Organizers tell Teen Vogue that young voters are most interested in Harris’ policies, not her marketing efforts. “Young people just want to know they can afford the rent (and) school fees,” says Michelle Ming, political director of United We Dream Action, a youth-led immigrant advocacy network. “They’re not actually looking for someone to be a ‘brat’ candidate or anything.”

Inside statement in mid-octoberClimate organization Sunrise Movement pointed to foresight swing state poll numbers As proof that Harris still has a lot of work to do to win the youth vote. “Harris is losing ground in the eyes of young people,” the statement said. “To win this election, Vice President Harris needs to change course. “The campaign needs to work urgently to mobilize and turn out millions of young voters.”

“Instead of splitting the hairs of a small segment of the undecided, middle-aged, white, and conservative voter base, he can excite the Democratic base by talking about how he will take on big business, tackle the climate crisis, and end U.S. military support. “Because of Israel’s attack on Gaza.”

“The Harris campaign created a lot of momentum online and reached people that the Biden campaign couldn’t,” says Sunrise communications director Stevie O’Hanlon. Still, the climate organizer is among many activists who believe memes alone won’t get Gen Z to vote for the Democratic candidate.

“Our young people have been burned by politicians before,” says O’Hanlon. “We did our best to elect someone, and then we saw them break promises, make backroom deals, put the interests of big donors ahead of the needs of our generation. “Young people are rightfully skeptical of vague promises from politicians and want candidates to make clear commitments that we can hold them accountable for.”

Organizers of the “Ceasefire First, Votes Later” rally in Pennsylvania and Georgia echoed the sentiment that U.S. military support for Israel is a major concern among young voters. Spokesperson Halah Ahmed Listen to Wisconsintells Teen VogueHe said they were working “to run pledge campaigns calling for action on an anti-genocide agenda as a condition of our vote.”

“Harris’ campaign seems to be appeal to conservative, pro-war votersAhmad points out that this cannot be seen as completely separate from Vice President Harris as the party’s presumptive leader, especially given the Democratic administration’s actions and rhetoric aimed at supporting Israel’s escalating war.