we already know young voters are not going to turnout in the same numbers
as 2008-- I don't see this as earth shattering good news.

it's earth shattering?

(only) 80 posts in over 10 years on DU?
That's gotta be a record.

but maybe he likes to read instead.

So... yes it is good news.

Those who haven't been dis-enfranchised, that is!

I can't understand why any young person would support romney. He even scares me!

they're not scared enough. They've never lived thru a political gut
blow like in 2000 and then lived with the consequences. They've
grown up with a country at war that has barely touched their lives.
They don't equate the fucked up economy with the wars and tax cuts
for the rich. How differently they would feel if there was a draft to
contend with.

I have two twenty year olds and between them and their friends I'm
worried there is an apathy settling in. Locally they get involved, but
they think national politics is a rigged game and while they are convinced
Obama will win, many of them barely have the campaign on their radar.

My son is older than that and refuses to vote. He is just disgusted with all of it. He lives in VA and I begged him to vote against McDonnell, but he wouldn't listen.

We just have to keep trying!

Four age groups: 18–29; 30–44; 45–64; 65 and over. The first and last nationally disagree—with the latter voting Republican and the former Democratic on a national level. The in-between groups tend to be the most decisive factor. This is attributed to those two middle groups ending up representing over 50 percent, and on the way to 55 percent, of all votes cast. The youngest and oldest group are lucky to combine for 45 percent.

It's constantly being stated the young won't show. But the old aren't anymore of a guarantee. Few exceptions come along. The youngest group made the difference for Barack Obama having won pickups with both Indiana and North Carolina in 2008. The oldest group was pivotal to Bill Clinton winning over Florida in 1992.

In most cases, nationally, a presidential winner will carry three of the four age groups. And, for a given presidential election, it's the two in-betweens who actually swing it decisively to one party or the other.

Much more numerous groups.