Because they see Ventura as an honest and outspoken leader who had to fight his way into office from outside the political system. Young people also rallied behind Sen. John McCain, the former prisoner of war whose bid for the Republican Party's nomination went down in flames during the primaries. Young people consider him a hero. There aren't many of those around on the political landscape. McCain's popularity with people under 30 also is due in part to his willingness to say what he thinks.
Candor is no guarantee of success, however.
Young voters would turn out in large numbers tomorrow if there was a presidential candidate who excited them. Reform campaign financing Jesse Ventura and John McCain who are popular with young people are among the few politicians who complain that corporate and other special interests have bought the American political system. One reason young people feel disengaged from politics is that they believe they have no power, that the nation gets the politics that money buys. The din of buying and selling drowns out patriotic music. The high art of governing making laws for the nation and upholding them has been reduced to a busy commerce in deal making.