for her !!

Otherthan that, John McCain, Your A$$ is Lawn Grass, come November !!!

Its Cindy McCain for USA President or I`m Voting for the Young Charismatic ...

Barack Obama in (08) !!

[tonyd_31]

John, you will need Cindy to be able to appeal to the young voters...I don''t think he has much of a chance attracting young voters unless the lovely Cindy is involved. She would be the finest First Lady we ever had but Michelle is not bad either.

[abbe91]

"And yet John McCain has vowed to make a serious play for the 18- to 29-year-old crowd that''s often identified with "Obama-mania."

Funny, usually GOP members try to attract the young when they are a bit younger ...

[rowdytexan2]

It''s okay Mr. McCain, you will get the votes of the mature free thinking Americans, if Obama gets the nomination. We''re not pulled in by his total lies!

Actually the Young Republican organization has a much more vast influence on voters than the YOung Democrats. I helped in two democratic campaigns where they were coming at us like flies! Terribly difficult to fight them off.

[likeitis5050]

Funny, usually GOP members try to attract the young when they are a bit younger ...


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Posted by abbe91

Let''s not pretend it doesn''t exist in both parties, shall we?

[likeitis5050]

McCain will do fine just being consistent and honoring party values....Obama has a magnificent stone about his neck named Wright that all the ''young'' voters in the world won''t help him rise above. Obamamania was a flash...like most manias.

[abbe91]

Obama has a magnificent stone about his neck named Wright ...
Posted by likeitis5050 at 01:23 PM : May 12, 2008

How heavy is the Hagee stone ?
Let''''s not pretend it doesn''''t exist in both parties, shall we?

[abbe91]

"McCain will do fine just being consistent and honoring party values
Posted by likeitis5050 at 01:23 PM : May 12, 2008"

These values ?

April 19, 2000
Web posted at: 6:10 p.m. EDT (2210 GMT)

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) -- Former GOP presidential candidate John McCain called for the removal of the Confederate battle flag from atop the South Carolina Statehouse on Wednesday, acknowledging that his refusal to take such a stance during his primary battle for the Palmetto State was a "sacrifice of principle for personal ambition."

[jack3213]

IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY IN THE PICTURE YOU WILL SEE A YOUNG GIRL SITTING IN THE SEATS BEHIND MCCAIN. IT LOOKS LIKE THE SAME YOUNG GIRL WHO WORE THE NEGATIVE T SHIRT AT HIS LAST SPEECH AND ASKED HIM ALL SORTS OF QUESTIONS. THIS TIME SHE ISN''T WEARING THE NEGATIVE T-SHIRT. MUST BE THAT THIS YOUNG GIRL HAS FINALLY COME TO HER SENSES. MCCAIN 2008.

[abbe91]

"Let''''s not pretend it doesn''''t exist in both parties, shall we?

Posted by likeitis5050 at 01:20 PM : May 12, 2008"

That would be a folley ...

[mudrose-2009]

John, you will need Cindy to be able to appeal to the young voters...I don''''t think he has much of a chance attracting young voters unless the lovely Cindy is involved. She would be the finest First Lady we ever had but Michelle is not bad either.
Posted by Tonyd_31

Yes, as a matter of fact, he does. There''s one college group that''s called the Young Republicans.

[ianlou]

"McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters"
I just met a couple of young voters McCain could attract. They were knocking on my door yesterday giving away "Watchtower" books. They had black pants, white shirts, skinny black ties and glazed eyes.

[stn_sage]

I would think McCain would want to make a MAJOR effort to capture the young voter group!

Their lack of knowledge, especially in history and politics, and their inexperience, make them extremely gullible and prone to accept all types of lies and propaganda!

I can''t believe he wouldn''t go after them!

[dodaz-2009]

Um,.. By "Young",.. Does he mean ,..like "52 years old",..cuz that would be young,.. compared to "McBush",I mean "McSame",. i mean, "McaIN".. LOL

[david1737]

McCain attracting young people is like Hitler going for the Jewish vote. If anyone thinks that McCain''s trophy wife looks good to most collage students, they''re out of touch with reality. She (McCain''s wife) looks like she reeks of Drambuie and stale cigarettes.

[obama8years]

Speaking of Hitler..............

If Barack Obama didn%u2019t know about Abunimah%u2019s writings (and Abunimah says he did), the same as his claims of being unaware of Reverend Wright%u2019s remarks after 20 years, then Obama is not competent to be our President. Abunimah likes to lie and claim Al Awda has nothing to do with the ISM or Electronic Intifada, though plenty of evidence exists on the website the homepage at www.StoptheISM.com showing the contrary.

But Obama%u2019s association with the ISM through his church and lobbying in Chicago goes even deeper than just his past links to Al Awda and Ali Abunimah. His pastor, Jeremiah Wright, and the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, are both equally involved with the ISM.

