A recent poll conducted by the Democratic firm Blueprint, exclusively obtained by Semafor, reveals a deeply pessimistic view of American politics among young voters. The survey, which included 943 registered voters aged 18-30, shows that many young Americans believe the country’s political system is failing them and that corruption is rampant among politicians.
According to the poll, nearly half of the participants feel that elections do not represent people like them, and 51% believe the political system does not work for them. An overwhelming 64% agree that “America is in decline,” and a staggering 65% think that “nearly all politicians are corrupt and make money from their political power,” with only 7% disagreeing. These numbers indicate a widespread disillusionment with the political landscape.
Evan Roth Smith, Blueprint’s lead pollster, expressed surprise at the scale of these sentiments. “Young voters do not look at our politics and see any good guys. They see a dying empire led by bad people,” he told Semafor. This bleak outlook poses a significant challenge for President Joe Biden, who is struggling to gain support from Gen Z and younger Millennials, a demographic he needs to secure for re-election.
The poll also reflects a broader sense of decline in America. While 45% of respondents believe their personal lives will be better than their parents’, 54% think the country as a whole is worsening. This sentiment cuts across party lines, encompassing Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is another major factor in young voters’ dissatisfaction. A majority of 51% said they were happier before the pandemic, 77% believe it changed the country for the worse, and 45% feel less connected to friends and acquaintances than they did five years ago.
Smith emphasizes the need for politicians to acknowledge the struggles young voters face, particularly regarding the economy and inflation. “Step one is more fully admitting that people are hurting,” he said. “And that we’re doing something about it. That it’s not all roses, and communicating that really, really strongly: That we don’t think everything is great.”
The poll paints a grim picture of young Americans’ faith in their political system and leaders. As they confront a future they perceive as increasingly bleak, their growing disillusionment signals urgent challenges for those in power.
