How can the GOP excite young voters?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The next generation of Republicans is not optimistic and is fretting over its inability to connect with younger voters.
The head of the Young Republicans tells the Washington Post his party is "staring down a very long, dark, quiet night." He's probably right. A recent poll shows voters under 30 are more than twice as likely to identify themselves as Democrats. A lot has changed. In 1984, Ronald Reagan won 59 percent of the young vote. In 1992, they were split about evenly between the two parties. But since then, Democrats have gained ground in every election.
Usually the parties don't pay all that much attention to young voters, since they notoriously don't show up to vote. But this election could be different. Record numbers of young people voted in the primaries.
The up-and-coming Republicans also have mixed feelings about John McCain. Some worry he isn't conservative enough on issues like taxes and immigration reform. The head of the Young Republicans talks about how Obama has inspired a whole generation of voters, while McCain hasn't done a good job communicating about issues like the war and economy – causing younger Americans to turn away from the Republican Party.
The head of the Young Republicans thinks the Arizona Senator can still attract young voters by reaching out to them through social networking web sites and by showing his sense of humor through more appearances on late night talk shows.
Here’s my question to you: How can the Republican Party excite young voters?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Chris writes:
They can excite young voters by not starting unnecessary wars that the young will have to fight.
Stephanie from Minneapolis writes:
Jack, If the GOP can guarantee jobs, that will not be outsourced within the next five years, to their young supporters then maybe that will light a fire under them.
Ben writes:
The Republicans can start by embracing the ideals that drew so many young people to Ron Paul's candidacy in the primary: Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity. Instead of shunning us now that the primary is over, they should embrace the dedicated, activist, conservative wing of the party if they want to attract younger voters and inspire future generations.
Mariel writes:
That train has already left the station.
Derek from New Jersey writes:
Having McCain drop out and select Stephen Colbert as the nominee.
Jackie writes:
I don't know more than 5 people under 21 who are Republican – we are in a era where young people are finding it hard to pay for college, racking up school debt, our friends are getting killed in Iraq, we probably wont have any Social Security left for us, and most of us don’t have health care. Unless the GOP strongly changes positions where young people can see success for themselves, McCain doesn’t have a chance.
Dave from Maryland writes:
Refer them to the Obama campaign.
Michelle from Washington writes:
McCain just learned how to use the Internet. Is this a serious question? I hope not, because I am LMAO. (Hint: McSame won't get it.)
Ed writes:
Stop being so Republican!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
It can't be done! If they were to try, maybe a rave or keg party with lots of red bull.
Wildwood Crest, NJ
The republicans can stop lying to America and running us into the ground and ultimately MOVE to an island where we don't have to deal with them anymore...That would make me vote for a republican!
Spike the fruit punch at McCain-led Bible study.
Put 'em in a bathroom stall next to Larry Craig.
They can't, the Republican Party is about 71 years too late.
If the leader of the GOP, Dubya, would have stuck to the core principles of smaller government and less spending, then the poor GOP party wouldn't be in this mess. Of course invading a country that didn't have WMDs and no subsequent accountability for that costly error hasn't helped either.
They can do so by abandoning their obselete worldview and be part of the 21st century. I am afraid it would take about eight years to do so. The first four can be used to build credibility and the next should be used to demonstrate that they care about ordinary Americans.
I don't think there is any way the Republicans can excite young voters.
Although, if they adopted Sponge Sob Square Pants for a mascot, they might look a little less silly than the comedy of errors we have been watching these past few months
Except for the extreme right, I think it will be increasingly difficult for ANY GOP running mate to make a major difference. He can't pick someone who doesn't toe the GOP line, and the young people are the ones who will be increasingly taxed to pay off the last 8 years...I doubt that they will want to add another 4 years of badly considered foreign policies and stupidly created economic policies to the mix.
That train has already left the station..
Their parents have already taken care of it – I've seen it in action. For years my sons' friends have walked in and out of my home reciting Bush talking points as fact. And just below the surface is an extreme hatred for anyone who thinks differently. Very scary stuff.
Use the money we spend in Iraq on a daily basis to buy them I Phones, because thats the ony way you are going to get the younger voters to not vote for Obama. Obama speaks to young people where McCain speaks about young people.
They can't at this point. If the young people can truly see the disadvantage that the GOP has left them and their generation in, they will run away from the GOP. They have left us in low global esteem, broke, and without a moral code.
Hmmm...having a 72 year old party leader who doesn't use the internet and uses the phrase "new fangled" doesn't help...at all.
Jack, the easiest way they can excite young people is to do away with the Geriatrics crew they keep showing America and at their convention throw us all for a loop and nominate someone younger, fresher and have ideas that are relevant for today's problems and answers for tomorrow's threats. Oh but wait, the DNC have him already! Sorry.
Jack,
I can not think of one of McCain's policies that will help young voters, like myself.
Take his nonexistent policies on higher education, or student loans, probably because all his life he's attended private institutions and has never paid a dime of student loans.
He's totally out of touch with young independent minded voters.
Stop nominating Old White guys for president.
As a young Republican, I can see that it'll be difficult for McCain to win young voters. I think the pro-life message still appeals to many young Americans, and I think he needs a VP candidate that will appeal to our generation. McCain has energy and a good sense of humor, we just need to see more of it.
they are already excited.just not for republicans.
Jack,
Endorse Barrack Obama.
Joe St Louis,MO
McCain doesn't relate to young voters. He is too set in his ways.
In order for him to survive, he needs to back off Obama. He needs to tell the people his plan for all critical issues and he better do it soon.
He needs to reform Immigration, but close the Borders and NOT give Illegals Amnesty. To assure the American people that he will help everyway poosible to resolve the problems this Country faces is almost the only way he can become President. If he gets that far, he better consider a strong VP.
I am 18 and this is my first time votting and there is no way that the Republicans will get my vote. My advice to the republicans is to get a candidate other than John Mccain, someone who the young voters can relate to and for the Democrats Obama is that guy. I am not trying to be too hard on Mccain but he is just too old for the younger voters to be able to relate to. He shares none of our views.
McCain could announce that he's learning to use the Internet from an eight year old kid.
GOP and excitement is an oxymoron
By having a candidate that sepaks their language and understands what motivates them. Listening to McCain reminds me of an insurance seminar I once attended. No charisma, nothing to be excited about and nothing to look forward to.
Steve,
Laguna Niguel, CA
Listen to a John McCain speech right before bed time, there's nothing like a good sleep and needed rest to improve your attitude about the future!
it's very easy, talk to them like an adult! young voters who are republicans are very frustrated with mccain because he's old and not fresh. yes, the GOP is losing its touch as well its reputation thanks to george bush but it is probably time to get out all the old GOPS and bring in new ones, i guess... mccain may attract with some voters but when it comes to young voters, he has lost alot of ground with them.
Hey Jack,
The Republicans can excite the young vote. There problem is how they define young voters. The Republican Party defines young voters as anyone under the age of 60. That isn't gonna get it done.
Bob
They can't provide excitement. When you supply no new ideas and you supply no *real* solutions... there is no demand to support you.
Brian, Cincinnati
Forget about exciting. Can they at least make the youth pay attention to them? Can McCain use computers?
McCains pick for vp is very important. He needs to pick a moderate republican. Most middle class white people are more prone to vote for a moderate republican than for a far left democrat liberal.
Dole, Bush now McCain....that's says it all.
Marjorie
NY
Promise them a new Playstation instead of a stimulus check!
I'm 18 and I will be voting for John McCain in November who says that young voters wont vote for McCain? But if it really helps John McCain can choose Jerry Springer as his VP young people love him.
Dan
Goodyear, Arizona
Hailey, Idaho
Well, first they're going to have to show that they actually have constructive ideas to help improve the world for our generation... Come on GOP, isn't it time to evolve?
If the Republican Party wanted truly cared about finding out how to attract young voters they should take a serious look at why a huge portion of Ron Paul supporters are so young. My guess is that the majority of young voters get most their information from the internet and that, along with Ron Paul's message, his campaign was primarily internet based.
There going to have to follow us, the Obamacans. Abandon the Republican party, just as the Republican party abandoned us.
McCain should go back to school. Not only could he hang out with the students, he could get a geography lesson!
Throw a Grand Old Party!!!!
Become liberals.
Jack,
I have seven grandchildren ages 20 to 28, the only thing that excites them most of time is " MONEY". Connie from Indiana
They can't. America is maturing. Deal with it.
How about a catchy slogan.
Vote John McCain is not all that catchy
Is there a chance that the Republicans will come up with a surpirise nominee at the convention?? That might do it.
Kids just have to hear the truth! they'll make the right decision in the end! The person we elect as President should be experienced in such matters. You don't do "On the Job Training" in the Oval Office seat.
The Republicans' only hope is to be born again as somtething other than the party of 71-year-old white evangelical Christians offering nothing more than politics as usual.
The GOP is doing a fine job exciting younger voters. Just look how many young people realized their future was under attack by the GOP and registered to vote... as anything but Republican.
They cannot do anything. The have lost the respect of the American people because of the unholy mess thye have made of America.
Deae Jack,
In one of his plays, Neil Simon once said: "There is no such thing as a "young" Republican". A joke to be sure, but with some truth. Most young people, rightly or wrongly, look for ideas that are new, hip, progressive, all adjectives that can never, and will never, be applied to the Republican Party.
I think Ron Paul has already done that. Unfortunately the rest of the GOP was thinking OLD SCHOOL McCain. The Republican Party has to get in line with today's world. They've nominated a leader who touts military expertise, yet knows nothing about computers...a basic in today's military.
The Knight in shinning armor is a thing of the past. The GOP better understand what motivates our youth and pay attention to their ideas and who they follow, and then follow them.
By telling McCain to take his computer classes serious so that he can soon start appearing on facebook and myspace.
He just learned how to use the internet. Is this a serious question? I hope not, because I am LMAO. (Hint: McSame won't get it.)
Maybe with a reality show where every week young people try to teach McCain how to go online?
Simple Jack,
They should just ask the young voters to register as Democrats.
Republicans just aren't as sexy as Democrats: whoever heard of a good pieceof elephant?
Hire Hannah Montana to perform at his town hall meetings.
eh, give' em back the constitution?
Young people in America today are informed & following politics. There's nothing the 'Grand Old Party' can do to excite young people.
Young people understand the words: "The Urgency of NOW!"
Did you know he doesn't even know how to use a computer? Talk about being out of touch with the youth vote! Jack, I'm 22 years old and even my 66 year old Grandmother can use a computer. How can you claim to fix the problems of today's world when you can't even understand how to use decades old technology like a personal computer?
Jack, McCain's war experiences as well as his record in the Senate ,may attract older voters, but he will only have the same appeal of the young enjoyed by Obama if he calls for real changes from the past, and most of all, distances himself from Bush and the former administration.
The GOP needs to "reinvent itself" under new leadership. The promises of the "neocon" movement have failed to deliver as more voters are becoming aware as time goes on. There is nothing wrong with being conservative just as there is nothing wrong with being liberal. In both parties it is the extreme factions that cause problems just as they do and always have around the world. Young, new voters know this too.
Jack From Nice, Ca. Jack Maybe the GOP could buy them a new car and give them a free gas card.
By providing $50 gas gift cards and free accommodations for their attendance to the convention
Until the republican party learns that young people have a well of respect for divercity, see nothing wrong with gay marriage and by a wide margin support a woman's right to choose they can't Today's republican parrty is stuck firmly in the past, but young voters are looking at the failure of the past and present and they're rushing toward a better future.
If the Republican Party truly cared about finding out how to attract young voters they should take a serious look at why a huge portion of Ron Paul supporters are so young. The GOP shunned the only candidate able to connect with today's youth.
Refer them to the Obama campaign.
Simple, just let the Democrats run things again for another 4 to 8 years.
We (American public) always complain about the administration that is currently in office regardless of the party and the other party just adds fuel to the fire any chance they get.
It's the "American Way"!!
His trip will proved that he's smarter than the Republicans think.
Although he doesn't have military experience, his trip so far has proven that he's comfortable on the world stage.
Make Carmen Electra his running mate and Brad Pitt the Chief of staff!
Let's see ... a party that has chosen a candidate who would be the oldest ever to become president, a candidate who admits he doesn't really understand the economy when the economy is of first importance right now, a candidate who can't use the internet in a time when young people (and lots of us who can't claim to be young anymore except in our own minds) can't live without it, and a candidate who seems increasingly unable to articulate anything other than criticisms of his opponent – instead of anything proactive.
Why is anyone, or any age, likely to be excited by that?
I guess it is hard for us older folks to compete with the show, glitter and bluster of the Obama campaign with our views of reality and history. Its hard to argue with facts against a carnival snake oit salesman.
All people, but especially young ones, look for inspiration in their leaders. There is nothing inspirational in the McCain campaign because it's fear based and "not optimistic". This year voters can choose between fear or hope. As long as the GOP and McCain are rooted in fear propaganda their spin is going to go down.
Tell the voters that there will be pot in every pot if he is elected.
Nothing.
Like the new McCain ad blamng Obama for high gas prices, make another ad telling the American people Obama just joined the big GOP tent. Good one!
I don't think they can do anything, especially with the candidate they have. Now I'm only 4 years younger then this guy, but my brain still works. I know where Iraq is, and it ain't near Pakistan.
Start obeying the law.
Jack, anyone under 70 is considered a "young voter" to republicans, so I'm not sure where that leaves us.
Drop out of the presidential election!!!
Drop out of the race.
I'm 75 years old and I wouldn't vote for McCain if I were only 25. He has not personality and cannot relate to young people.
They can start by stopping the mortgaging of their future through enormous deficits in the federal budget as well as international trade.
The same way they can excite older voters. Lower the price of fuel.
Free hotdogs and popcorn at every town hall meeting. Real excitement? Throw in a Red Bull.
