Rep. Joe Kennedy III says millennial voters will be the defining factor in this year’s midterm elections. “Regardless of whatever your political leanings are, you got to make your voice heard,” the Democrat from Massachusetts told Cheddar. “Waiting for a politician to try and come around and court you? That's not the way any of this should go. Go out there and demand their voice. Go out there and organize, activate, and demand that you get heard.” Kennedy, a 37-year-old political scion, delivered the Democratic response to this year’s State of the Union. Some of his speeches have gone viral, and he has amassed more than a million followers across social media platforms. The congressman says he empathizes with young adults who don’t yet understand how political policies may affect them or don’t act because they’ve “got a lot on their plate.” But in the same breath he insists millennials go out and vote, warning that future concerns ranging from student loans to the deficit to climate change will all “fall on their shoulders.”

Share:
More In Politics
Parkland's David Hogg: NRA Lobbyists Are Cowards
The survivor of last week's attack in southern Florida told Cheddar that it's unpatriotic to "buy democracy" from the American people. He says those lobbying against stricter gun control laws are cowards and "child murderers".
Closing Bell: February 22, 2018
Paul Manafort and Robert Gates face 32 new charges in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel gets a record-breaking payday. Teenagers across the country and politicians continues to weigh in on gun control in the wake of the mass shooting in Parkland, FL.
Why This Student-Driven Movement on Gun Reform is Different
In the wake of last week's mass shooting teenagers are becoming outspoken advocates for change. In these rallies driven by students the advocates demand a better future for their peers. Bustle's Senior Political Correspondent Erin Delmore explains what makes this movement different than others.
Parkland Students Push for Gun Reform
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Kyle Kashuv says he's changed his viewpoint on gun control after witnessing such a tragedy in his community. Cheddar's Hope King and Baker Machado speak with Kashuv one day after the 16-year-old student met with Florida legislators.
From Columbine to Parkland: A Journey of Gun Reform
Dave Cullen, Author of "Columbine" joins The Hive from Tallahassee, Florida where he's following the protests of Parkland students. He's been interviewing groups of students over the past few days and gives us a glimpse inside how they plan to keep the #NeverAgain movement alive.
A Message from Parkland to Congress
VF Hive hosts Kristen Scholer and Jon Kelly discuss the week's biggest news stories. From student protests to Jared Kushner's security clearance, it's been a non-stop week in Washington.
Opening Bell: February 22, 2018
Cheddar speaks with two Congresswomen about what, if anything, will move the needle on gun reform after the Parkland school shooting. In tech news, Apple is reportedly working on new AirPods. Twitter alienated conservatives by accidentally freezing their accounts. Plus, we're joined by Olympic luger Chris Mazdzer who recently became the first American to medal in the men's singles luge event.
Load More