Electronic music, friendship bracelets and condoms: Democrats pulled out all the stops this week to attract young Americans to their Chicago high mass, an electorate that will be crucial to their victory in the November election.
As a lighthearted interlude, a fair called “DemPalooza” is held in parallel with the convention, in a nod to the famous music festival “Lollapalooza”, which is held every summer in the largest city in Illinois.
On the menu: workshops and conferences but also manicures and bracelet making.
“It’s just so much fun,” said Cadence Warner, 17, as she threaded the last beads onto her blue accessory, which she had written “vote” and “Kamala,” a reference to the Democratic candidate’s first name.
Far from being a superficial activity, these workshops above all allow people to talk politics, assures Jessica Siles, 24, a member of the organization “Voters of tomorrow”.
“It might sound a little silly, but it’s relevant, and it’s a great conversation starter,” she says, pointing to beaded bracelets, popularized by fans of pop star Taylor Swift, and condoms.
The latter reads “Fuck Project 2025,” a reference to a very conservative program designed by people close to former President Donald Trump and against which Democrats are campaigning.
Absenteeism
While young people historically tend to vote for Democrats, the question of their mobilization constitutes a crucial issue for the party, while the election promises to be extremely close.
Only 53% of young people aged 18 to 29 said they were certain to vote in November, according to a poll published in April by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics.
Before Kamala was our candidate, it was a duel between two old guys, and to be really honest with you, we didn’t identify with them.
This election “will be won in large part by your age group,” Harris’ running mate Tim Walz acknowledged during a surprise appearance Tuesday at a youth event.
“It will be up to you to elect the first woman president of the United States,” the former professor proclaimed, to the enthusiastic applause of young people.
The atmosphere in the room is electric. After Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race, “Kamala Harris has brought joy and new energy to our party,” said David Seaton, a delegate from Massachusetts who is only 19.
“And that’s the energy that really motivates young people to vote,” he insists.
“Before Kamala was our candidate, it was a duel between two old guys, and to be really honest with you, we didn’t identify with them,” adds Samantha Wigginton, 19, with a laugh.
This year, the young woman will vote for the first time in her life.
“As a candidate, Kamala is more reflective of young America,” said Jasmine Wynn, also 19, pointing out that she is a woman from a diverse background.
Her running mate Tim Walz benefits from a significant amount of sympathy with his good nature, and above all from a pro-youth record, she says.
“Brat”
Democrats are determined to get the message across to young people.
For the first time in the party’s history, more than 200 influencers were accredited to participate in the event. A massive presence destined to flood social networks.
“This is the most youth-oriented convention ever,” says Jessica Siles of Voters of Tomorrow.
“They use a lot of pop culture and slang,” said Samantha Wigginton, who traveled more than six hours with her father from neighboring Kentucky to attend DemPalooza.
“They really talk to us and don’t try to put us on their level,” says Samantha Wigginton. “That means they respect our beliefs and opinions.”
However, warn the young democrats, it will not be enough to have flashiness and glitter to win the hearts of this connected generation.
“The number one concern of young people remains that of the economy,” points out Mme Siles. To win, Kamala Harris, who has promised to “fight” for the middle class, will therefore have to try to convince them that she is best placed to face the explosion in the cost of living, and offer them a golden future.