[david1737]

likeitis5050


Party values? What a joke your parties values consist of torture, treason, and pedophilia. Get a clue.

[broadwayphi]

McCain represents a political party whose motto, under Bush, has seemed to be, "Hey, as long as we''re here we might as well loot the place."

As McCain has done little to differentiate himself from Bush on the environment, the economy, education and health care, why would any young person hang his or her future on this guy?

Image is one thing. Policy is where the rubber meets the road. McCain''s is warmed-over "trickle-down." I think we''ve had enough of that.

[mcvet]

Yes, as a matter of fact, he does. There''''s one college group that''''s called the Young Republicans.


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Posted by mudrose at 02:04 PM : May 12, 2008
+ report abuse

You mean the one''s holding their meetings in a phone booth? ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Rush!!

[rowdytexan2]

It''s ok, Mr. McCain, Obama can only get the votes of the head-banging twits. Mature free-thinking individuals see through his krap! We deal in reality rather than fakes with purty words like Hope and Change. Bah humbug how many times have we heard that one before.

If we don''t get to vote for a real democrat, you''ll do until we can get a democratic candidate with some sense and that can make real changes.

[notbuynit]

GRAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

[chitown639]

McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters

Whats ''YOUNG'' to McCain??? 60???? HA HA HA!!!!

[prinzowhales]

Obama and Clinton are the scum of the earth...corrupt globalists backed by major war pigs, supporting open borders and opposing the Second Amendment...McCain is different!!!.............He''s older.

[david1737]

Picture this:

McCain and his 96 year old mother rockin'' out at Daytona Beach on Spring Break!

McCain in his tight fitting Depends and wrinkled "flabs." Yeah, he''ll be getting that "young vote."

Try being who you really are McCain a tired, confused old politician.

[david1737]

Look at the photo of McCain.

You know he''s such the old grand pa.

Go ahead America "pull my finger!" LOL

[sjc_1]

Are those all the "young Republicans" (a contradiction in terms) like the ones that supported Nixon? Those must be the future insurance and real estate sales people in the audience that think everything is just swell and if you turn that frown upside down everything will be better and better.

[chitown639]

McCain is the Bob Dole of 2008!!! After McCain loses the general election, within a year he will be the new pitch man for Viagra....

[irliberal]

"McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters"

Somehow, I think all he''s going to get are some goth chicks with a necrophelia fetish.

[irliberal]

Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 03:02 PM

LOL that one seems pretty bitter to me!!

[smirk5]

Maybe if McCain could remember the difference between Sunni and Shia, he''d grab a few more young people.

[element51]

Rowdy....At the risk of poking the bear, I want to ask you a question purely out of curiosity. Please, please do not read anything into this other than just a desire on my part to know. I don''t want to get on your bad side since you have the ability to absolutely destroy anyone who rubs you the wrong way. That is not my purpose. Just plain curosity. The question is, why do you hate Obama so much? Disagrement with his policies, concern about his ability to lead I can understand. But you show a hatred for him that goes way beyond that. Just so you''ll know, I will vote for my party, no matter who the nominee is because I don''t think McCain is the right one for the job. But I don''t hate him. If you respond to this please don''t do so in anger. Actually I have always liked you and I don''t want that to change.

[smirk5]

I''m watching McBush speak right now. Man oh man that guy looks old. He''s forgetful too. He forgot he was against lobbyists. He forgot who Sunnis and Shia are. He forgot that he supported his immigration bill. He forgot that he was against Bush''s tax cuts. Man oh man that guy is acting old too.

[smirk5]

Anyone see that Bush has now broken Truman''s record for being below majority approval for 40 straight months? Bush is now the go to guy for being an unpopular President. McCain essentially has the same policies.

[guadalcanal3]

IRliberal...John MCcain is the real deal...This man is the ''only'' candidate that actually has the credentials..and..is..in fact the only truly qualified nomminee to be President of the United States of America...and..."Commander in Chief" of our armed forces...Barack Obama has NEVER (are you listening America?) worn the uniform of the United States military..he has not even had a pfc. salute him...let alone an Admiral or a General...The same goes for Hillary...I challenge all Americans to do the research on John MCains military career and witness for themselves the sacrifices that John MCain has done for his country...He is the only one that has true integrity. (no mud-slinging for him)

[smirk5]

guadalcanal3,
Where''s the integrity of saying you are against the lobby culture in Washington and then surrounding your campaign with lobbyists? Is it integrity to go against the principles you say you believe in?

[no_billary]

John Sydney McCain III is an Elitist fraud and a Neo-con nutcase right wing extremist. He wants 100 years of war but is against supporting our troops with the new GI Bill: his loss of his patriotism is sickening.
How much did Karl Rove get McCain to sell his conscience for?

