Penn State Erie grad impressed with Obama's speech

College Democrat

WSEE-35

Lindsay Perna

Boston University Washington News Service

Jan. 21, 2009

WASHINGTON – When Dennis Kobielski first involved himself in politics during the 2004 presidential election, he never knew he would score tickets to the hottest inauguration in history.

His days of watching former President Bill Clinton’s swearing-in video tapes were over on Tuesday when the recent Penn State Erie grad witnessed Barack Obama’s oath and speech live.

As an Obama supporter and College Democrat, Kobielski said he was more than enthusiastic when he obtained two tickets to the National Mall for the swearing in from the office of Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, D-3rd, in a lottery.

“A lot of people were envious,” the political science major said.

With a two-hour wait and below freezing temperatures, Kobielski said he found the packed crowds unsurprising as he stood with them for the five-hour event. But he said he “dashed immediately after the speech” to avoid the potential chaos.

What did surprise him was that it was not just the people who are obsessed with politics who attended and that all citizens took an interest in this inauguration.

Kobielski said he was impressed by Obama’s speech.

 “I think he reassured the nation that he is going to bring about change,” he said.

Kobielski, who graduated in December, said he is hoping to either work for a politician or attend graduate school in public administration.

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