‘It is in your hands young people,’ Democrat says

“The pundits are overlooking the impact of young people,” an Orangeburg state representative said.

Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, the longest-serving S.C. House member and a former Democratic National Committee member, spoke with Panther reporters on Sept. 12 about the 2024 presidential election. She cited the importance of youth civic engagement and predicted victory for Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris and her vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

“I don’t think the election will be as close as we think,” she said. “I don’t care how close it is “as long as Harris-Walz win.”

Cobb-Hunter said young people are at the forefront of the election and she is confident they are going to take voting seriously. "Young people have decided that they are going to take this (the election) on their own.”

Saying youth can “bail us out of this mess,” Cobb-Hunter urged young people to vote in the presidential election. “Recognize your responsibility as a citizen.”

The leadership of young people is vital, she said.

“Y’all are the leaders. Young people must recognize what is at stake," Cobb-Hunter said.

Regarding the debate between Harris and Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, Cobb-Hunter cited youth engaging through social media. She applauded their efforts to spread information through memes.

“Let’s not underestimate the memes that get people excited," Cobb-Hunter said.

Cobb-Hunter said her support for Harris stems from the vice president’s qualifications and her ability to bring the country together and heal the national divide.

Harris’ experience includes prosecutor, state attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president. She “is the most qualified candidate for president we’ve had in the last four decades.”

Cobb-Hunter has faith that Harris can bring the country together. “She can do the job, so let’s give it to her.”

Cobb-Hunter is confident about the election and a win for the Democratic ticket. “I am feeling very positive about where we are; they are what this country needs,” Cobb-Hunter said.

But she said Trump is still amassing supporters. His racist tendencies and macho man persona attract a following.

“His macho image appeals to some Black and Latino men,” she said.

The perception of Trump is all wrong. He has spent decades building an image that is not reality, Cobb-Hunter said.

“Trump is racist. He has allowed racism to be OK,” Cobb-Hunter said.

She questions Trump’s motto “Make America Great Again,” saying, “When was America great for everybody?”

Cobb-Hunter cited key issues in the election:

• Economy – “Democrats have to do a better job” of letting people know the successes.
• Climate – There is a reason hurricanes are so bad now.
• Freedom – Reproductive freedom is just one component of this. “It’s not just abortion.

Ensuring that government functions is important to the country, Cobb-Hunter said. She promotes the teaching of civic engagement to youth, hoping that it increases involvement.

“We need to do a better job at civics” in teaching young people about the political system and why they should be involved. Civic engagement is vital”,” Cobb-Hunter said.

 Tyler Starks contributed to this report.