Sara Haile-Mariam

My latest on Huffpost- on young people, policy, and the midterms. Excerpt below:

To that end, passing loan reform gives democrats the ammunition they need to re-engage young voters. Let’s be clear; young people did not simply vote for Barack Obama but for the principles that he spoke of and the policies that he promised. Among them, they voted to make college more affordable. A recent study released by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics speaks of their frustration and reveals that 45% of the 18-29 year olds polled “are concerned about their ability to stay in college given the state of the economy.” Passing loan reform indicates that democrats hear them and that they’re doing something about it.

An excerpt from Meghan McCain’s speech before the Log Cabin Republicans:

“I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people’s lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican.”

While I don’t ascribe to the same political ideology as Meghan, I wanted to take a moment to wish her luck. The party leadership would be wise to listen to her; young people are diverse, politically complicated, and still up for grabs. The Republican party as it stands right now has no chance of winning them over with teabagging and cries of socialism. Those tactics represent politics at its worse and are incredibly damaging for a party that’s already perceived as being divisive and exclusive.

Young people responded to an inclusive message in 2008 and Meghan is right to want to tap into that. After the images that resulted from last weeks protests, I can’t help but feel relieved to hear an inclusive voice on the right. We should be able to have a politics that while comprised of competing viewpoints operates within a respectful climate.

I wish her, and RINOS like her, nothing but luck as they fight for the future of the Republican party.