The Future of the Republican Party

In this election, we have seen something in the republican party not seen since the reagan administration. An energized republican youth movement, which has lent its support to ultra-libertarian Ron Paul (R. R-TX) This youth movement has created havoc on the internet. Note RedState.com removal of Ron Paul supporters after they bombarded the site with support for their candidate. They also set up forums on the web for traditional candidates only to support Ron Paul. These supporters are the future of the republican party because they are energized, mobile, internet friendly, and young. This energy is apparent in such unconventional fund raisers such as the blimp. At campaign trail stops in Iowa and New Hampshire, we see almost as many Ron Paul signs as we do signs from the traditional candidates. Ron Paul has more internet support than any of his republican peers. Young is the cornerstone of my argument because as the religious right grows older, this libertarians will move into center-stage in the republican party. So as libertarians replace members of the religious right around 2035 we see the new face the republican party today.

Next Week "The Future of the Democratic Party"

Money does not rule Politics and the roaring Huckabee Machine

Many political comentators have been talking about how money is the best asset you can have on a political campaign. Not True. Look at Mike Huckabee who just hit 17% in the USA Today/Gallup poll. With less money than Mitt Romney, Rudy Gulliani and even Ron Paul, Huckabee is leading in Iowa and 2nd in the national poll. So the question is how did Huckabee do this? Most insiders wrote Huckabee off in the early election, but he somehow legitmized himself, leading to votes.
(Note: Huckabee has come under fire lately)

Why the YouTube debates matter

As the republican wrapped up their debate on CNN tonight, I would like to share my thoughts about the CNN-YouTube debates and how I believe debate should be conducted in the future. The CNN-YouTube debates have shown promise of letting people outside of the Iowa's and New Hampshire''s of the election cycle voice their opinions. The are halfway between fully user generated and totally up to the user. The questions seemed to force the republican candidates to talk about something other than Hillary. These debates matter because they are a voice of the internet generation. A negative side to these debates is that we see questions asked by the opposing candidates, such as Chris Dodd, and the retired general who is on a steering committee of Hillary Clinton's. This may not be a bad thing, because it will allow campaign to directly challenge their opponents, which is better for exposing the weaknesses of all the candidates.

Huckabee catching up.. In Iowa

A new ABC poll in Iowa places Governor Mike Huckabee only 4% below Mitt Romney. Huckabee has had growing support within the republican party, but has been unable to gather endorsements from the religious right. The religious right has labeled him unelectable, and this poll may give him more legitimacy. Huckabee is passionate in speeches, and this could put him in the top 4 groups of candidates.

Welcome

Welcome to Student Elections, a blog about the current state of United States politics and elections. We will cover the 2008 presidential elections, capital hill, and the presidency from the high school students perspective.