UMaine students watch “change” across campus as Barack Obama is sworn in at Washington D.C.

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People from all political parties, backgrounds, races and ages were brought together in Washington, D.C. and throughout the University of Maine campus during the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Student Affairs provided multiple ways to view the inauguration on campus. The Memorial Union was equipped with several TVs and a projection screen. Classrooms, such as Room 100 in the Donald P. Corbett Business Building, also presented showings of the inauguration.

Gustavo Burkett director of campus activities and student engagements, estimated student turnout in the Union between 1,500 to 2,000 – not including passersby.

First-year student Joanna Cumming, a conservative, believed Obama’s main challenge will be executing his plans for change.

“People took the motto ‘a time for change’ and created an idealistic view for what change meant to them. The problem with this is what [Obama] does and how this will live up to everyone’s view of what change is and should be,” Cummings said.

Registered Democrat Justin Ouellette described Obama’s political ambitions as a challenge he will face with grace and perseverance.

“He has a lot to do, and everyone has an eye on him. He will make progress, but it’s not a flick of a light switch. [Change] will take time,” Ouellette said.

Kristine Hamaty, who voted for Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate in the election, was amazed with Obama’s inaugural speech and the number of people in Washington, D.C.

“I really liked Obama’s speech. He is a very charismatic speaker. When you actually listen to what he is saying, it is so moving and impressive.” She was also reflective on the historic aspect of his speech and noted the importance of inaugurating the first black president.

Julia Hewes, a conservative third-year student who voted for McCain, felt the public was “swept away” with the Obama campaign.

“People aren’t looking at the issues; they’re caught up in the movement,” she said. “I hope he reforms our economy, but if he doesn’t it only reinforces why I didn’t vote for him.”

Elias Edwards-Jenks attended the inauguration and many of the activities throughout the weekend. He saw Obama speak twice – during a concert at the Lincoln Memorial and during his inauguration.

“The energy is intense; it’s a pretty cool place to be,” he said, speaking from Washington, D.C. “To see him smile is a wave of energy rushing over. It’s inspiring.”

Laura Anderson, who considers herself liberal-leaning, did not vote in the election. She watched the inauguration and felt that Obama was a “really good speaker.”

“He is more likeable because of his personality, and people have become hyped because of that and not the issues as much,” Anderson said.

Brady Frost, a moderate who voted for Obama and saw him when he was on the presidential campaign tour, felt his inaugural address was “really optimistic.”

“He addressed important issues and boosted morale. I was really impressed. I was somewhat skeptical, but now I’m curious for the future. I think he’s the best candidate for the job,” Frost said.

Registered Republican Ben Millick also voted for Obama in the election and said his inaugural speech was one of the best speeches he has ever heard.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2009, 12:00 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.