Young U.S. Voters Undecided On Candidates' Wives

The youth vote could make or break the 2008 U.S. presidential election, depending on turn out at the polls in November. A new article explores how young voters view the candidates' wives and in turn them as politicians.

Cindy, wife of Republican nominee, John McCain

Young voters split on Michelle Obama, don’t know Cindy McCain

WASHINGTON--Barack Obama may have a handle on the younger demographic, but apparently his wife still has some work to do.

According to an AP-Yahoo News opinion poll released this week, 34 percent of young adults ages 18 to 34 have an unfavorable impression of Michelle Obama. This compares with 27 percent of young people who view her favorably and 39 percent who said they aren’t informed enough about her to comment either way.

Just 18 percent of young people polled view Cindy McCain unfavorably, a slightly lower figure than the 22 percent who said they have a positive impression of her. But Cindy McCain remains more of a mystery to most young voters—59 percent of 18-to-34-year-olds said they don’t know enough about her to form an impression.

Why is Michelle Obama so polarizing, and why is Cindy McCain so unfamiliar?

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu