fasttwitch
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- Mar 17, 2011
- 924
- 1,183
^^^^ Will be interesting to see if this theory plays out. My daughter falls in this age group, and when we were visiting her in Chicago last month she started talking politics with us (I never bring up politics with family!)
It was interesting. She voted for Biden in 2020, and she indicated she was voting Republican in 2024 (funny, she had to qualify her comments by saying she wishes Trump wasn't such an ass! LOL) When I asked her why, it was two things: inflation and the border. Things have gotten a LOT more expensive for young people right out of school over the past 4 years (groceries, gas, utilities, rent, etc), and places like Chicago have tons of homeless people and immigrant crime spikes due to the wide-open border. I don't know if she's representative or not, but it was interesting to hear her thoughts.
She actually said: "I feel like the Dems manipulated by empathy." I'm glad she has empathy, but also glad that she's learning to think more critically as well. I think it's good that we all have both.
I'm sure there are counter cases. No matter who she votes for, she is thinking for herself. That is good to see. She sounds strong. Its not easy for a kid to talk to their parents who may have strong views.
People should vote their priorities.. I speak from experience since I refuse to vote for Trump or Kamala. I'm tired of having both sides tell me I am throwing my vote away. It is my vote to throw away. (And send a message to the establishment. I will not play their game), This is my priority.
Statistically though the Gen Z kids are more left than on average than any other generation. But they are not partisan. They vote on issues. The ones I talk to seem angry at corporate America. Not the government, or only so far as corporate America controls the government. The see capitalism as the enemy. And Trump is the epitome of capitalism. These Gen Z also have a diverse group of friends, more so than previous generations. Their empathy for what they see as marginalized groups will push them left.
I see the Gen Z left coming for 2024 then same way the blue collar white men came for 2016. They are flying under the radar right now.