Having McCain drop out and select Stephen Colbert as the nominee.
The only way the republicans can bring out that kind of enthusiasm is by nominating a young, fresh, progressive candidate who actually relates to the average voter. No matter what political tricks republicans try, young people are not going to come out of the woodworks and get all excited to vote for a 72-year old candidate who treats his 47-year-old opponent like a naieve young whippersnapper.
If you always need to be inspired and entertained then you are not listening to the message and paying more attention to the messenger. Ask the Germans during 1940-1945 where an overly inpirational leader got them. Youth does not necessarily mean they are a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Wisdom comes with age, knowledge with experience and great leadership with skills to adapt.
I'm 24 years old.
I despise the Republican Party and distrust anyone who would vote for them.
I'll be voting to send McCain to a senior-living home, not the White House.
change their platform. young people do not like the imperial agenda. i would say go back to the real conservative values of the GOP and not the fake GOP values displayed today everywere
To those who register and vote, give them an income tax break till they turn 25.
Give them Hope, stop sending their jobs over seas, fund a health care program, affordable education, and invest in America. Lets up- grade the standard of living in the United states. And punish CEOs that miss use or run off with our life investments, and do not let anyone borrow Social Security funds for any reason.
Carol
The GOP could re-brand by impeaching Bush and Cheney. Pelossi might not want Congress to do its sworn duty but the American voters do. Whoever steps up for America is who real Americans will support. The Republican candidates who admit that Bush has deserted the party and American principles and ethics have got it right.
The Republicans chose their candidate with experience and now they are going to have to ride this election out without the young voters. Young people can’t relate to their parents generation and they sure don’t know what their grandparent’s generation is all about. The gap between the young voters and John McCain can only be described as the “Great Divide”.
They could start by taking the threat of climate change more seriously rather than dismissing it. They could begin to look out for ordinary Americans rather than their pals working at the tops of big corporations. They could stop their saberrattling about war with Iran. They could find a presidential candidate who inspires people rather than bores them to tears.
Jack – sidebar please
I'm over 65 and this one had me ROFLMAO – haven't laughed so hard in weeks (have used a computer for almost 30 years).
Harold from Anchorage, AK July 22nd, 2008 3:59 pm ET
Republicans just aren’t as sexy as Democrats: whoever heard of a good pieceof elephant?
It’s not easy to catch young voters. They are better in many things like sports, entertainment. They are smart too. They can easily find out which party really cares for the well being of the general people. The Republican Party has to turn 180 degrees in its policies.
They can't. Obama has captured the young voters. Young people look at the world in a wider perspective, regardless of politics, and the Republican ticket isn't even exciting many old Republicans, so how can they ever hope to attract young ones. It takes imagination and there isn't any there.
A very good question Jack. The only way the Repulican Party will ever be able to excite young voters is to quit talking about carrying on an unpopular war in which they invision our children's children going and fighting in Iraq. Keep up the good work.
If you can get Geo W Bush to excite them than the GOP can do it to. I think the GOP needs an overhaul. Will take some time for everyone to get over Geo W Bush sitting on his throne
Change its' name to the GYP.
Tell them that he will pass a bill regardless of what congress says that will allow any young person age 18-25 to go to college free of charge.
Promise everyone over 21 free food, clothing, health insurance, housing, a college education, and free travel to the Middle East. Just vote for Mac, and sign the papers.
Jack,
I don't think they can when they have a candidate that is 100 years old. As much as I want to see McCain win I just don’t think he will get enough young voters to make it happen, I think we are in a world of trouble when the flip floppers wins
I am sure you could not pay my 20 year old to vote Republician. Under President Bush she saw her father laid off from a job he held for 20 years. She saw her parents laid off on the same day. She has moved closer to campus so that she can ride to bike to class as she can no longer afford gas. She is already in debt for student loans and has not yet graduated. She has attended the funeral of a friend that died in Iraq and visited her disabled cousin, again from Iraq. How will you tell this young woman that McCain is going to "change" things for her. I cannot image what kind of energy that would take. He should hold out for the senior citizen vote, however my mother says no way.
Can't – our young people have to die when the warmongers make a mistake.
most young voters know more about geography than McCain who claims to be so "worldly". They're too smart for McCain so there's actually no way to get young voters excited about him.
Dear Jack, I think it is pretty useless at this point. Young people are worried about their future. The way Bush and the 109th congress ran this country into the ground is unforgivable. My 21 year old daughter is terrified how she will pay her bills. She registered to vote this year. And her party of chioce? Democrat.
