US Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain are all being pressed with the issue of reaching the youth and female electorate as the 2008 presidential race continues.
American University School of Communication professor and CBS News political consultant Dotty Lynch says that learning to speak young people’s language may be the greatest challenge yet for the candidates.
Understanding and capitalizing on new technology, such as MySpace and Facebook, doesn’t hurt either.
Youth voters also appear to be much more interested in global issues like the war in Iraq. Hence, Lynch indicates addressing international concerns like Darfur and climate change may help bring more young voters to the polls.
One of the key trials facing Obama and Clinton, Lynch says, will be ensuring their supporters show up in November and vote Democratic no matter the face of the candidate.
For McCain, Lynch indicates that as the oldest contender, his biggest concern is determining how to cut into the youth vote.
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