"Obama represents the progression of America. He represents me not only because he’s black but because he’s charismatic and essentially reassures his people that America will change," Pass said. "We all need change."

Samantha, a Democrat enrolled in the education program at Roosevelt University, is one of a growing number of young voters expected to be an influential force for Obama in the 2008 election.

The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq dramatically hastened Pass’ participation in politics. However, she never felt other politicians were significant candidates for presidency. She’s more interested in finding a candidate who can unite a nation and get things done.

"These old people in politics, they have their own personal vendettas against each other. They have their own private wars going on, which is distracting from the issue at hand which should be making the world a better place," she said.

Samantha also discussed how she was shocked out of complacency by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. It stirred worries about security as well as the role of the U.S. Since then, issues of trust as well as security have been compromised because of the war in Iraq and the thousands of Iraqi and American causalities.

She speaks of the war in moral terms emphasizing the thousands of innocent lives that have been lost. Most infuriating, she said, is the fact that Osama Bin Laden hasn’t been captured.

Since voting started in early January, Obama has become the Robin Hood of the Democratic race, walking away with the larger portion of young voters than any other recent presidential candidate.

While others may argue the turnout for young voters has always been an issue in elections, Pass believes this year will be different.