The Millennial Vote

  Those under 30, known as Millennials, may end up being the key to this presidential election.

  By an overwhelming majority - 61 percent to 32 percent - this age group favors Barack Obama over John McCain, according to a new and indepth look at this section of America in a new poll by USA Today, MTV and Gallup Poll.

  As the story points out, Obama's margin in the most lop-sided majority of any age group. Part of it probably is due to age-relation. Obama is 47; McCain is 72. But this poll shows there's more to it. And more importantly, the huge margin is giving Obama opportunities he might not have had otherwise.

  Quote: Obama's strength among younger voters has offset his relative weakness among older ones and reshaped the electoral map. It has helped put states with comparatively young populations, such as Colorado and New Mexico, in Obama's reach and made older states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio a harder sell for him than for previous Democratic candidates.

   The under 30-age group isn't too keen on Sarah Palin, 44, and McCain's running mate.

  Quote: By 55%-32%, younger voters say Palin isn't qualified to serve as president, if that were to become necessary. By 59%-19%, they call Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, 65, qualified.

  As the story points out, the key will be whether these young voters vote. They make up the second-largest voting bloc, accounting for about one-fourth of the potential vote.

  According to the last two presidential elections, those voting in this age group continues to increase.

  Couple of other interesting stats:

  The economy, followed by the war in Iraq, are of most concern to this age group.

  They'd rather drink a beer with Obama, but would rather read McCain's private diary.