Many young Democrats say they support Barack Obama because he represents "change." Ask them what that means and they'll explain they want something different from the past 8 years. They don't mind that Obama's new to Washington nor do they mind that he's young. They say those are a plus. But his running mate selection doesn’t exactly signal change (since he's a longtime Washington insider.) So, how do young voters feel about the Biden pick?

So far, young Democrats I've talked seem satisfied. Pittsburgh political blogger and college student Matt Hoague tells me, "Today was the 1st day back to classes at Duquesne University and all young dems that I talked to were happy about this." Why? They like his foreign policy experience, an area that has not been considered Obama's strength.

Back in April I met Matt a few weeks before the Pennsylvania primary. Hillary Clinton won the state but Matt and many of his friends were backing Barack. Matt liked Obama's message of change and wanted a president who would alter the political landscape in DC while inspiring Americans with positive rhetoric. Back then I told Matt that no politician can really change Washington--it's just too big and too bureaucratic. But Matt was optimistic.

Something's changed in Matt since April. Dare I suggest that young voters like Matt are becoming cynical? Matt wrote to me last night:

"Can there really be "change" in Washington? You can change the faces but it doesn't matter. All of these politicians bow to the special interest groups and lobbies that got them there. There is too much lobby in this country. Get rid of lobby and then we have change. Is there anyone out there that could be considered fresher? Everyone who got to a highly elected position always owes someone or something for getting them there. There isn't an untouched politician in Washington. Biden wouldn't have been able to survive in DC so long if he didn't make friends with special interest groups."

If young Democrats are becoming cynical, what will that mean for Obama in November? Matt will turn out on election day, but what about others who are truly looking for change and aren’t finding it in Obama/ Biden? The dictionary says being cynical means you "expect the worst from people". If that's the attitude among an increasing number of young Democrats it raises the likelihood they may just stay home come November.