Young voters and women shaped the results in Iowa's caucuses this week and were responsible for driving the record turnout, according to poll results published in the Des Moines Register.
Young adults attending the Democratic caucuses in larger numbers than usual threw most of their support behind Obama. Fifty-seven percent of those 17 to 29 made him their choice, according to a caucus entrance poll done for the Associated Press and several television networks. ... The entrance poll showed 35 percent of women supporting Obama, which topped the 30 percent for Clinton and 23 percent for former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards. Women outnumbered men at the Democratic caucuses by nearly a 3-to-2 margin.
Clearly the next generation that will take over the country wants some say in what they'll inherit. Women are also feeling empowered and want to make sure their majority voice is heard.
"Thirteen percent of eligible Iowans in the under-30 group took part in the caucuses overall, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement. The turnout rate rose to 13 percent in 2008 from 4 percent in 2004 and 3 percent in 2000," the newspaper reported.
The question for Tuesday night will be whether the women and youth of New Hampshire share the same passion for change as their cohorts in Iowa.
- Jim Grinstead
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