By Jeremy Zogby

Record numbers of young voters went to the polls in this year's election. It was reported by CIRCLE that 21.6 and 23.9 million Americans between the age of 18-29 cast ballots, up from 19.4 million in 2004. This was more than in any election since 1972 when the voting age was changed from 21 to 18. Also, 72% of this group voted for Barack Obama, while only 27% for John McCain.

What made this election season so special was the over arching theme of change on many fronts. While Obama made this his bumper-sticker message, Sen. Hillary Clinton's competitive run was change within itself. And then came McCain's surprise running mate pick of Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin, unknown to most before his announcement. With monumental change in each camp amongst the big three, what made Obama special?

Let's look at history to find answers.

It has been said that Obama is a Baby Boomer, but a closer look at what events and themes from the past shaped him reveals that he is indeed a special case. Born in 1961, this generation is characterized by John Zogby as the Woodstock Generation (1946-1964). This generation came of age when social demonstrations were common (think Civil Rights and university campus life), as well as redefining social values of gender equality, sexual orientation, premarital sex, the environment, and of course, a deeper focus on "me." No doubt about it, these historical forces shaped Obama, but still he was too young to be a participant in cultural revolution of the 1960s.

What about next group, typically referred to as "Generation X"? Zogby labels them the Nike Generation (1965-1978). Obama's early life and development was impacted by great events of the day such as the political assassinations, presidential scandals, America's first military loss, and high divorce rates. This group is the least likely to be loyal to major institutions. They live in the moment and therefore relate to the catch phrase "Just Do It." Obama grew up with a single parent and throughout his youth experienced the events listed above. But something is still different about him.

It is the generation Zogby calls the "First Globals," which are the most fascinating and unprecedented in history (1979-1990). These folks grew up during the telecommunication revolution and either remember or learned about the fall of the Berlin Wall, witnessed the democratization and domestication of the Internet, and as a result are more connected with the world at a young age than any previous generation. First Globals are also more tolerant, many having grown up seeing interracial and homosexual couples and learning multicultural history.

So what makes Obama so special?

Obama prefigured the First Globals, he is multi-cultural and multinational because he is rooted in three distinct backgrounds. Young people embraced him because he is the first First Global. It is not hard to see how and why First Globals voted as one of themselves.

Do you think he is one of you?

Jeremy Zogby lives in Prague CR and teaches history at Metropolitan University of Prague. He holds degrees in history and is a close observer of political and cultural, social trends in the Czech Republic.