Poll shows fewer students support Bush

Freshman Tuneika Cooks is worried about the job market. She said there are a lot of students graduating and very few jobs to go around. \n"And when I graduate I would like to have a few more opportunities than those that are available now," Cooks said. "Well, there are hardly any opportunities available now."\nThis is the first time the 18-year old will vote, and she said had she had a chance to vote in 2000, she would not have voted for Bush.\n"I just never agreed with what he said," Cooks said. "It does not make sense to me."\nThe Chronicle of Higher Education reported Thursday, according to the results of a poll designed by Harvard University's Institute of Politics, President George W. Bush's approval ratings among college students has dropped considerably in the last few months. The poll found a growing number of students consider themselves alienated by both parties. \nThe survey was based on interviews with 1,205 randomly selected college students from March 12 to March 23, and it found only 47 percent of the respondents approved of Bush compared with 61 percent in October. That figure remained steady in the last two surveys conducted in April 2003 and October 2002. Students showed a higher level of political engagement with 62 percent, saying they would vote in 2004 compared to 50 percent surveyed just before the 2000 election. \n"Students make up a large percentage of voters and have known to change the course of history in a lot of parts of the world," Cooks said. "They can do it here, too, and it is important that they participate, think and make the right choice. They are deciding their own future by casting the right vote." \nCollege students make up 4.5 percent of the electorate, and even if 62 percent of them vote, it would be one million votes, according to The Chronicle story.\nFreshman Matt Skiba said he did not agree with either Kerry or Bush and found Nader a middle-of-the-path candidate. \n"Bush is too right, and Kerry is too left," Skiba said. \nFreshman Evan Alberhasky said he would vote for Kerry because he "seems to have his head on his shoulders and would work for the people of America."\nCollege Republican Chairman Angel Rivera attributes the increased left slant of students to their inexperience.\n"Younger generations do not have the experience of our elders and tend to be more liberal, and ours is no exception," he said. "In America, senior people elect the President."\nHe said the economy is making great strides, which will reflect strongly on Bush.\n-- Contact staff writer Hina Alam at halam@indiana.edu.