MichaelMoore.com

Teens getting an early start into politics

NBC2 News

FORT MYERS, FL — Wednesday night, 70 teens gathered at Fort Myers High School to hear from the local McCain and Obama camps. They need the kids' energy, enthusiasm and passion to get each of their messages out.

At just 17, Grant Bickford and Angelie Vasquez are each a part of Lee County's youth in government. They're not old enough to vote, but passionate enough to care about their future and yours.

"I can't help it. I've always been a person who cares and I know I'm still going to be here in four years," said Vasquez.

"I'm 17. I'm missing the voting by one year but its still going to affect me, so I should get to know what's going to affect me later in life," added Bickford.

The local Barack Obama and John McCain campaigns targeted the teens because they need anyone they can to get their messages out.

"They can always volunteer and do whatever is necessary to help the campaign. That's the whole goal, get them out young and involve them as they progress and get older in life," said Obama supporter Patrick Vincent.

"I think they'll become more passionate about politics and they'll want to become more involved knowing that people care about it," said Rachel LaFerriere of Women for McCain.

Especially now as each believes they will be doing more grassroots work as the focus of each campaign turns toward the economic crisis in Washington.

"It's fast approaching, a 17-month campaign and it boils down to 40 days," said Vincent.

"I'm full of energy, and I'm ready to stay up late and get up early, and walk on Saturdays in blazing heat, that's what you got to do in a grassroots campaign," said LaFerriere.

So, don't be surprised if you get a knock on your door this weekend from someone who looks like a kid, but knows more about politics than most adults.