McCain's appeal to the youth vote really took a hit when he threatened to "veto every beer." And it doesn't help that he constantly attacks Obama for his youth and so-called "inexperience." Guess what? Young voters are also young and presumed to be inexperienced by their elders but they are also supremely confident and know their youth and inexperience does not prevent them of being capable of achieving great things. The lesson for McCain? He needs to stop labeling youth as a bad thing. Time to turn over the keys already!
This September, the dinosaurs of the GOP will huddle up at their convention in St.Paul in preparation for the oncoming ice age.
At the same time, 9 miles west, in Minneapolis, the future of the GOP will be holding a "Rally for the Republic".
Guess where I'll be, Jack?
Robin, 31, Minneapolis, Mn
Seriously, Jack, does it really matter??? Based on the way he is running this campaign, I don't think he even wants to win. He looks like a deer in headlights when asked anything, and keeps messing up facts. If this isn't Bush all over again, I don't know what is!
There is nothing the Republicans can do to create 'excitement' in their candidate.
He is a catastrophe!!!!
I'm tired on seeing McCain on all news networks today berating Obama's trip to Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly considering Senate Votes #171 and #172 on the confirmations of Petraeus and Odierno to be full Generals. There were three Senators that DID NOT VOTE - they were Kennedy, McCain and Obama.
If McCain is so public in his support for Petraeus then why he didn't he show up for the Senate vote on 10 July 2008 and not out on the campaign trail?????
McCain needs a younger VP. When Reagan was asked how he kept looking so young, he replied that he tried to sit on older and older horses. McCain just tried this trick by standing next to 84-year old Bush Senior, but Bush looked younger.
the gop will never excite younger voters as long as they keep their position on big spending and taxes– which ultimately equates to trickle down economics.
I don't know sure how they can excite the young voters but I know for sure they can't win them by staying in Iraq for the next 100 year.
The GOP must get another candidate to bring in the young Republicans.
Obviously there are some young people,they are holding his sign. You people do not give the young people very much credit for having any sense! I know a lot of smart young people. Solid, well balanced.who love God and this country and are concerned about their future. They have a good head on their shoulders. They are not out there to get a rock star for president! They are not wanting someone that makes a tingle go down their leg as some silly adult commented! They want someone that has substance in his speeches.Someone that will take leadership. They want their parents to be parents and a president to be a president!!
The GOP ended involvement by young voters when they picked John McCain. Young voters see John McCain as their grandfather. How many young people get excited about listening to or talking to their grandparents? My grandchildren are much more interested in what is going on with their friends, their text messages and their My Space or You Tube sites. I am 71 years old so I should know. Oh, yes, I have 8 grandchildren, three of them in college.
the gop will never excite younger voters as long as they keep their position on big spending and deferring payment for future generations. when they become more conservative, control debt, stop giving tax cuts to the most wealthy then they can excite the younger vote.
Give free beer to all the colleges. Anything but Budweiser, it gives you a headache and now it's un-American.
Tom C. , Stuart, FL.
I knew what those aging-old politician had done to the young students in the Tian An Men Square then in China. And now I am observing the same old crook is trying to do the same all over again (by leaking his young opponent's trip info. to press, well al-Qaida is also watching). This is how those out-of-touch Wall-Street-Repub Ivy-League-elitists plot to discredit the messenger and destroy the dream.
But the future belongs to the youth. So let the change-doubters to focus more on their IRA portfolio roller-coaster.
NOT this time, NOT in U.S. No one can ever stop the CHANGE!
Vote for Libertarian candidate Bob Barr! Hail to Independent Populist !
They could start by having a candidate who is aware that it is the 21st century. McCain is so mired in the past that he cannot even keep track of which countries still exist.
Both V.P. choices will be critical. The race is that close. They will most likely choose with gender, state/region, and race as well as multiple other factors. Let's just hope they choose someone they are comfortable working with and, more importantly, someone who is qualified to step into the role of president. What a novel thought, actual qualifications first.
They could start by truly rejecting the political hatred that is poisoning our country. Newt Gingrich sought Republican Party dominance by demonizing Democrats. However, by building a party based on hatred, the Republicans have lost their souls.
Find more exciting candidates like the democrats did.
Jack, it is as crucial as we are worried how many hours he will need to take a nup while he is in office...The concern is not if the vp can attract young voters, but it is how capable mccain will be when he need to communicate with his youn vp.....You know Jack doesn't sound good!
Trick question.
The republican party is a dying party. It's an embarrassment to call yourself a republica nowdays. George W Bush killed the party. He had his 6 years with a republican congress and wrecked the country. I have never seen it this bad.
After all the garbage the Republician party has done to this country. I can't see the youth of American signing on to fight a war they don't believe in or understand when even that country is asking us to leave. McCain is a good example of the GOP old and tired.
Have someone a lot younger than McCain running.
Freedom, Baby! The GOP needs to explain to young people and the public in general that the Republican party is for less government control and more personal freedom.They need to explain that the
Democratic party, which has been taken over by the liberal wing – and that liberals are the cousins of socialists.
Free Frappucinos and Ipods!!!!!!!!!
Send them money for their votes. Oh wait, they've already tried that.
I don't think it can be done. He is just old style with old ideas. Of the candidates running on the Republican ticket, it is amazing to me that he ever got this far.
It can't. That is why Bush and McCain both like war... they can re-instate the draft, and convert all the free thinking Democrats into military loyalists.
You think I'm kidding?
Certainly NOT with 70-something McCain & his 'mental' advisors... We need to know exactly WHO he plans to surround himself with in the Cabinet... If he could show us that he has young, common sense thinkers that are in touch with the citizens of this country all around him, that would make us believe that he can 'turn things around' and separate himself from Bush.
We can't vote for a man we believe is basically good, then watch him appoint a bunch of idiots in his cabinet and advisors..... That's pretty much what we have in office NOW.
why would any young voter vote for a party that sends you to a widely know unnecessary war, has done nothing to help young people get a qualified education to build their future, or ever spoken about what matters to us. I'm glad to see that this time around the youth is going to vote Obama in and kick the oldie republicans out, maybe then they will see ignoring us wasn't a good strategy.
By following my 30/30 plan. Lose 30 years and 30 lbs.
Nothing. The GOP ,and Bush have messed up our country,s future for the younger generation for years to come. It will take a younger person who is in touch the young voters and the rest of the world to clean after this present administration.
Jack
I didn't there were any young Republicans in the
"Grand Old Party"!
Hi Jack,
I think the only thing that can excite them would be if McCain picked Heidi Montag from The Hills as his running mate!
No question about McCain's humor, but the Senator has changed his mind about a lot of important issues and is becoming negative about his oponent these days. That's a turn-off for the young generation.
Plus he doesn't know how to use "The Google" on the "internets"!
The GOP can excite young voters only when they can find a candidate who inspires people like Mr. Obama. It doesn't matter that the only tactic the GOP can use against Obama is to criticize what he says he wants to do for America. They have no platform to inspire anyone, much less the young. Their criticism of Obama should be seen for what it really is, a means to distract voters from thinking about all the mistakes the GOP has made in the last 7 years under the Bush Administration .
Jack, they can't excite a group of young people. The Republican Party represents the old. And CHANGE is coming.
Is it too late to have Mitt run?
Allen in Temecula
Simple – By changing their Party affiliation to Democrat..
My three daughters were excited by Obama initially-but after learning about his liberal positions and lack of experience and contrasting that with MCCains experience and lifetime of service to country -they are now supporting McCain.
1. Nominate less old and out of touch people.
2. Other than that-Put America and Americans ahead of their economic model.
hi Jack
the GOP dont need to excite the youth vote,with McCains weak speeches and his dumb jokes and Bush ratings they need to get with a new program all together just to keep the geritol vote,
clearwater fl
jack, do really want to know how the gop can excited young voters,
let see bigger rally? no, talking about their needs, no how about bigger grant? no, ooh i got it vote democrats.
Jack, the republican party can excite young voters with John McCain's
continued use of young surogates to inform young voters:
1. That John McCain is aware of the Internet
2. Will learn to use a computer if elected president
3. Will appoint a Myspace/Facebook Czar to communicate with
young voters.
And finally will ask Colbert to continue the "Make McCain Exciting/Green Screen Challenge" throughout his presidency!
I've got a great idea Jack...they can hire the little tikes a clown. There's plenty of Republican bozos in the House and Senate to choose from.
Simple, they can't.
Peggy
Tennessee
It's a shame Jack, that the most exciting GOP candidate can't run for the Office of the President of the United States. In the words of Arnold Schrawinagger, "Hasta la vista, GOP"!!
Jack,
They can't. There is just to much age difference. There is no way we can identify with him. And for us that are faith based Mitt Romney is not the answer because of his faith.
Maybe if they relized the wrong doing they have done while in office, apologized, and resigned – then maybe they can excite young voters
Simple,
McCain just needs to use Dreamweaver along with his crafty HTML skills and his viral video capabilities to create an exciting java-based web site complete with Flash special effects and videos featuring a CGI McCain defeating a CGI Taliban with hand-illustrated photon torpedo blasters and super mega death rays. Then he just needs to compress the videos into streamable sizes so his netroots army can distribute the content to the McCain listserv.
Brian
Moscow, Idaho
Jack,
I know this is a novel idea, but, how about a younger candidate?
Or,nominate Wolf and Jack? At least you two have a better chance than McBush.
