(Illustration by Linas Garsys, The Washington Times)‘Hope and change’ no longer thrills young Americans
Chris Matthews may still get a tingling sensation whenever he listens to Barack Obama, but for millennials, the thrill is gone. A new Harvard Institute of Politics poll finds the president's favorability rating underwater among those between the ages of 18 to 29. Not surprisingly, once-devoted youthful fans have been turned off by Obamacare.
"I felt this thrill going up my leg," Mr. Matthews famously said on MSNBC after hearing Mr. Obama speak in February 2008. The "Hardball" host experienced another bout of restless-leg syndrome Thursday night, when he conducted a softball interview with the president. "He came to us today," a glowing Mr. Matthews said in the ensuing panel discussion. "He came amongst us."
Millennials no longer share this rapturous view of Mr. Obama. Wednesday's Harvard poll found that 54 percent of the under-30 crowd disapprove of the president now that he's five years into his tenure in office. It's hard to blame them, as many are forced to watch "Hardball" in their old room at home, having moved back in with their parents because there are no jobs to be had. The consolation prize of being able to stay on Mom and Dad's health insurance plan until they're 26 is cold comfort considering the looming student-loan debt they face. A scant 14 percent say the country is headed in the right direction.
The latest survey is a remarkable turnaround, considering the same poll conducted in the spring came to the opposite conclusion, with Mr. Obama enjoying 52 percent approval. Shortly after the first inauguration, Mr. Obama beamed on a high youth approval of 58 percent.
(Click link below to read more)
READ MORE Sphere: Related Content
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment