Electronic music, friendship bracelets and condoms: the Democrats have pulled out all the stops to attract young Americans to their convention in Chicago, an electorate that will be crucial to their chance of winning the November election.
The light-hearted funfair called “DemPalooza” is being held on the fringes of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, something of a nod to the popular “Lollapalooza” music festival held every summer in Illinois’ largest city.
On the menu: workshops and conferences, as well as manicures and bracelet-making.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” exclaimed 17-year-old Cadence Warner, threading the last beads of her blue accessory with the inscription ‘vote’ and ‘Kamala’, in reference to the Democrat presidential candidate.
Far from being a side event, the workshops present an opportunity to talk politics, said Jessica Siles, 24, a member of the “Voters of Tomorrow” organization.
“Initially it seems kind of silly, but it’s relevant (and) it’s a great conversation starter,” she said pointing to beaded bracelets popularized by fans of pop star Taylor Swift, but also to condoms.
On them is written “Fuck Project 2025”, a reference to a conservative program designed by people aligned to former president Donald Trump and which the Democrats are campaigning against.
Very close election
While young people have historically voted for the Democrats, mobilizing them this time around is crucial for the party, as the election promises to be very close.
Only 53 percent of young people aged 18 to 29 said they were certain to vote in November, according to a survey published in April by the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics.
This election is “going to be won by your demographic for the most part”, acknowledged Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, during a surprise appearance on Tuesday at an event organized for young people.
“It would be you to elect the first woman president of the United States,” proclaimed the former teacher, to thunderous applause from the audience.
The atmosphere in the hall was ecstatic.
After 81-year-old Joe Biden withdrew from the race, “Kamala Harris has brought joy back to our party and given our politics new energy”, enthused David Seaton, a 19-year-old delegate from Massachusetts.
“It’s just the energy that really motivates young people to vote,” he added.
“Before Kamala was our nominee, it was two old guys, and we can’t relate to that,” said 19-year-old Samantha Wigginton, with laughter.
Jasmine Wynn, 19, agreed: “I think Kamala as a candidate is more reflective of young America” pointing to the fact that Harris’s diverse background resonates with many Americans.
“So I think she’s just genuinely a more exciting candidate to vote for than Biden was”.
‘Pop culture’
The Democrats are determined to get the message across to young people.
For the first time in the party’s history, more than 200 influencers are accredited to participate in the event — massive presence designed to flood social networks.
“It’s been the most pro-youth convention,” hailed Siles from the Voters of Tomorrow organization.
“They use a lot of, like, pop culture, language and slang and everything like that. It feels like they’re relating to you and not having to put you up on their level,” said Wigginton who drove over six hours with her father from neighboring Kentucky.
For all that, the young Democrats warn that rhinestones and glitter will not be enough to win the hearts of the connected generation.
“The number one issue, it’s actually the economy,” Siles said.
To win, Kamala Harris, who has pledged to “fight” for the middle class, will have to convince them that she is best placed to deal with the exploding cost of living and offer them a better future.
