Socially conservative kids: Because you're never too young to act like you're really, really old.

I think younger people are drawn to politicians with really strong, inflexible, straightforward beliefs, views, and answers on things. That's why Ron Paul has so many young followers - even though his policies are insane, he's very committed to those policies. Santorum is the same. That kind of attitude also helped Jesse Ventura get elected governor of Minnesota, where the young vote was strongly in his favor. Young people are idealistic. They become more realistic and flexible as they grow up.

That's my two cents anyway.

@ 2 is spot on. Add to that, these are Bible Belt kids we're talking about. I'll need more evidence before seeing this as a trend young 'pubs in general are following.

@2

Makes sense to me. In my totally anecdotal and subjective experience, a lot of kids want simplified answers to problems and to disregard nuance and complexity in favor of apparent "solutions." A stolid and morally entrenched politician might appeal to that desire (on both sides of the political spectrum, too).

Depends on where they lived, actually. Major urban/rural split.

@2 for the Who is John Galt Carter of Mars win.

Rick Santorum Relieved No One Has Asked Him About Interracial Marriage Yet

http://www.theonion.com/articles/rick-sa…

@2 describes nearly all of the young conservatives I know/have known.

When I talk to the Ron Paul supporters amongst my acquaintances, the first virtue they mention is the unwavering inflexibility of his views over the decades. I'm not sure why they think a stubborn refusal to admit that one might be wrong is so admirable -- they certainly detest it in my refusal to believe Ron Paul would make America a better place.

So, basically, Santorum won the votes of the 18-20 year olds who were still living at home. Their parents just drove them to the polls and told them who to vote for, perhaps.

Could they have been crossover votes doing it for the lulz?