Will we sell ourselves short?

Wes, you ask several critical questions.

Huntsman and Paul, sources on the ground confirm, are the most alluring candidates for young people. If Huntsman can carry over 15 percent of the vote, he may garner a newfound media spotlight...one that will enable him to salvage his campaign and redouble his efforts in primary and caucus states with politically active independent-minded young people.

Regardless of whether Paul takes second or third, he will remain a potentially game-changing candidate. The Dr. in or out, his loyalists will matter in a general election campaign. As you mention, Wes, that is the growing concern for the Republican Party: Will Paul's youthful supporters ultimately coalescence around the more traditional GOP standard-bearer...or will they launch a third party insurgent bid?

It is an open question, and it will be for some time. The answer may be dictated by whether Paulites are more outraged against Obama, specifically, or against the corporate-financed two-party political establishment...what Paulites truly despise. In New Hampshire, my suspicion, based on the very public outcry against what has effectively become the Obama economy, is that young people will vote in large numbers on Tuesday.

Nonetheless, I am still realistic. Given their mixed track record, it is hard to believe that college-aged voters will flock to the voting booths in a record millennial vote. Should it not be that inconceivable? One tech writer at Forbes laments the skepticism of older folks who doubt today's youth will realize progress.

But lasting change would require political clout Gen Y currently does not possess. Will this generation of twentysomething voters fail to come out en masse and thereby sell itself short? Despite Obama's victory in 2008, young people did not claim the electoral mantle as significantly as young activists expected or wanted. How can they avoid a repeat performance?

Wes, does that remain the most essential question to you, as it does to me?