Podcast Summary: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)
Date: July 7, 2024
Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media)
Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deeply into the anxieties, hopes, and frustrations of young American voters—especially Gen Z—amid the 2024 election cycle. Despite recent Democratic gains among youth, turnout and support seem more uncertain than ever. Through interviews with key pollsters and a ground-level organizer, the show explores what's truly motivating (or demotivating) young voters and lays bare the challenges both parties face in capturing their enthusiasm—or even their participation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Young Voters Are Disillusioned (00:33 - 07:42)

Generational Activism and Demand for Change:
Anderson Clayton (NC Democratic Party Chair, Age 26) notes, "Young people are always going to be the group that pushes us to be better, to have a more equitable and fair society, because we've always been that way on every civil justice fight that's existed." (00:33)
Many young voters aren't motivated by party loyalty, but by issues—affordable housing, job prospects, personal freedoms, abortion rights, and gun safety.
Voters in regions like the South feel their rights are being "stripped away" and see little future for themselves at home due to local/state policy shifts. "We have seen this legislature come for young people... these people are literally stripping away your fundamental freedom, I don’t know what more I can do in this election cycle." (Anderson Clayton, 03:00)

2. The Trust Gap and Representational Disconnect (05:08 - 07:42)

Young people care about “cost of living, their basic rights and freedoms, and the safety of their communities,” but doubt that politicians can deliver on them.
Many do not feel represented by current institutions or by politicians whose “life experiences seem so different and distant from their own.”

3. Polling Reality: Are Young Voters Actually Shifting? (07:42 - 10:44)

John Della Volpe asserts, “Among likely voters... the race is relatively normal,” but when polls widen to all 18-29-year-olds and consider third-party candidates, much more uncertainty emerges. (08:35)
Kristen Soltis Anderson points out potential poll flaws when youth samples are too small or “bounced around a lot”—dedicated youth polls are more reliable. Both agree: Young voters are dissatisfied with Biden, not conservative, and not joining the GOP.

4. Generational Cynicism and Systemic Frustration (11:07 - 15:15)

Focus group voices describe reaching adulthood as a moment when "everything sucks"—cynicism about politics, economics, and the system abounds.
Many feel government can't or won’t help: “At the end of the day, I don’t think the government’s coming to save anybody... we're all self-reliant.” (Focus group participant, 11:56)
Kristen reflects: “I worry we have a generation that has really fallen captive to this notion that they are victims... therefore just go blame everybody else. Everything's terrible.” (12:42)
However, optimism persists—they believe their own generation can fix things, just not the current leaders.

5. Economic Anxiety: The Heart of Young Voter Angst (20:58 - 29:42)

Housing and job precarity dominate focus groups. "I'm paying $2000 for a two-bedroom... my parents paid that as a mortgage on a mansion." (21:29)
There’s a new prevalence of homelessness or “on the verge of homeless” among young people—pollsters & hosts agree this is unprecedented.
Housing costs, student debt, low wage growth, and stagnant mobility fuel “stability” anxiety: “There is no stability in the political system... in their home or neighborhood... and that is driving a lot of anxiety and angst.” (John Della Volpe, 28:10)
Kristen: “Gen Z is just kind of outright rejecting [traditional markers of success]... saying, I see through this facade, I’m not interested in this farce.”

6. Chaos vs. Stability: Political Messaging Challenges (29:42 - 33:19)

Both parties struggle to frame an economic, pro-stability vision compelling to young voters.
The old Democratic message—government as a force for good—rings hollow if results aren’t personal, tangible, and quick.
Republican “economic populism” gains some traction among young men, but few buy into a full conservative turn.

7. Student Debt & Value of College (36:02 - 41:50)

Many regret attending college: “College was my biggest regret… I’m in debt and not working the job I wanted.” (36:16)
There’s little recognition among youth for Biden’s actual student debt relief. "Very few young people appreciate that... or that it’s been delivered to 10 million." (John Della Volpe, 37:25)
Widespread skepticism over college's ROI—many feel the “deal” has been broken, echoing a lack of value and misaligned incentives in higher education.

8. Rights, Freedoms, and the Dobbs Effect (42:00 - 49:26)

Reproductive rights, gun violence, and freedom of speech are central. “I have endometriosis... the possibility of having a risky pregnancy and not being able to get the health care I needed is a big right that I feel like I’ve lost.” (Atlanta voter, 43:00)
Young men and women—across parties—are more energized than previous generations about abortion rights, and polling shows a large, new gender divide.
Freedom of speech, once a conservative talking point, is now a broader concern: “I don’t know if I like this idea that because I hold a certain opinion, I'm going to be quote unquote canceled..." (Kristen, 48:38)

9. Foreign Policy, Gaza, and the New Isolationism (51:01 - 56:10)

Gaza and U.S. foreign aid emerge as litmus tests for many: “I can’t in good spirit… continue to vote Democrat... when I know my taxpayer money is funding bullets for children.” (Clip, 51:22)
Yet, as John notes, “Gaza tends to rank much lower on the list of issues that will determine their vote.” (53:01)
Both left and right-leaning youth are skeptical of U.S. global leadership. “There is a view that America can be a force for good. That is not something young people believe, no matter their place on the spectrum.” (Kristen, 53:49)

10. Views on Biden and Trump: Vibes Over Policy (57:08 - 62:07)

“Not a lot of Biden or Trump fans among these folks, which does reflect most of the polling.” (57:08)
There’s some nostalgia or “anti-hero” appeal to Trump. “He’s funny, tells it like it is... that was very appealing to my 18-year-old sensibility.” (Atlanta voter, 57:26)
Young voters often see themselves as forced into “lesser of two evils” choices. “If your choice is Biden or a racist, you kinda go with Biden.” (58:22)
Trump’s “celebrity” and “doesn’t care” persona appeals to some young men; Biden is seen as old and distant, with media often reinforcing these vibes.

11. Messaging Challenges & Media Strategy (62:07 - 64:50)

Political campaigns must reach youth via trusted channels—TikTok, YouTube, and peer-to-peer influence—not official ads or traditional news.
“You need to play in the vibes playground... and that starts with sophisticated strategies around YouTube and TikTok.” (John Della Volpe, 62:55)

12. Persuasion—What Might Break Through? (64:50 - 67:30)

For persuadable youth, the best anti-Trump argument is that he offers "transformation” backwards, not forward-looking.
For Biden, reminding them he’s delivered on youth priorities despite obstacles (climate, gun violence, debt) is crucial.

13. On-the-Ground Organizing: A Path Forward (69:10 - 71:36)

Anderson Clayton describes creative approaches to organizing in NC: “Where do we find young voters in this county? Do you have a Lowe’s, a Walmart, a fast food restaurant?... On the shift change, are you out there with a clipboard asking those folks if they're registered to vote?" (69:10)
She implores: “I need people to wake the fuck up this year that you’re not just voting for yourself. You are voting for every other person in this country, in this state that is marginalized.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Anderson Clayton:
"Young people are always going to be the group that pushes us to be better … we always demand a more equitable and fair society." (00:33)
"Voting this year is about survival for us in so many ways… I know we have to be better than that." (70:29, 71:36)
John Della Volpe:
"No administration has been more youth-forward in terms of their agenda as the Biden-Harris administration... Yet they're not able to see that." (15:46)
“There is no stability... in the political system, the world, or their own home.” (28:10)
Kristen Soltis Anderson:
"I worry we have a generation that has fallen captive to this notion that they are victims... Everything's terrible.” (12:42)
“For the millennial angst, it was getting a job. For Gen Z, they're outright rejecting the whole system—'I'm not participating in this farce.'" (25:02)

Important Segment Timestamps

00:33 – 05:08: Anderson Clayton on generational activism, rights, and southern politics
07:42 – 10:44: Dissecting polling discrepancies among young voters
11:07 – 15:15: Focus group voices—cynicism, self-reliance, systemic frustration
20:58 – 29:42: Economic insecurities—housing, jobs, debt, and stability
36:02 – 41:50: Student debt and questioning college's value
42:00 – 49:26: Rights, freedoms, abortion, and free speech
51:01 – 56:10: Gaza, foreign policy, and the new youth isolationism
57:08 – 62:07: "Lesser of two evils" and Trump/Biden "vibes" politics
62:07 – 64:50: Campaign messaging and social media
69:10 – 71:36: Anderson’s organizing strategies and calls to action

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is urgent, candid, and at times, bleak—mirroring the young voters themselves. Beneath the doomerism lies a resilient faith in youth's capacity to bring change, and a warning: Without genuine outreach, relatable messengers, and tangible results, neither party can take the next generation for granted.

[End of Summary]

Podcast Summary: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)
Date: July 7, 2024
Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media)
Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Young Voters Are Disillusioned (00:33 - 07:42)

Generational Activism and Demand for Change:
Anderson Clayton (NC Democratic Party Chair, Age 26) notes, "Young people are always going to be the group that pushes us to be better, to have a more equitable and fair society, because we've always been that way on every civil justice fight that's existed." (00:33)
Many young voters aren't motivated by party loyalty, but by issues—affordable housing, job prospects, personal freedoms, abortion rights, and gun safety.
Voters in regions like the South feel their rights are being "stripped away" and see little future for themselves at home due to local/state policy shifts. "We have seen this legislature come for young people... these people are literally stripping away your fundamental freedom, I don’t know what more I can do in this election cycle." (Anderson Clayton, 03:00)

2. The Trust Gap and Representational Disconnect (05:08 - 07:42)

Young people care about “cost of living, their basic rights and freedoms, and the safety of their communities,” but doubt that politicians can deliver on them.
Many do not feel represented by current institutions or by politicians whose “life experiences seem so different and distant from their own.”

3. Polling Reality: Are Young Voters Actually Shifting? (07:42 - 10:44)

John Della Volpe asserts, “Among likely voters... the race is relatively normal,” but when polls widen to all 18-29-year-olds and consider third-party candidates, much more uncertainty emerges. (08:35)
Kristen Soltis Anderson points out potential poll flaws when youth samples are too small or “bounced around a lot”—dedicated youth polls are more reliable. Both agree: Young voters are dissatisfied with Biden, not conservative, and not joining the GOP.

4. Generational Cynicism and Systemic Frustration (11:07 - 15:15)

Focus group voices describe reaching adulthood as a moment when "everything sucks"—cynicism about politics, economics, and the system abounds.
Many feel government can't or won’t help: “At the end of the day, I don’t think the government’s coming to save anybody... we're all self-reliant.” (Focus group participant, 11:56)
Kristen reflects: “I worry we have a generation that has really fallen captive to this notion that they are victims... therefore just go blame everybody else. Everything's terrible.” (12:42)
However, optimism persists—they believe their own generation can fix things, just not the current leaders.

5. Economic Anxiety: The Heart of Young Voter Angst (20:58 - 29:42)

Housing and job precarity dominate focus groups. "I'm paying $2000 for a two-bedroom... my parents paid that as a mortgage on a mansion." (21:29)
There’s a new prevalence of homelessness or “on the verge of homeless” among young people—pollsters & hosts agree this is unprecedented.
Housing costs, student debt, low wage growth, and stagnant mobility fuel “stability” anxiety: “There is no stability in the political system... in their home or neighborhood... and that is driving a lot of anxiety and angst.” (John Della Volpe, 28:10)
Kristen: “Gen Z is just kind of outright rejecting [traditional markers of success]... saying, I see through this facade, I’m not interested in this farce.”

