There's no question the Democratic Party is strong in California. A record 3,400 people turned up for the weekend convention in San Diego. Among them were future politicians, waiting in the wings. It's a group that promises a big turnout in 2008 -- just as it has in past election years. KPBS Reporter Andrew Phelps took the pulse of young Democrats this year, and he has this story.
I'm at an after party downtown. There's plenty of Obama-versus-Hillary going around. Both candidates spoke earlier at the convention. Some young Democrats tell me Hillary Clinton's stories are too preachy, too depressing. Barack Obama's stories are constructive and bright. Nick Hawthorn is president of California College Democrats . He says it's clear who the rock star is in this crowd.
Hawthorn: Definitely, I mean we took an informal poll at the meeting today, just by show of applause, and Obama definitely won out and he spoke amazingly, beautifully today. There's a small contingency for Hillary and a fairly small contingency for Edwards. So I think Obama has the edge, but it remains to be seen whether he'll turn them out.
I heard someone say Obama has the "Tiger Woods effect," this intangible magnetism. And another name came up a lot, even though he's not a candidate: Al Gore. Rumor had it he might show up at the convention.
It feels like any one of the 20-somethings in this room could be president someday. A lot of them are drinking Sprite because they're not old enough to hit up the bar. Some of the young men are wearing shapeless, blue suits. The ladies are in black. At around 10 o'clock, a surprise guest shows up.
Huser: My name is Joe Huser. And I'm the incoming president of the San Diego County Young Democrats . And we are absolutely thrilled that Governor Richardson saw the value of speaking to the California Young Democrats tonight.
It's New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson . He has this easy way with his audience. But he has to work extra hard to relate to them. After all, one of his top priorities is Social Security reform.
Richardson: I am asking for your help. I am an insurgent. I am an underdog. And I need your help. And I can win California. I will not have all that money and all those advance people and all of that rock-star status. But I've got a heart.
Young Democrat Jamie Reid hasn't picked a candidate yet but he liked Richardson's speech.
Reid: He has the experience that I don't think any other candidates have. I don't think he has momentum or name recognition that somebody like Obama has. I think he could be a great vice president to Obama.
This generation famously turns out in smaller numbers than other demographics. Morgan Lucas says that may be changing. She's a 19-year-old Democrat from Santa Barbara. She's been involved with the party for seven years.
Lucas: When I was working on the Boxer campaign, it was one of those things, "Oh my gosh, you're not even old enough to vote, and you're working in politics?" It was almost like, "Is something wrong with you?" But I think this convention's really showing that there is an effort in this state to get young people more engaged, in terms of the organization behind California Young Democrats. All these organizations are really growing.
It will take a lot more work to mobilize the youth vote. Election Day is just 553 days away, and these Democrats aren't getting any younger.
Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.
