A steady stream of 20- and 30-somethings enters a bar in the financial district. But they aren’t here for drinks with coworkers.
Sara Kanawati volunteers for with Ready for Hillary, a Super PAC urging Hillary Clinton to run for president and laying the groundwork for her candidacy.
"People are contributing $20.16 today in honor of 2016,” she tells an attendee.
That’s an election day more than two years away. And the candidate hasn’t even announced whether she’ll run.
“I think Hillary Clinton represents a generational candidate, who really helps us take the success of the 1990s and also the connection to young people and young professionals and put us on the path to success for the United States," said Yousef Shaikh, 27. Shaikh says he supported Barack Obama — not Clinton — in the 2008 primary. Now, he's supporting Clinton.
“Her experience as Secretary of State really showed the country what she’s capable of," he said. "I’ve always respected Sen. Clinton, Secretary Clinton, but really I think now is the time for her to take charge and really be the standard bearer for the Democratic party of the United States.”
Clinton was not at the event, but there were several local and state politician. Even former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank made an appearance, and said a few words.
“I thank you for the demonstration you are giving here tonight that this notion that young people have given up on politics is a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Frank told the group.
Indeed, if the event is any indication, young people have not given up on politics. Ready for Hillary has already raised $1.7 million this year, which brings its total war chest to $5.75 million. But what may be harder than generating excitement for Clinton is convincing voters that they want to replace a two-term president with someone from the same party.