6. Chaos vs. Stability: Political Messaging Challenges (29:42 - 33:19)

Both parties struggle to frame an economic, pro-stability vision compelling to young voters.
The old Democratic message—government as a force for good—rings hollow if results aren’t personal, tangible, and quick.
Republican “economic populism” gains some traction among young men, but few buy into a full conservative turn.

7. Student Debt & Value of College (36:02 - 41:50)

Many regret attending college: “College was my biggest regret… I’m in debt and not working the job I wanted.” (36:16)
There’s little recognition among youth for Biden’s actual student debt relief. "Very few young people appreciate that... or that it’s been delivered to 10 million." (John Della Volpe, 37:25)
Widespread skepticism over college's ROI—many feel the “deal” has been broken, echoing a lack of value and misaligned incentives in higher education.

8. Rights, Freedoms, and the Dobbs Effect (42:00 - 49:26)

Reproductive rights, gun violence, and freedom of speech are central. “I have endometriosis... the possibility of having a risky pregnancy and not being able to get the health care I needed is a big right that I feel like I’ve lost.” (Atlanta voter, 43:00)
Young men and women—across parties—are more energized than previous generations about abortion rights, and polling shows a large, new gender divide.
Freedom of speech, once a conservative talking point, is now a broader concern: “I don’t know if I like this idea that because I hold a certain opinion, I'm going to be quote unquote canceled..." (Kristen, 48:38)

9. Foreign Policy, Gaza, and the New Isolationism (51:01 - 56:10)

Gaza and U.S. foreign aid emerge as litmus tests for many: “I can’t in good spirit… continue to vote Democrat... when I know my taxpayer money is funding bullets for children.” (Clip, 51:22)
Yet, as John notes, “Gaza tends to rank much lower on the list of issues that will determine their vote.” (53:01)
Both left and right-leaning youth are skeptical of U.S. global leadership. “There is a view that America can be a force for good. That is not something young people believe, no matter their place on the spectrum.” (Kristen, 53:49)

10. Views on Biden and Trump: Vibes Over Policy (57:08 - 62:07)

“Not a lot of Biden or Trump fans among these folks, which does reflect most of the polling.” (57:08)
There’s some nostalgia or “anti-hero” appeal to Trump. “He’s funny, tells it like it is... that was very appealing to my 18-year-old sensibility.” (Atlanta voter, 57:26)
Young voters often see themselves as forced into “lesser of two evils” choices. “If your choice is Biden or a racist, you kinda go with Biden.” (58:22)
Trump’s “celebrity” and “doesn’t care” persona appeals to some young men; Biden is seen as old and distant, with media often reinforcing these vibes.

11. Messaging Challenges & Media Strategy (62:07 - 64:50)

Political campaigns must reach youth via trusted channels—TikTok, YouTube, and peer-to-peer influence—not official ads or traditional news.
“You need to play in the vibes playground... and that starts with sophisticated strategies around YouTube and TikTok.” (John Della Volpe, 62:55)

12. Persuasion—What Might Break Through? (64:50 - 67:30)

For persuadable youth, the best anti-Trump argument is that he offers "transformation” backwards, not forward-looking.
For Biden, reminding them he’s delivered on youth priorities despite obstacles (climate, gun violence, debt) is crucial.

13. On-the-Ground Organizing: A Path Forward (69:10 - 71:36)

Anderson Clayton describes creative approaches to organizing in NC: “Where do we find young voters in this county? Do you have a Lowe’s, a Walmart, a fast food restaurant?... On the shift change, are you out there with a clipboard asking those folks if they're registered to vote?" (69:10)
She implores: “I need people to wake the fuck up this year that you’re not just voting for yourself. You are voting for every other person in this country, in this state that is marginalized.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Anderson Clayton:
"Young people are always going to be the group that pushes us to be better … we always demand a more equitable and fair society." (00:33)
"Voting this year is about survival for us in so many ways… I know we have to be better than that." (70:29, 71:36)
John Della Volpe:
"No administration has been more youth-forward in terms of their agenda as the Biden-Harris administration... Yet they're not able to see that." (15:46)
“There is no stability... in the political system, the world, or their own home.” (28:10)
Kristen Soltis Anderson:
"I worry we have a generation that has fallen captive to this notion that they are victims... Everything's terrible.” (12:42)
“For the millennial angst, it was getting a job. For Gen Z, they're outright rejecting the whole system—'I'm not participating in this farce.'" (25:02)

