Yahoo! News asked voters ages 23 to 27 whom they'd choose, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, if an election were held today. Here's one perspective.
COMMENTARY | When Barack Obama ran for presidential office in 2008 he gave young citizens in America a reason to get excited about politics. As a student at Western Michigan University at the time, people on campus were buzzing about the election. We saw a presidential candidate who had spirit. He was smart, well spoken, and actually cared about the issues affecting young voters. For the first time since being able to vote I felt like a politician cared about what was important to me. When it came between John McCain and Obama, McCain simply didn't stand a chance. I voted for Obama in 2008 and I stick behind my vote.
It's four years later and things are different. At 27 I'm a college graduate and have started paying back my student loans. I work as a journalist and freelance writer living in Kalamazoo, Mich. Finding a well paying job, or any job for that matter, in this economy has not exactly been easy, but the opportunities are out there. Every field is different, but many of my recently graduated friends have found employment at startup ventures or are creating their own businesses if their job search comes up empty.
Although I don't blame Obama for the lack of job opportunity in America, the enthusiasm and excitement I once had for Obama's message about change in Washington and politics has nearly dissipated. Obama has shown weakness as a democratic political leader. The claims from Hillary Clinton and other critics in 2008 about Obama not having enough political experience were exactly right. He wasn't ready in 2008.
In 2012, though, he is a different man and a different president. His message might have changed but I still believe in his ability to lead our country and keep our citizens safe. While Mitt Romney may be a more business-experienced candidate he completely fails to relate to the middle class or youth vote on issues that matter the most. Obama inspired a generation of young American citizens in 2008 and if he maintains his connection with us he will surpass Romney in the election this year.