Two short years ago, you overturned the expectations of the media, Republicans, and political pundits alike by helping to elect President Barack Obama. In advance of the 2008 election, pundits and commentators all repeated the same question over and over again: “Will young people show up and vote?” The cynical conclusion often reached was no. But you proved them wrong.
They underestimated how deeply you cared about moving your country forward. They underestimated how well you understood the issues. They didn’t know you realized what was at stake, and they banked on you not knowing your worth or your power. Now, those same people are underestimating you again.
These pundits forgot what you remembered – that you’re our country’s future. Just as in 2008, your future’s at stake. It would be a mistake to stay home and leave that future to chance.
As future leaders of our communities and country, we are counting on you to make an informed decision about what it means to help chart our nation’s future. We’ve come too far to go back, and it’s up to young people like you to help continue the forward march of change. You can do so in your homes, on your campuses, and in your communities – by bringing your family, friends, and neighbors to the polls.
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President Obama and Congressional Democrats have fought to build a new foundation for our country, and among the African American community. They have made record investments economic growth. Even though change doesn’t happen overnight, we’re finally on the right track – and with your support, Democrats can keep up the fight!
Through the Recovery Act and other critical legislation, Democrats have helped save or create saved millions of jobs and prevented our economy from plunging into recession. Democrats’ number one priority has been – and will remain – spurring the creation of good paying jobs that get Americans back to work.
To achieve those ends, Democrats have worked to boost opportunities for young adults through targeted and once-in-a-generation investments in education. They have made more money available for student aid, and are devoting more money to community colleges and other vocational institutions. For example, Democrats have allocated $1 billion in new funding for black colleges – including $850 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
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Additionally, Democrats passed historic health insurance reform that makes affordable, quality health care available to 95 percent of Americans. In particular, the Affordable Care Act ensures that young people can remain on your parents’ insurance until age 26, while you attend college or look for a job.
These major accomplishments are just a small piece of the change we are bringing about together, but there is still more work to do. We have all worked too hard moving our country forward to allow apathy to decide our elections, and leave to chance the prospect of Republicans rolling back all our hard work.
Today is Election Day: Stand with our President and vote for Democrats.
