Democratic candidates look for edge on Iowa’s campuses

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Many 2020 Democratic presidential candidates want to turn dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump on Iowa’s campuses into votes on caucus night.

Small margins of college students and other young voters might mean the difference between going on to New Hampshire or getting out of the race.

Most of the history of young voters suggests it’s a flawed strategy — 18- to 29-year-olds have far lower turnout rates than their older counterparts.

But there is one powerful exception: In 2008, Barack Obama’s successful courting of college students helped propel him to an upset caucus victory, and ultimately, the White House.

The burst of organizing activity on Iowa campuses shows that Democrats believe that energy can be tapped again.