The power of our vote

Hilary Clinton and Amy Poehler on Saturday Night Live
Photo: AP Photo/NBC

Hilary Clinton made a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Clinton has been lagging behind Barack Obama in the presidential race and was obviously trying to appeal to a different side - and age - of voters.

This year's Democratic candidates are recognizing the power the young generation has in voting. The power has always been there, but this year the candidates are finally tapping into it. Obama has been making great strides in his campaign as he has truly invigorated the youthful generation's vote. I think younger voters are also more interested in this presidential race because of its incredible historic nature.

Presidential candidates have been utilizing YouTube, MySpace and other media channels that are directed toward youth to encourage the typical dispassionate to vote. I think it's great that Clinton is trying to show the world her lighter side. She has endured so much criticism for being too cold and harsh; it was important to her to show that she can laugh at herself and be silly as well. Her appearance on SNL was obviously strategic, but will it prove successful?

Young voters have a lot of information to keep straight about each candidate, but when it comes to voting I wonder what people our age find truly important in a potential president. I'm concerned that there are few of us who actually know the real issues and the rest of us just vote for whomever our friends or Oprah tell us to. I think Clinton's attempt at reaching a young audience was great. For those of you who are interested, she will be on The Daily Show on Monday night as well.