Hundreds of young voters talk politics amid polarized election season

[@MedicUSA]

"We, the People," should be able to have healthy discussions and political debates regarding policy without name-calling and disrespecting one another.

[@jacksonbarstow995]

As one of the almost 500 teens that attended this program last month, it was an amazing experience! We got to have super engaging discourse and look at several different topics. No matter what people's views were (conservative, liberal, or otherwise), we treated each other with respect and let everyone voice their opinions. We also had panels on each of our main topics led by experts where we got to ask questions that we had come up with in our small-group discussions. We found that the adult panelists struggled to debate in a calm and productive way, often interrupting each other and raising their voices. I was really nervous about democracy and the future of our country before this program; However, following my 4 days in D.C. with all these other amazing teens, I am much more excited to see what the future brings. This program showed me that our generation is ready and willing to bring about change no matter what people do to try and discredit us. I also made memories and connections with people from all around our country that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

[@RidingwithStymie]

Good for you! Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm thrilled to see you engaged.

[@Lerian_V]

Thanks for sharing. I wish I participated but I'm a Millennial. I'm not surprised at all about it older annalise screaming at each other. You can see it live in the media channels 24/7.

[@ammaopoku5397]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience… this is much appreciated

[@veemiles8774]

You should be proud of your participation. I wish you all the very best for your future.

[@pamelapeterson2987]

It is great to see young people engaging with one another in a positive and respectful discourse. It is very encouraging for us, shall I say, "more mature" Americans.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

This is so true and so important. Both parties can take certain things too far. And in this divisive time, we have stopped listening to each other and finding more common ground. Instead people are so calcified in their position and view anyone that has even a slightly different opinion as enemies instead of just people with maybe a different set of concerns. I hope America gets it together and my faith is in the younger generation who aren't as stubborn as the hardline old-timers.

[@veemiles8774]

These kind of young people give me hope for the future. These young people are desperately needed right now for it is they who can bring about a much better future even if at the moment they don’t realise it.

[@loc9956]

Voting Blue 💙

[@RidingwithStymie]

That is so awesome! I regret that I didn't begin to participate in democracy until my late 20s, and then it was sporadic until my 40s. Our democracy will function MUCH better if we have full participation of all voting age citizens.

[@matthewwwade]

Pope Francis once said something that I hang on to when it comes to making peace with people who I disagree with. He said that if we focus on what we have in common instead of what separates us then we can find peace there. Even if it is just the shared humanity we have peace can be found in focusing on that. It works for me!

[@Frenetic321]

Voting prevents unwanted presidencies 🌊🌊🌊🌊 👇

[@loc9956]

💙💙

[@islavuts]

more of this!

[@box-and-one]

Teaching teenagers that we live in a democracy is your first problem...

[@MeshMN]

Voters are sick of Trump/MAGA and their relentless pessimism 💙 Harris/Walz 💙 - let's flush the Trump toilet - VOTE BLUE

[@opekatakata1424]

And you love the forever wars, economic downturn, unaffordable housing and immigration crisis? Can you hate Trump so much to disregard all the damage that the Biden Harris admin has done to your country? I thought elections should be a way to hold elected officials accountable but you're ignoring poor performance just because you want to punish Trump. Bitterness blinds

[@MRick-cd1kr]

YOUNG PEOPLE WILL VOTE THEMSELVES INTO POVERTY

[@Turnermama]

Yet these young people will determine who is in the White House. They have more longevity than us old folks. Better give them the respect they deserve.

[@cjcanady7004]

Funny how they mentioned the freedom of anonymity on the internet in the video, and here comes slime like this posting hateful messages behind a vague anonymous username. Impeccable timing.

[@Stratsrule]

And if they do it’s theirs!!! Can’t all voters be 90 years old

[@MRick-cd1kr]

@@Turnermama they deserve nothing . but they will learn the hard way

[@MRick-cd1kr]

@@cjcanady7004 how is fact hateful

[@RogelioSoto-i9d]

They should earn some wages first so they know the true effect of voting.

[@jacksonbarstow995]

Most of the program participants do earn wages. It was all teens between older 17 and 19. Most of us have been working for almost 2 years.

[@pamelapeterson2987]

There seems to be a misperception that teens don't work. I have worked and earned a wage since I was 15 years old...even before I could vote...today's teens are no different.

[@Kzz90-y7z]

Let's CHANT !!!! ✅We’re not going back !!!! ☑We are speaking !!!! ✅We’re not going back !!!!! ✅We are speaking !!!! ☑We’re not going back !!!! ✅We’re not going back !!!! ☑We are speaking !!!! ✅We’re not going back !!!! ☑We are speaking !!!! ✅We’re not going back !!!!

[@danieln.6097]

You mean go back to when gas, groceries & life was affordable under Trump or back to the last 4 years of an unaffordability crisis numerous wars & mass illegal immigration?

[@johnnylafayette]

Lol kids just showed yall old people up. Coach might be a well choice

[@RidingwithStymie]

This old white man agrees with you.

[@jamesskinner7185]

Bull😂😂😂

[@RidingwithStymie]

HOPE and JOY are winning over division.

[@ThatonedudeCR12956]

It's literally a report on something that happened. You saying bull is just wild.

[@Dwn2Race]

How many of them Believe “Men can Give Birth”….

[@RidingwithStymie]

HOPE and JOY over anger and division. Kamala & Coach will win by 10 million votes. Remember I said this (and I'm an old white man).

[@austinyates7132]

Men don’t give birth

[@pamelapeterson2987]

I'm guessing this wasn't one of the more pressing issues for these youth...

[@deeznutz8320]

@@RidingwithStymie So your a traitor to your own kind good to know

[@michaelmosquera4709]

The gospel is simple. --Jesus Christ, who is God's Son, died on the cross for the sins of every person. He was buried and rose again three days later. --Eternal life is a free gift … received, not earned-by faith alone in Christ alone. --Jesus said in John 6:47. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. --Once saved, forever saved. Salvation can never be lost! --Trust Jesus alone and forever live.

[@RidingwithStymie]

Religious Freedom wins over fear and division.