(Mike Huckabee guest stars on the Weekend Update section of SNL.)

It was that night before the primaries when Barack Obama gave a speech that

would move Joyce Chen, 20, to tears.

“It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores,” Obama fervently said into the microphone to screaming supporters. “And pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness: Yes, we can.”

Yes, we can. Those three words are what softened Chen’s usual composed self, the impervious emotions that were never able to escape her stolid personality.

“I believed in him. I was so jaded by all politics, everything that was going on in Washington,” she said. “He made me believe. He made be believe in change.”

This is the mentality of millions of the underrepresented 18-29 year olds who in past elections were overlooked because of low voter turn-out rates. Only a mere 18 percent of the Gen Y demographic voted in the last election which was seen as very insignificant compared to voters as a whole. The 2004 elections between George W. Bush and John Kerry were said to be one of the lowest turnouts in young voting history.

But this year, politics seems to be a rising trend to the younger generation, where voting seems to be hip and knowledge about candidates is almost a given. Not only has Obama inspired the younger generation to vote by visiting various campuses around the country, but Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton had done so also.

Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, has been campaigning for her mother for the past months, where her youth appeal seems to be inspiring people to vote. Statistics have shown that her visits have increased votes for Clinton.

Young voters have turned out in record numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire. There was a 25-percent increase from 2004’s election, and 15-percent increase from the 2000 elections, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at the University of Maryland.

In Iowa alone, 22 percent of all caucus goers were under the age of 30, compared with 9 percent in 2000.

So why is it such a trend to be political and knowledgeable about issues now?

In an age where Youtube and Facebook are deemed as important as television and cell phones as a means for communication, information is easier to spread.

“Young people are seeing that other teens and people like themselves are proactive and care for this issue,” said Chen. “That makes them feel as they should be also.”

With Youtube airing many short clips of debates and speeches, along with videos created by users rampant, this year’s election has truly utilized technology as a means of spreading the word.

And the candidates have noticed.

All four of the remaining candidates realized the potential of the Gen Y votes and have been heavily participating in interviews and television shows that appeal to this demographic.

Obama, Clinton, and Huckabee all appeared on the Tyra Banks show. Obama showed his basketball prowess, while Clinton revealed personal issues on cellulite and told Banks that she would want to be a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” if she had to choose a reality-TV show to be on.

Not only that, but Obama appeared on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” playing himself at a party with McCain and Clinton. Other candidates that appeared on the show were Rudy Giuliani, McCain, and most recently, Huckabee.

Huckabee was featured on the show’s “Weekend Update” segment and spoofed himself.

“Mike Huckabee does not overstay his welcome,” the Republican candidate said, referring to his candidacy. “When it’s time to go, I’ll know. And I’ll exit out with class and grace.” After two rounds of applause, Huckabee remained on stage.

With a tight race for the democratic ticket, and Huckabee still in it to shake things up for the republicans, all know too well that this election will be one that is memorable. One that has and will continue to inspire generations to immerse themselves in politics. One that can even inspire those who have lost hope, to regain it and make a difference. One that calls for economic, political, and social reform for those who are desperate for something new—an election that attempts to inspire without losing site of the race.

Can our generation make a difference in this race?

Yes, so far, we did.

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