Huge Debate Sparked At American Forum Event
Elijah Mercer student at American University said,” The event discussed how Obama was better than youth vote and it was off topic and confusing.”
The question of which sparked the fire was when an attendee at the event asked if President Obama will be able to pull out the youth vote.
Finney, an MSNBC Political Analyst and former Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee said, ”[Obama] is at a good spot with other presidents and he is trying to re-engage young voters.”
And Madden a Public Relations Executive Republican Strategist and former Secretary to Gov. Mitt Romney’s campaign, said,” Presidents campaign is about moments… youth voters thought he was unconventional and questioned status quo.”
Amongst this other issues, which were brought up, were what campaigners are looking for when they vote. On this issue Madden said, ”Its less about issues and more about attributes.” Where Finney said, “Its more of a contests between two people.”
Also, issues about the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Immigration and the Tea Party where brought up by the panelists.
The American Forum event first debuted in 1986 in the Kay Spiritual Life Center. And it has been one of the first programs to raise important questions about media and society. The forum is usually an hour-long interactive multi-media audio program with a live town hall audience. Also, the topics are informed by the young people’s interests and engage young people on a national and interactive level.
Youth voting, which was supposed to be the main issue of discussion was also discussed for a while at the forum.
As Jane Hall said, “There are predictions that young voters will not turn out.” On this issue Finney said “youth vote is always up for grabs…the polls are up and down of where youth voters are.” Also, Finney said, “In 2006 it was shown that youth voters were more likely to make up their minds on Election Day.” Madden felt the same way as he said,” (youth vote) is always up for grabs…And between 1980 to 1992 we did a better job at motivating young voters”
No solutions were mentioned at this event but it was implied that pop culture should be used more to encourage voters to vote. As Madden mentioned how President Clinton was able to engage MTV to bring youth voters out to vote.
Heather Ginsberg student who attended the event said, “ The question was not answered. Did not talk about how to grab a vote.” And when asked attendee what solutions she would use she said,” statistics show that social networking, face to face with a friend, and internet will help increase youth voting.”
When Hall asked the panelists what the percentage of youth vote would be in 2022 Madden said 45 percent and Finney said 60%.
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