The future of the Republican Party
In the midst of the 2016 presidential election, Republican Party candidate Donald Trump has made several comments that deviate from some of the party’s values. In a way, Trump has changed the way individuals, particularly those in the Millennial (Generation Y) demographic, view the Republican Party. With Millennials now coming of age, they will become the leaders of the country in the near future. Millennials are already largely Democrat, and now Millennial Republicans are faced with a choice of whether to stick with their party, or switch over to the Democrats in the post-election era.
Republicans’ view of Millennials needs to change if they want their vote. Putting stereotypes aside and realizing the potential of Millennials is key. It also needs to be taken into account that Millennials make up the largest voting demographic in the United States in terms of age.
Born in an age where the government has an increasing presence in economic affairs, Millennials tend to favor socialism over free-market capitalism. However, these individuals tend to support Republican fiscal policy, which includes lighter taxes when compared to Democrats. This is one of the few advantages Republicans already have over Democrats in terms of appealing to voters.
Republicans may not be able to make college free for Generation Y, but they can certainly make it more affordable. The student debt crisis is alive and well, and more students are declining to go to college with the fear of falling into the void of debt.
Millennials are the most diverse generation in history, and the Democratic Party does an excellent job appealing to the ethnically diverse. With some Millennials having the stereotypical idea that Republicans are just a bunch of grumpy old white men, they tend to ignore what the party has to say about race.
Creating a platform that is more accepting of the LGBT community would be essential for Republicans. Nearly 75% of Millennials support marriage equality. Young Republicans’ tolerance of same-sex marriage has increased in recent years, but older Republicans are still reluctant to change their views.
These are just some of the ways the Republican Party can attempt to pull in Millennial voters.
“A big part of running political parties is marketing,” said LVHS Senior Carter Hall, adding, “Many believe if the Republicans "updated" some of their beliefs and positions, they could win a lot more millennial voters.”
Millennials are looking ahead, and they want to hear how it’s going to be a prosperous future. Being born in a generation where racial, gender, and sexual orientation acceptance is high amongst them, it is a generation unlike any seen before. The future of the United States is about to get in the driver’s seat, and one thing is for sure, it’s going to be a wild ride.