[chitown639]

IRliberal...John MCcain is the real deal...This man is the ''''only'''' candidate that actually has the credentials..and..is..in fact the only truly qualified nomminee to be President of the United States of America...and..."Commander in Chief" of our armed forces...Barack Obama has NEVER (are you listening America?) worn the uniform of the United States military..he has not even had a pfc. salute him...let alone an Admiral or a General...The same goes for Hillary...I challenge all Americans to do the research on John MCains military career and witness for themselves the sacrifices that John MCain has done for his country...He is the only one that has true integrity. (no mud-slinging for him)


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Posted by guadalcanal3

Did the Congress make create a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution??? Last I checked, one needs not to be a veteran of the military to be qualified to be President of the United States.

[smirk5]

McCain wants the same economic policies as Bush. These are the policies that gave us a crappy recovery from the recession Bush started with and the current recession. These are the policies that raided our treasury and left us with a mountain of debt. McCain wants to continue the same foreign policy. This is the policy that has helped Al-Qaeda rebuild, damaged our military, killed over 4000 troops just to make us less safe, and hurt the respect we had worldwide. McCain really is more of the same.

[j-whitman]

McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters --- I can see him now shuffeling along with his pants hanging below his but cheeks

[j-whitman]

Mabye McBush will have a younger Lieberman behind him pulling his strings.

[questionnews]

"McCain Hopes To Attract Young Voters"

"OK children, first we''ll have an ice cream from my basement freezer & then we''ll have a contest to see who can drink the most Tylenol PM."

[smirk5]

70% of Americans think Bush is doing a bad job. 69% of Republicans think he''s doing a good job. If you''re a Republican, you''re out of touch with your country on this one.

[mbcsmith]

McCain wants the same economic policies as Bush. These are the policies that gave us a crappy recovery from the recession Bush started with and the current recession. These are the policies that raided our treasury and left us with a mountain of debt. McCain wants to continue the same foreign policy. This is the policy that has helped Al-Qaeda rebuild, damaged our military, killed over 4000 troops just to make us less safe, and hurt the respect we had worldwide. McCain really is more of the same.


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Posted by Smirk5 at 04:24 PM : May 12, 2008


Wow! You memorized all that from MORON.ORG. very good.

[ioweign]

IRliberal...John MCcain is the real deal...This man is the ''''''''only'''''''' candidate that actually has the credentials..and..is..in fact the only truly qualified nomminee to be President of the United States of America...and..."Commander in Chief" of our armed forces...Barack Obama has NEVER (are you listening America?) worn the uniform of the United States military..he has not even had a pfc. salute him...let alone an Admiral or a General...The same goes for Hillary...I challenge all Americans to do the research on John MCains military career and witness for themselves the sacrifices that John MCain has done for his country...He is the only one that has true integrity. (no mud-slinging for him)


Posted by guadalcanal3


Let''s not forget that this "REAL DEAL" didn''t measure up to that Republican Texas Air National Guard AWOL in 2000, but now he has credentials.

[jerr11]

I think this guy has the perfect formula to attract young voters.

He intends to stay 94 more years in Iraq.

That means the draft is coming soon. Springbreak in Baghdad!

And to pay for it, we''ll have to print more money.

Which means the dollar will be worth even less than it is now, which means $10 a gallon gas!

And casualties in Iraq, to match current rates, will top 80,000.

That''s a rosy scenario to say the least!

Go McCain! 94 more years, 94 more years!

LOL

[j-whitman]

Smirk5,,, Wouldn''t it be grand if republicans Loved America enough to fix it ???

[smirk5]

Percentage of voters who say Obama''s relationship with Rev. Wright will make them less likely to vote for him:
33%

Percentage of voters who say McCain''s relationship with President Bush will make them less likely to vote for him: 38%

[mbcsmith]

John Sydney McCain III is an Elitist fraud and a Neo-con nutcase right wing extremist. He wants 100 years of war but is against supporting our troops with the new GI Bill: his loss of his patriotism is sickening.
How much did Karl Rove get McCain to sell his conscience for?



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Posted by No_Billary at 04:14 PM : May 12, 2008


Actually, McCain is the ONLY candidate who has reached across the aisle to get something done. He is a decorated military hero.
Are you LIBS going to DISTORT having bases in the middle east (as in europe, japan, korea) as a bad thing for the U.S.

[fibonacci_]

LOOOOOL - hopes to attract young voters? 90% of them will just be hicks with a stick up their .

[smirk5]

mbcsmith,

You didn''t argue with any of the facts. Al-Qaeda has rebuilt due to the Bush/McCain policies. The debt has exploded due to Bush/McCain policies. We have less respect worldwide and our troops are dying just to protect a stalemate in Iraq. No need to memorize these facts because they are so well known in America at this point. Why do you think Bush is so disliked?