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Appalachian Voters and Race

Kentucky and Oregon held primaries this week and race was once again a topic of conversation in the Democratic contest. According to the US Census, both Oregon and Kentucky have predominantly white populations - 90 percent. Last week, there was a lot of talk about rural white voters in West Virginia’s Appalachian region because of the primary there. This week, many Appalachians in Kentucky voted, and 21-year old Ada Smith from the Appalachian Media Institute was one of them. She lives in Whitesburg, Kentucky and wants to set the record straight before her vote gets analyzed by pundits.

Poverty and Politics

When John Edwards dropped out of the Democratic Presidential race, he did an unusual thing. He called his chief rivals and asked them to adopt one of the central issues from his campaign – poverty reduction. 21-year-old Machlyn Blair from Whitesburg, Kentucky would like to second Edwards’ request.

A Young Conservative’s Busted Enthusiasm

It’s exciting to be a first-time voter - a chance to have your voice heard and your vote counted. But what’s it like to be a first-time voter when the candidate you support, isn’t the one receiving most of the attention? 18-year-old Meghan Scheidemann, a freshman at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, is in exactly that position.

The West Wing and My Political Identity

The West Wing is a television show that provides viewers with an inside look into the lives of staffers in the west wing of the White House. For Blunt Youth Radio’s William Nelligan, the award-winning sitcom helped spark an interest in history and politics.

Stepping into the Voting Booth in NY
There’s been a huge buzz about the influence of young voters in this election. Commentator Donald Moore is part of that trend. He calls himself a political junkie and is following the race online with friends. He sent his observations about the experience of actually stepping in the booth to vote on Super Tuesday…and checking out the scene at his polling place in Brooklyn, New York.

The Fringies
What is the point of those individuals in the presidential races that are unheard of and don't stand a chance of winning? Youth Radio's Nico Savidge explains the importance of "fringies" to the political process.

Generational Voters
Many analysts predict that people under 30 will play an influential role in the 2008 presidential elections. But that doesn’t mean older generations of voters are taking young voters seriously, says Youth Radio’s Lizbeth Ayala. She spent time with young and old voters alike during California’s primary earlier this month.

Super Tuesday Youth Essays
It's just a few days until Super Tuesday, when 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses. We asked Youth Radio to bring us perspectives from three distinct parts of the country to find out from young people what candidates will have to do to get their votes.

Politics and Me
Many adults claim that teenagers are too young to understand politics. Blunt Youth Radio’s Libby Donovan thinks it’s not they are too young, but they flat out just don’t care. In this commentary, she explains the formation of her political identity.

A West Wing Moment
The West Wing is a television show that provides viewers with an inside look into the lives of staffers in the west wing of the White House. For Blunt Youth Radio’s William Nelligan, the award-winning drama helped spark an interest in history and politics.

Possibility of an Assassination Attempt?
People across America are expressing fears that Barack Obama, possibly the first African American President, will be kept from the White House by an assassin's bullet. Some voters claim that their premonition is so great that they will not vote for Obama. Others admit to the fear but believe that his run for the Presidency is a greater good that calls for courage in the face of danger. Here are some reactions from two Youth Radio producers.
Related Story: Hushed Worry About Obama (nytimes.com)

Michigan Primary
The state of Michigan was stripped of all its delegates at this year’s democratic convention as a penalty for moving up the primary election from February 5th to January 15th. As a result, Michigan’s primary will have no effect on the democratic nominee for president. Youth radio’s Caitlin Grey talked to Jana Grcevich; a young voter from Michigan and Barack Obama supporter, about why she decided to turn out at the polls.

Obama Fo’ Yo’ Mama!
Illinois senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama has struck gold in the form of a candidate endorsement from the all-powerful Oprah Winfrey. In addition to throwing him her support, she threw Obama a fundraiser that netted millions of dollars for his campaign. She says Obama is the only candidate who will get air time on her show… giving him a valuable audience with women, who constitute the majority of Oprah’s viewers. In the run up to this big endorsement, Youth Radio’s Alana Germany got a chance to see how Bay Area women are responding to Oprah’s favorite candidate.

A Popularity Contest
With the 2008 Elections taking place right around the corner, Youth Radio's Jennifer Marshall finds no reason in participating in the decision making process. She feels next years cannidates will win due to their popularity rather than their concern with social and enviornmental issues.

MySpace Candidates
The presidential election might be a year-and-a-half away, but all of the major campaigns are in full swing. Of course, candidates are using the standard political tactics – traveling the country, making speeches, and debating the issues. Youth Radio’s Alana Germany investigates the newest strategy candidates are using to reach young voters: MySpace.

Activist Urges Hip Hop Generation to "Seize the Moment" and Vote

Women for Obama in
San Francisco

Meet The Mess