Changing the Game

"OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Legislature approved on Tuesday a bill to suspend Washington's 2012 presidential primary, a move that will save more than $10 million as lawmakers struggle to close the $5.1 billion budget deficit for the next two years. Instead of a primary, Washington will revert back to a caucus system, which involves neighborhood meetings where people sign in to choose a certain candidate. Caucuses historically have a much lower voter turnout than the primary system." Seattle PI

So how will this effect college students?

Well depending on when  and where the caucuses are, Students might not even be able to attend. In other words you will only be able to vote on the general election. For most people this will not be too big of an issue. But in times like this when so much rides on the future leaders of out nation. I would hope the youth could get more involved in working to reform there nation. With changes like this however I for see once again the college age students getting the short end of the stick.

Obama and Facebook

 

"Obama’s decision to trek to the hub of the social networking movement comes on the heels of a heavy youth presence in Obama’s web video announcing his plan to seek a second term that was released a few weeks ago...What’s clear is that the Obama political team views young voters a s a fundamental building block to him winning a second term in 2012. The harder question to answer is whether they can they re-create the political magic Obama demonstrated with young people in 2008" Washington Post


With the election season getting closer the politicians are starting to make their move. For obama his main area of focus of late has been the youth. With his announcement for reelection coming via face book it's not surprising he is trying to harness the unknown power that is the youth vote.  Obama's trip to the internet capital of the world, further drives home his dedication to reconnecting with the youth for his upcoming election.

With students having to shell out as much has 16% more on education next year one has to wonder if Obama will be able to be the Star Studded Candidate he was in 2008.  With only half the number of students voting in 2010 many wonder what the turnout will be like in 2012. Will the students be deterred from the political process once again? Or will Obama's calls for reform and change this time around be meet with cheer and applause once more? One thing is for certain the youth will have a chance to really make a stand and direct the discussion and debates of this election. But on what topic and what direction will they choose?