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Millennials Are So Over Obama

by Adrienne Vogt

Young adults are pretty pissed off at Obama right now — but they'd still vote for him. The president's approval rating among the so-called Millennial generation stands at a measly 41 percent, a whopping 11-point drop since April. Harvard's Institute of Politics surveyed more than 2,000 people aged 18 through 29, asking them about issues concerning healthcare, Syria, Iran, the federal deficit and the economy — which is their main concern. (So self-centered.)

Additionally, 57 percent of young people disapprove of Obamacare altogether, with a good chunk thinking it will lead to worse care and/or higher medical costs. Among those in the age bracket without health insurance, only 13 percent say they definitely plan to enroll in the federal health-insurance marketplace, while 40 percent are split on whether they will sign up. It is unclear if these numbers include those under age 26 who can stay on their parents' health plans. At the end of October, 51 percent of 18-29-year-olds supported the Affordable Care Act.

PolicyMic explains the gravity of Obama's newfound youth problem:

The fallout from the Obamacare website debacle has caused the president's overall approval rating to go down 23 points among those under 30 since January — the biggest drop for any demographic.

A lot of the problems stem from the jump in healthcare prices seen with Obamacare. Many of the measly 106,000 people who've successfully signed up for healthcare seem to be older — and more likely to afford higher prices.

Even in a state like New Jersey, which already has a heavily regulated insurance market, plans for young people are set to increase from $162 to $219. Costs in Pennsylvania will go from a low $73 to $195 for a bare-bones plan. This is the narrative in states all across the country. No wonder young people aren't signing up.

In general, results of the poll indicate that Millennials — like many other demographics — are disgusted with the stalemate of Congress, favor reining in military spending, and think the administration isn't doing a good job with the conflict in Syria. Seventy-five percent disapprove of Republicans in Congress, while 59 percent give a thumbs-down to Democrats.

These poll numbers mark a stark difference in Obama's perception among young people, which has been the source of some of his strongest support. in the 2012 election, he secured 67 percent of the youth vote against Republican contender Mitt Romney's 33 percent.

Nonetheless, if given the choice to vote in the 2012 election again, most Millennials would still pick Obama. Even though he doesn't have to worry about reelection, it might pose a challenge to his party if numbers don't go back up soon. "It is a potential problem for any Democratic candidate seeking to mobilize young Americans," Institute of Politics Director Trey Grayson says.

Image: Sodahead