The Bus Federation

The Harvard Institute of Politics has released their latest round of youth polling. The numbers are already being headlined that youth still support Barack Obama even as they disapprove of his policy goals. Nowhere is this dynamic more visible than healthcare. Polling this year has repeatedly shown youth to be among the most favorable constituencies for health reform -- no surprise given how many young Americans are uninsured.

Forward Montana, the young voter organization I helped found in 2004, made health care a priority in 2007 after our members and volunteers told us loudly that the issue was a priority for them.

So what happened? The answer, based on the data, is extremely unclear. Despite disapproving of Barack Obama's efforts on health care (44-52), the reality is that young people overwhelmingly support they components of reform:

• 60% favor requiring individuals have health insurance provided low-income Americans receive assistance to help pay for premiums.
• 57% support a public option to compete with private insurance companies.
• 76% want health insurance companies to be required to extend coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.
• 63% favor an employer mandate.
• 59% want to fund the system through a surtax on wealthy Americans.

So where's the objection? Good question. It may be the speed with which Congress has tackled the problem. It may be that Republican misinformation is playing a role (Dick Morris is bragging about successfully turning young people agains health reform after all). It may be something else. Frankly, the data set is too limited to tell.

What do you think?

I’m heading off the grid for the next week to take a much needed vacation. In my absence, I’ve arranged for a number of guest bloggers to join us from some really great progressive organizations including Living Liberally, the Bus Federation, the Young Elected Officials Network, Democrats Work, The League, Swing Semester, the Young Democrats and more. Along with Kevin and Alice, who will continue their regular blogging, these great guests willll take care of you through the holiday. Treat them well and leave lots of comments. I’ll be back July 7th.

Also, don’t forget that user diaries/blogs are now enabled. You could always throw your own .02 into the discussion and write a blog. Just login (or create an account) and click “Create Content” in the personal navigation menu at the top of the page. Some folks like the Sahar Massachi from the Roosevelt Institution and George Colli, who is running for CT state senate, have already done so and found themselves on the front page. Kevin and Alice will have their eyes out for good user-generated content to promote while I’m on break.