Craig
in Oklahoma
nominate young and vibrant candidate.
They can't. They should focus on some other voting bloc. Obama is change, Obama is anti-Bush, Obama is the voice of the new generation. Why would we want yet another white haired old man preaching the same tired rhetoric that are now experiencing the failure of? John McCain is the status quo of failure, he offers no new answers, just more of the same.
That's an easy question Jack. A Commander in Chief can't be as old as Methusala. This is a new day and McCain can't deal with the modern day changes.
Jack, by firing everyone know in power in the GOP and starting over from scratch, short of that, it ain't gonna happen!
Young voters and new voters will not be "excited" with McCain, simply because he tells the truth. Young and new will be exited with hype, and Obama will have plenty of that. Obama will win with the new and young tipping the scale, and the country will survive. But, he will be unable to fulfill the expectations of the hype and Hillary will be the Dems candidate in 2012... and subsequently lose.
Jack,
Republicans can excite young voters by admonishing publicly the poor leadership of the administration by promoting the impeachment of Bush and Cheney. In 2000, Bush declared himself a compassionate conservative. Why did he need to modify "conservative" with "compassionate"? Aren't conservatives compassionate by nature anyway? I submit that Bush and Cheney are NOT! It is simple, Jack, Republicans need to admit their party was highjacked, and do something significant about it to show their not complacent, ignorant and oblivious to the disaster of an administration they elected. Impeachment.
The only way that the GOP is going to motivate young people is by endorsing Obama and letting him give an acceptance speech with McSame sitting way behind.
Jack! when is anyone going to confront McSame with the reality that the surge didn't work.
What worked was the Shiites' cease fire (obvious), paying the Sunnis to stop killing GIs and reducing the number of patrols in dangerous territory. THE SURGE DIDN'T WORK!
Now, please, let people know.
A cattle prod and free LSD. Preferably not at the same time.
Watching paint dry, grass grow, taxes and staring at white walls are all more exciting than John McCain. As far as I know the "young" vote does not have that kind of attention span. Also fortunately for Obama, supporting Obama is hip,
The Republicans could easily excite young voters, by getting John, the surge, McCain, to stop talking about "the wars he won", and educate him on how to use email and the web.
Get a new candidate!!! Everytime McCain speaks i feel like he is so out of touch with what is really happening today. Oh and saying our economy is “fundamentally sound” isn’t helping.
After Senator McCain's response to the insurance question concerning Viagra, perhaps explaining why Viagra is necessary for certain senior citizens might ignite interest in young voters. By the way Jack, how does that stuff work?
I write from Amargosa Valley, Nevada and I'm a sixty-one year old Viet Nam veteran.
they can't and they never will, spoken from a young voter.
By endorsing Obama!
Stop trying to be dictators and bullies How can they refuse to get out of Iraq when their president said for us to get out? That is not the way to appeal not only to young voters, but old as well. Stop using fear tactics.
They have to rebuild a platform that caters to the American people as a whole. Have a plan to get the ecomomy back on track I find it so sad that so many out there want some kind of fancy showman that can only use a lead in phrase, instead of a real leader. That is really what both parties should be doing.
They can't because the GOP is just what they are....the grand OLD party.
By reducing McCain's age and buying him some 'charismatic tablets'
Respect Ron Paul, and give him and his millions of supporters a place in the GOP!
He could tell the young voters the same thing they did during Vietnam: if you can go to war, you can have a beer. Lowering the drinking age may attract a whole demographic of young voters that never would have voted otherwise.
stop being so Republican!!!
By running someone younger than their grandparents...........
Sarge
Indianapolis
Hey kids. Don't trust either party. It is about them and their friends and not you or the country. Got it? Now get out there and 'change' it.
The only way the GOP can excite young voters is to stop talking so much trash on Obama. They are called conservatives for a reason.
by getting out of the war. period.
Easy, by going away.
Jack:
If the GOP can guarantee jobs - that will not be outsourced within the next five years - to their student supporters then maybe that will light a fire under them.
They can excite young voters by not starting unnecessary wars that the young will have to fight.
Offer them a million dollars for their vote?
start an affair with britney sprears
The Republicans can start by embracing the ideals that drew so many young people to Ron Paul's candidacy in the primary: Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity. Instead of shunning us now that the primary is over, they should embrace the dedicated, activist, conservative wing of the party if they want to attract younger voters and inspire future generations.
Very simple! All they have to do is to joi the Democratic Party, and ditch Mr. Munchkin McCain!
They can try ads aimed at the 'youth demographic', have McCain rap at some town hall meetings, and make the Iraq War seem edgy. And then, they can ride a magical marshmallow to the Sherbert Kingdom, because it's not happening.
