Kim Porter said she feels President Bush is too conservative and not diverse enough to appeal to younger generations.
Porter, 24, a clinical social work masters student, is among 33 percent of 18 to 29-year-old Americans who disapprove of Bush’s performance, according to a Gallup poll released last week. Bush’s disapproval rating was highest among younger voters compared to other polled age groups.
“I am sure he will do a good job for some people, but I don’t see him helping low-income families or middle-class people,” Porter said.
Porter, who went to Washington D.C. to protest Bush’s inauguration in January, said the president’s conservative ideas are not popular with many students at the university.
Fifty-five percent of Americans between 18 to 29 years old approved of the president. Overall, Bush received a 57 percent approval rating, which is similar to former President Clinton’s initial 58 percent approval rating in 1992.
Marketing junior Dan Malott, 21, is among those young people approving of Bush.
“It is too early to judge, but from what I have heard I think he will be a pretty good president,” he said.
Despite voting for former Vice President Al Gore in November, Malott said he is encouraged by Bush’s efforts in the first few weeks.
“With the election being so close, he has to work with the Democrats; he has to be bipartisan to accomplish his goals,” Malott said.
Political science Professor David Rohde said the high disapproval rating among younger people is less significant since many do not pay attention to politics.
“From Bush’s perspective, if you are going to be disapproved of you would want to have it come from those least likely to vote,” he said.
Jason Ahrens, chairman of MSU College Republicans and a food management junior, said there are many reasons for students to support the president’s plans.
“I think Bush has done an excellent job, while a lot of people are questioning his right to be there,” he said.
Ahrens said Bush’s proposals on education and tax cuts as well as his willingness to work with Democrats should please college students.
“Part of his education bill will give more scholarships and grants to college age kids,” he said.
However, Jeanne Raven, MSU College Democrats president and a social relations senior, is not surprised at the high rate of disapproval for Bush among young people.
“He is ignoring the root of the problem, he is not fixing inner-city schools that shows he doesn’t care who can go to college,” Raven said. “Personally, I don’t connect with him - a lot of students may have that problem.”
