In January, 18-year-old Erica Tomaszewski cast her vote for Barack Obama in the New Hampshire Democratic primary. Now, the former Democrat is a registered Independent and a supporter of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

The turning point for Tomaszewski was on Feb. 19, when Chris Matthews interviewed an Obama supporter, State Senator Kirk Watson (D-TX). Tomaszewski said Watson could not name any legislative accomplishments Obama had set out to achieve—and actually did achieve.

Tomaszewski’s change of position does not represent a new trend among this generation’s voters, but she is one of hundreds of young people who support McCain and attended the Republican National Convention (RNC).

The convention took place last week and featured the nomination acceptance speech by McCain and speeches from President George W. Bush, Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Former Senator Fred Thompson, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the party’s vice presidential candidate.

While the convention’s high-key mood was tempered by news of Hurricane Gustav and the unintended pregnancy of Bristol Palin, Sarah Palin’s daughter, speakers strove to create an atmosphere of energy that focused on highlighting McCain’s career while criticizing Obama’s.

Participants in programs that sent college students to the RNC represented the breadth of the political spectrum: Democrats, Independents, Libertarians and Republicans. Some supported McCain and others Obama. Some thought former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr would make a strong president. No matter how they identified politically, all were excited to witness the event.

The event also showcased a “Hip Hop Republican,” Richard Ivory, who founded the Web site hiphoprepublican.com. The term refers to a Republican candidate able to win a pool of African-American voters while also able to win a Republican primary.

Throughout the week, the Young Republicans welcomed students to their events and parties. These opportunities featured speakers like former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Young Republicans with whom to network and socialize.

At the Young Republican National Federation and Student Public Interest Research Groups luncheon, University of Maryland senior Lauren Kim spoke about her campus voter registration drive as part of a broader New Voters Project. One of Kim’s plans involves the registration of at least 80 percent of her student body—an example of the political engagement at the RNC.

On the final night, a group of “Students for McCain” stood visible with their waving signs and booming voices cheering for McCain. After the gavel pounded and the convention closed, Students for McCain descended on the media’s broadcast areas, especially near the Fox News Channel set. While most national media coverage of the student movement focused on Obama supporters, the RNC was bustling with young Republicans: pages, student volunteers and young professional advocates of the GOP.

Both campaigns have promised change—an appealing political motif for young voters. At the RNC, hundreds of students experienced the political show of a lifetime.

Scott Friedman is a special correspondent for Student Life and attended the Republican National Convention through a program offered by the Gephardt Institute for Public Service.