Obama stresses youth vote

CONCORD, N.H. -- Barack Obama is directly making the appeal to younger voters in New Hampshire as he rides on the momentum of his victory last night in the Iowa Caucuses.

In front of about 1,000 people inside the gym at Concord High School, Obama mentioned the role of younger voters at least a half dozen times telling them they have "the power to vote for change".

Early numbers out of Iowa show that voters aged 18-30, a group that usually less engaged in politics, voted at the same percentage as those who are older.

"That never happens," Obama explained. "But it happened last night because young people believe in the power of change."

Before he began his remarks he brought up two 20-something volunteers and praised them. Half of the audience was easily under 25 even though Concord High School was still on winter break.