Richard Sweeney, K. Cathy Sun, Naomi Davy and Will Matheson are undergraduates at Harvard College and members of the Institute of Politics. The views expressed in this commentary are their own. View more opinion on CNN.
There are a lot of misconceptions about young American voters. Many assume we are left-wing Twitter warriors, bleeding-heart socialists or an ignorant monolith that cares more about the latest celebrity showdown than about substantive issues. As it turns out, all these generalizations are either misconstrued or misguided. To all the candidates running for president in 2020, we're here to set the record straight.
In direct contrast with the trite stereotypes used to portray us, our opinions are nuanced and divided; Our political attitudes are multifaceted and critical, and our allegiance is to values, not labels. We want candidates who will engage us on the substance of the issues. We aren't here to listen to empty catchphrases. We're waiting for concrete solutions and well-grounded ideas on issues that weigh heavily on our minds.
Next US president could be youngest ever 02:24Politicians today miss this distinction by being too quick to generalize. Yes, young voters overwhelmingly want solutions to climate change, but they want comprehensive solutions that can practically account for economic consequences. This holds true for other issues impacting our long-term futures, including economic inequality, health care and higher education.
Opinion It is striking that even with all the brainwashing suffered in schools, young people have been smart enough not to get carried away by the failed ideas of the left, like single payer healthcare, new green deal, taxing the rich 70%, etc
Opinion yea . some have been indoctrinated by their nazi parents
Opinion I just vote for the non piece of shit which is hard so you pick the lesser
Opinion Tweet Tweet // Tweet Tweet I'm It! LoL off both sides of your track! Twitter's! Hers your Black's Muslim Taliban's Mexican Cartel Russian Dictating Commies Obama Breeches in its true colors! People!
Opinion The young ppl is our only hope for change.
Opinion I'd would think voters of all ages should be concerned about McConnell's and Republicans proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare. I didn't see that mentioned here. I know that seems way off for young voters, but it's not and will lead to most being in poverty in old age.
Opinion we looking for the money, and we not going to find it on the left!
Opinion Produced by realhublife
Opinion Whatever the fuck that means.
Opinion They should be
Opinion This is why we need Twitter to be more aggressive in silencing these right wing Nazis.
Opinion Some are old, too.
Opinion Thank God for that.
Opinion Its over CNN. Close your door Your FakeNews is not welcome anymore. You are through TrumpPence2020 Trump2020 Election2020 KAG KeepAmericaGreat AmericaFIRST MAGA EqualPayDay AlexaDoesntKnow WOLMUN
Opinion It’s not our fault some of the young people were raised by evil humans who spread their ignorance and hatred for what’s different...
Opinion That's right.
Opinion Its true. We just ignore the Baby Boomers sometimes. They hate that.
Opinion What a shocking revelation! YouReallySuck CNNSucks WheresTheNews
Opinion That's impressive because the schools brainwash kids into liberal ideas.
Opinion Top quality reporting. Most of us aren’t brainwashed like these muppets
Opinion I mean. Wow. No shit?
Opinion Hey Slick, that ain't a urinal
Opinion You're just figuring this out, huh?