There's only one way the GOP can excite young voters – by pulling their friends out of Iraq
Rishi
Miami, FL
How should the GOP excite young voters? By stopping trying to limit our rights. If it weren't for all the rights (gay marriage and abortion, to name a few) that the Republic part wants to curtail, as well as its anti-embryonic stem cell stance, I might be a Republican.
-Todd, 19
That's easy, all they have to do is endorse Obama.
The Republican Party can excite young voters by dropping out of the race and saving the expense of a campaign.
disban!
How can the Republican Party excite young voters? Easy: drop off the face of the Earth.
Get Obama to switch parties
Jack,
The GOP could excite young voters by disbanding.
Put on a fuzzy wig and red nose then fall down alot. I suppose that's not so far from what I've seen from them lately, though
The Republican party can excite young voters by simply divorcing itself from the coporate associations it has obvious been in league with for the past 20 years. Pay attention to the environment, and then become racially diverse. Blacks would come over to the Republicans in droves if it did so, because we know it is the party of Abraham Lincoln. And because I am Black, I would know.
They can excite young voters by telling them to support Obama!!
GET A NEW CANDIDATE.
I think McCain could excite younger voters by giving them starlight mints – maybe a shiny new stimulus check.
Getting McCain on The Daily Show isn't going to do it. I've got a bright idea! How about the Republican Party turns away from policies that insist on polluting the earth, savaging the poor, and waging unnecessary and corrupt wars? If the GOP wasn't dead set on destroying the future, more young people might be willing to join up.
Play Dead!
Simple. By losing the election.
Jack, by denominating John Mcain and endorsing Bush. Wait a minute he is at his 8 year mark. So yea thats how you excite us.
That's easy Jack, just nominate Ron Paul as the republican nominee for president. It would only take one debate between Paul and Obama and the young people would be flocking to the republican party in masses!
By having John McCain step down.
Its easy Jack:
Get a new candidate.
Brian in Staten Island
They can declare that they endorse Barack Obama for president!!!
How can the GOP excite young voters? Simple: disband. They are so clearly in the thrall of the mega-wealthy, they can no longer even feign concern for the common man. The most useful thing they can do is get out of the way.
Jack, this is a one-word answer. Disband.
Jack, the republican party can excite the younger voters by having a public execution of Bush.
There are two ways.
1) Nominate someone other than McCain
2) Endorse Barack Obama
Endorse Obama!
As one of those young voters, I know exactly how he can get our attention. Talk about the end of the war in Iraq! We're sick of seeing the debt that congress and Bush is amassing for us to deal with. Of course I don't expect him to start touting a date or timeframe but at least mention the light at the end of the tunnel, not an "oh I dont know, 50, 100 years, whatever" attitude.
Endorse Obama....The youth of today can see that McCain only can talk about how much he knows about war, which translates into where he will eventually send them.
Jack the only way the Rep. can excite the younger voters is reestablish the draft
I think as a young Republican voter, I have questioned my choice of political party several times this year already. I'm confident in the Republican party, but I'm not sure if either candidate has what it takes to be the commander and chief of the United States. Right now, I don't know who I'm going to vote for. I'm leaning towards McCain, but I think we need to explore each candidate a lot more before we make any judgments.
One name.......RON PAUL.
Two words "RON PAUL"
Jack, there is nothing exciting about the Republican party anymore. It would be more exciting to watch the gaffes and panicking the republican party is enduring right now.
GOP exciting young voters? As a young voter the only thing that would excite me is if the party disbands.
Jack, they have been doing just that for years. Too bad they motivated them all to go Democratic!
Learning to use the internet might be a good start. I'm 23, and I can't imagine someone who struggles with logging on and doing simple things like email. To younger voters, he's just too different from us.
Jack,
The GOP doesn't have to get me excited to vote. Obama has already done that by his lack of experience and naivete, not to mention the media's love affair for him.
The Republican party can excite young voters by throwing in the towel now and sparing everyone from having to watch John McCain speaking event.
They can't.
Enough said
The only way John McCain can attract young voters is to show he understand the younger generation. About a month ago, I heard on the news that McCain does not even understand how to maneuver through the internet. How can a young voter whose life is centered around technology feel comfortable or safe with someone that does not understand their life (technology) ? As a republican, this will be the first time I might consider voting Democrat.
Mc Cain needs to retire.
Young voters would definitely get excited about the Republican Party if McCain was to pick ex-Mayor Guiliani as a running mate and then be able to go to 'YouTube' and watch them get into a serious smack-down match on the White House lawn.
There's only one answer . . . Republicans need a new Presidential Candidate!!
McCain cannot offer young voters anything as he is in a totally different generation. He does not understand the young and is so old school there is no hope for him to be on their level.