In Chicago, Democrats pull out all the stops to mobilize young people

Photo: Eva Hambach Agence France-Presse A child and young people in the Chicago hall hosting the Democratic convention, August 19, 2024.

Charlotte Causit – Agence France-Presse in Chicago

Published at 22:29

• United States

Electronic music, friendship bracelets and condoms: Democrats pulled out all the stops this week to attract young Americans to their high mass in Chicago, an electorate that will be crucial to winning the November election.

As an interlude of lightness, a fair called “DemPalooza” is held in parallel with the convention, in a nod to the famous music festival “Lollapalooza”, which is held every summers in the largest city in Illinois.

On the menu: workshops and conferences but also manicures and bracelet making.

“It’s just super fun,” exclaims Cadence Warner, 17, as she puts on the last beads of her blue accessory on which she has written “vote” and “Kamala”, in reference in the first name of the Democratic candidate.

Far from being a superficial activity, these workshops are mainly an opportunity to talk politics, says Jessica Siles, 24, a member of the organization “Voters of Tomorrow.”

“It may seem a little silly, but it’s relevant, and it’s a great way to start a conversation,” says the young woman, pointing to beaded bracelets, popularized by fans of pop star Taylor Swift, as well as condoms.

On the latter is written “Fuck Project 2025,” a reference to a very conservative program designed by people close to former President Donald Trump and against which Democrats are campaigning.

Absenteeism

While young people have historically tended to vote for Democrats, the question of their mobilization is a crucial issue for the party, as the election is shaping up to be extremely close.

Only 53 percent of young people aged 18 to 29 said they were certain to vote in November, according to a survey published in April by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics.

Before Kamala was our candidate, it was a duel between two old guys, and to be really honest with you, we didn’t identify with them

— Samantha Wigginton

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This election “will be won in large part by your age group,” Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz acknowledged during a surprise appearance Tuesday at a youth event.

“It will be up to you to elect the first woman president of the United States,” proclaimed the former professor, to the enthusiastic applause of the young people.

In the room, the atmosphere is electric. After Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race, “Kamala Harris has brought joy and new energy to our party,” said David Seaton, a 19-year-old delegate from Massachusetts.

“And that’s the energy that really motivates young people to vote,” he said.

“Before Kamala was our nominee, it was a battle between two old guys, and to be really honest with you, we didn’t identify with them,” said Samantha Wigginton, 19, with a laugh.

This year, the young woman will vote for the first time in her life.

“As a candidate, Kamala is more reflective of young America,” agrees Jasmine Wynn, also 19, pointing out the fact that she is a woman from a diverse background.

Her running mate Tim Walz benefits from a significant amount of sympathy capital with his good nature, and above all, a pro-youth record, she says.

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“Brat”

Democrats are determined to get the message across to young people.

For the first time in the party's history, more than 200 influencers were accredited to participate in the event. A massive presence destined to flood social networks.

“It’s the most youth-oriented convention ever,” greets Jessica Siles of “Voters of tomorrow” .

“They use a lot of pop culture, and slang,” notes Samantha Wigginton, having traveled more than six hours with her father to come and participate in the “DemPalooza ”, from neighboring Kentucky.

“They really talk to us and don’t try to put us on their level,” greets Samantha Wigginton. “That means they respect our beliefs and opinions. »

However, young democrats warn, it will not be enough to win the hearts of this connected generation.

“The number one concern for young people remains that of the economy,” points out Ms. Siles. To win, Kamala Harris, who promised to “fight” for the middle class, will therefore have to try to convince them that she is best placed to face the explosion in the cost of living, and offer them a future. golden.