A recent poll by the Harvard Institute of Politics shows that 32 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds intend to vote in tomorrow's election. If this holds true at the polls tomorrow, it will be the highest youth turnout in 20 years. The poll also shows that the majority of youth favor a Democrat-controlled Congress and that, overall, the president is doing a completely average job. The young people surveyed gave Bush an average of a "C" on seven issues. His lowest grade was a "D+" on his handling of the Iraq war.
It's refreshing to see a strong youth turnout, even if it is only because of dissatisfaction with the current administration. Average AU students sometimes get caught up in our inside-the-Beltway, most-politically-active-campus bubble and forget that not all college students obsess about national politics.
The implication of this poll is something that surprises no one. Americans favor a Democrat-controlled Congress in part because they are dissatisfied with the presidential administration. This wave of discontent will probably win Democrats the House and will give them at least a fighting chance at the Senate.
Whether the Democrats win control of one or both houses, the national agenda will undoubtedly be affected. Nancy Pelosi, the probable next Speaker of the House, can initiate congressional investigations of the handling of the War on Terror, including the controversial wiretapping program. Democrats in both houses, energized by the wins, will be less likely to just pass Bush's legislation without putting up a real fight.
It also raises questions as to whether any legislation can be passed at all. Bush will have to start using his veto (he's only used it once in the past), and no one expects Democrats to win a wide enough majority to override.
The Democrats will also have their hands full of national problems. Most Democrats say we should get out of Iraq, but few have a plan. This war, along with the global fight against terror, will prove a challenge for the Democrats, who are sometimes seen as soft on national security.
The Democrats must handle their potential new power responsibly. They advocated throwing out the Republicans because of their poor handling of national affairs. If the Democrats can't do a better job, they won't have a shred of credibility left.
