Fox News aired a one-hour report covering the reasons why Gen Y/Millennials have become so important to both Obama and McCain for this years' election. A few notes from the segment.
Change - College-age want change for their future. After years of either a Clinton or Bush in the White House, they believe a new direction for our country is needed. This is the first opportunity to elect someone that has no ties with previous presidents and young voters are believing that they can make a real impact with who will be the next president for our country.
Hope - This generation was raised on "you can do anything if you put your mind to it" attitude and that's what they intend to do. With the highest percentage involved in volunteer work than any generation before them, they see a great future for this country. The candidate most likely to share their vision will get their vote this fall.
Justice - Millennials have a strong pull towards "righting the wrongs"in the world. Political "activism" is much more than handing out fliers or marching for your cause, but it's about rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done. Both McCain and Obama fit nicely into a "doers" mentality that characterizes this generation.
The Internet - It's the universe that Millennials live in and reaching this age group is better served through the Internet than through cable, news print or any other media outlet. Studies have shown that Gen Y spend as much as four to eight hours a day surfing the web. No longer do they get their political views from parents, cable news, or campus groups but through the Internet networks across America.
The program did not cover how young Christians are involving themselves in this years' presidential race. It did make notice that 5 out of 6 potential college-age voters lean towards voting for Obama. The Church in America, especially evangelicals, have had a significant influence on presidential elections for more than twenty years, but today younger Christians are more cautious in supporting one particular political view. They have seen the problems and baggage when the Church associates itself with one political party.