Important Segment Timestamps

00:33 – 05:08: Anderson Clayton on generational activism, rights, and southern politics
07:42 – 10:44: Dissecting polling discrepancies among young voters
11:07 – 15:15: Focus group voices—cynicism, self-reliance, systemic frustration
20:58 – 29:42: Economic insecurities—housing, jobs, debt, and stability
36:02 – 41:50: Student debt and questioning college's value
42:00 – 49:26: Rights, freedoms, abortion, and free speech
51:01 – 56:10: Gaza, foreign policy, and the new youth isolationism
57:08 – 62:07: "Lesser of two evils" and Trump/Biden "vibes" politics
62:07 – 64:50: Campaign messaging and social media
69:10 – 71:36: Anderson’s organizing strategies and calls to action

Tone & Takeaways

[End of Summary]

Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Podcast Summary: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5) Date: July 7, 2024 Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media) Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Young Voters Are Disillusioned (00:33 - 07:42)

2. The Trust Gap and Representational Disconnect (05:08 - 07:42)

3. Polling Reality: Are Young Voters Actually Shifting? (07:42 - 10:44)

4. Generational Cynicism and Systemic Frustration (11:07 - 15:15)

5. Economic Anxiety: The Heart of Young Voter Angst (20:58 - 29:42)

6. Chaos vs. Stability: Political Messaging Challenges (29:42 - 33:19)

7. Student Debt & Value of College (36:02 - 41:50)

8. Rights, Freedoms, and the Dobbs Effect (42:00 - 49:26)

9. Foreign Policy, Gaza, and the New Isolationism (51:01 - 56:10)

10. Views on Biden and Trump: Vibes Over Policy (57:08 - 62:07)

11. Messaging Challenges & Media Strategy (62:07 - 64:50)

12. Persuasion—What Might Break Through? (64:50 - 67:30)

13. On-the-Ground Organizing: A Path Forward (69:10 - 71:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways

Summary

Podcast Summary: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5) Date: July 7, 2024 Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media) Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Young Voters Are Disillusioned (00:33 - 07:42)

2. The Trust Gap and Representational Disconnect (05:08 - 07:42)

3. Polling Reality: Are Young Voters Actually Shifting? (07:42 - 10:44)

4. Generational Cynicism and Systemic Frustration (11:07 - 15:15)

5. Economic Anxiety: The Heart of Young Voter Angst (20:58 - 29:42)

6. Chaos vs. Stability: Political Messaging Challenges (29:42 - 33:19)

7. Student Debt & Value of College (36:02 - 41:50)

8. Rights, Freedoms, and the Dobbs Effect (42:00 - 49:26)

9. Foreign Policy, Gaza, and the New Isolationism (51:01 - 56:10)

10. Views on Biden and Trump: Vibes Over Policy (57:08 - 62:07)

11. Messaging Challenges & Media Strategy (62:07 - 64:50)

12. Persuasion—What Might Break Through? (64:50 - 67:30)

13. On-the-Ground Organizing: A Path Forward (69:10 - 71:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)
Date: July 7, 2024
Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media)
Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)

Episode Title: Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)
Date: July 7, 2024
Host: Alex Wagner (Crooked Media)
Key Guests: Anderson Clayton (Youngest State Party Chair, NC), John Della Volpe (Harvard polling director & Biden advisor), Kristen Soltis Anderson (Republican pollster and author)