Election recap: Democrats make major strides, youth turnout unprecedented

After a remarkable week in American politics, a number of important milestones were reached in the election of the first Democratic Congress and Senate in many years. Notably, Nancy Pelosi of California will become the first ever female Speaker of the House, a remarkable step forward, particularly since she now comes immediately after the Vice President in the succession plan for the President. On top of that, the country elected the first ever Muslim congressman, and surprisingly, an openly socialist senator was elected in Vermont.

More specific to our story earlier this week, youth turnout in the election was at it's highest levels in many years. While it still has not reached the 50% mentioned in the story, a record 24% of people under 30 voted in the election,

Some of the Democrats most significant post-election promises are also posed to benefit those under 30, like the promised minimum wage increase and eventual disengagement from the war in Iraq.