Is 30 the New Voting Age?

Still reeling from the shocking revelation during Tuesday's Democratic debate that Dennis Kucinich has never smoked pot, we almost forgot to mention the recent CNN/USA/Gallup Poll that prompted lofty declarations about how age 30 is the line of demarcation between those who give a shit about politics and those who don't. According to Paul Begala, a former Clinton hand and current "Crossfire" host,

"If ignorance is bliss, then young voters are the happiest folks in America. One of the things that comes out of the CNN poll here is that they are three times less likely than their older peers to be plugged into issues and ideas. They are our future, and they are hopelessly ill-informed."

In fact, the poll found that 69% of Americans between 18 and 29 said they follow politics, while 81% 30 and older said they do. The poll also found that under-30s are more pro-Bush, pro-Clinton, pro-Al Sharpton, pro-gay marriage, and pro-ethnic identity than over-30s. Well, that about settles it, doesn't it?

Poll: Young not in step with 30-plus crowd [cnn.com]
Transcript: Rock the Vote Debate [wapo.com]