I would not be too quick to dismiss the young electorate. They don't have much to compare the current state to, but many of them do understand that the prospect of too few jobs and crushing debt is not a cheery one. They also understand that more of the same will mean more of the same for them, unless they vote to change it. Sadly, they've been abandoned on many levels. However, they'll be 4 years more mature and a little less stupid about life as the next election approaches.