Obama Hustles to Reconnect With Young Voters

President Barack Obama is working to reconnect with young voters who have drifted away since the heydays of his 2008 election. The president and administration officials are reaching out to young votes with round-tables, web chats and conference calls in an effort to rekindle enthusiasm, The Washington Post reports.

In 2008, Obama received huge levels of support from voters under 30. However, Washington Post-ABC News polling reveals that while those under 30 still strongly support Obama, his numbers have dropped. In January, 63 percent of those 18-29 approved of his job performance compared to 84 percent in February 2009.

The age group has been hammered by the economy, rising tuition costs and cuts in state education programs. Unemployment for those 20 to 24 has jumped from 11 percent at the end of the 2008 campaign to 15.4 percent, the Post said.

Administration officials deny the outreach has anything to do with Obama’s reelection efforts, noting the meetings have included young Republicans and Democrats. A White House spokesman said this “is really more about getting young people involved in tackling the challenges that face the country, including jobs, access to education and the dependence on foreign oil,” the Post reported.