As the next generation begins their journey to the polls, they are reshaping the nation’s view of elections for years to come.
This past month, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has made many pit stops in Madison, rallying Dane County’s newest voters and capitalizing on young people’s growing support for the Democratic Party.
This isn’t just a temporary strategy. It symbolizes a long-term shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to leadership. As Gen Z becomes more politically aware and active, Democrats see an opportunity for them to establish party loyalty.
Harris’s campaign has consistently focused on college campuses. Harris took the stage at Alliant Energy Center in late September, urging all young voters to register and take part in their civic duty. Former President Barack Obama and vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appeared near campus on Oct. 22, encouraging people to vote early. In comparison, Donald Trump's approach has focused on larger rallies and less specificity on a certain demographic such as college students. Instead, he appeals to his existing followers and their views.
The best part of the campaign’s rallies in Madison has been the increased civic engagement on campus. Booths line Library Mall, setting up and energizing first-time voters for the polls.
These efforts aren’t just for this one election. By registering voters in Wisconsin, they’re encouraging all kinds of political involvement — a necessary foundation to be successful in this swing state long-term. It’s not just about winning votes, it’s about developing long-standing commitments to the party.
All of these efforts indicate that Democrats are showing a greater interest in the future of this nation than Republicans. Focusing on party loyalty, they’re prioritizing issues that will be relevant for years to come. This includes health care reform, reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights. By supporting the younger generation, the left is developing ties that will harbor them support in the future.
These ties aren’t difficult to make — policies important to young voters, such as student debt relief, are already commonly associated with left-leaning platforms. But they have also been a pivotal focus of Harris’s campaign. Her focus will shape young lives by showcasing the Democratic Party’s commitment to advancing social issues that matter most to them.
The Democratic Party has also shown a willingness to connect with young students online. This can be seen through its social media presence on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, where students already share polling information and debate the issues. In doing this, Democrats reach a younger demographic and take part in trends that students can relate to. For example, Harris’s TikTok page uses popular sounds and “Day in the Life” videos to connect with her audience. They make political awareness a natural aspect of social media.
Harris’s appearance on campus Wednesday is yet another example of how she is taking time to connect with young people. I know many people who intend to attend the rally because they were motivated by the musical acts. With supporting performances by artists such as Gracie Abrams (a member of Gen Z) and others, she’s showing her awareness of and commitment to students' interest through pop culture and music.
This isn’t just for short-term gain. Her audience is the future of democracy, and she's showing them their views matter in today’s politics. If candidates share their strategy down the line, they will be successful at fostering a connection with the future of the U.S.
Safa is a freshman studying journalism and economics. Do you agree that Harris's campaign is good for the democratic party long term? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
