Do young people vote in Russia? Is that a growing trend?
Merenzon: Generally, the young public doesn’t care about voting that much. But actually for a young person, for a student say, there is a good chance to make a career in politics. So those young people join some sort of political parties. And they are quite active, but they are definitely not a majority. Gaika: But you know the trouble with those organizations is that they are often being paid to be there and they are not really passionate. So it’s a question. Yes, we do have movements, and youngsters somehow are getting involved, but it’s not the movement of the heart or social consciousness. Merenzon: Yeah, it’s totally pragmatic. Gaika: It’s pragmatic. Merenzon: But still young people do take part in voting for different reasons. Some get paid, some get food stamps or something. Well, both of you then have been here long enough to experience at least your second presidential election. What has surprised you most about the democratic process here in the United States? Merenzon: Well,
