KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Fox News Contributor And NPR Correspondent Visits Fresno To Talk To Students At FCC

Fox News Contributor And NPR Correspondent Visits Fresno To Talk To Students At FCC

By: Clint Olivier & Alex Murray

Juan Williams says young Americans could play a huge part in choosing the next president, if they'd only turn out to vote.

Traditionally young people get energized in campaigns, then fail to show up on election day.

"They've registered in unprecedented numbers, especially as Democrats. So the potential is there for what would literally be a tsunami turnout across the country and here in California," he said.

And it's those young people who Williams is trying to inspire, no matter what party they belong to.

Williams is set to speak to students and faculty at Fresno City College on Thursday.

Williams says Barack Obama has benefited from enthusiastic young supporters, as evidenced by the amount of $5 and $10 dollar donations he's received online.

"They don't max out, they give small amounts, but they're involved, and that then could translate into a big turnout on election day," he said.

Williams wasn't the only person talking politics in Fresno.

NRA members gathered at the Fresno County Sportsmen's Club for a Republican fundraiser.

While Williams says Obama is enjoying a boost from the young, NRA life member Barry Bauer says McCain gets the generally unwavering support of gun owners.

"And many people who are conservative and involved in the second amendment, they can be one-issue type of people, and so I'd say the majority of folks here, who are tied in with the NRA are probably going to vote for McCain," he said.

And Juan Williams says with the election fast approaching, McCain finds himself fighting an uphill battle for the White House, as voters' economic concerns push national security issues and the wars to the back burner.

"If you listen to the message coming from Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee and Barack Obama, they're constantly trying to tie Senator McCain to President Bush," he said.

Williams also says they're doing it effectively, erasing the boost McCain got in the polls when he announced Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate.

You can find more information on the Award-winning journalist's "America Picks a President" presentation  at Fresno City College on Thursday by calling the FCC College Activities Office at 265-5711.

This event is co-sponsored by Speakers Forum, SCCC Foundation, Jo Nell Beal Estate, and College Activities. It starts at 11 a.m and is free to the public.