Partnership for Public Service. The program was entitled “Making a Difference Through Public Service,” and Stier expressed how reassuring it was that so many young people were in attendance. The theatre was filled to its capacity of 1850 seats, and Stier remarked that the attendance of this event was double that of an Ashlee Simpson concert that had occurred in the same venue the previous week. After the applause and laughter had died down, Stier introduced Tim Russert who gave the opening remarks.

Russert told the story of his work in public service, and explained how it has helped him in his journalistic career. He introduced Senator Barack Obama who received a standing ovation. Obama told of his journey to become a Senator, including anecdotes from his campaign for state legislature. The Senator expressed the difficulty of being away from his family, but was sure to stress that it is because his job is so fulfilling that he is willing to make the sacrifice. Both Russert and Obama discussed the importance of our generation to take on leadership roles in public service. Russert mentioned how much technology has changed and how we can use that to our advantage in the future. Both speakers mentioned that half of the nation's 1.8 million federal employees may be eligible to retire in the next 5 years, leaving many jobs open for college graduates.

As a journalism major, I was intrigued by Russert’s manner in what was called a “Town Hall Style Interview,” but Obama’s demeanor struck me as well. It did not seem like there was a politician speaking on the stage, but someone personable who truly cared about the thoughts and opinions of others. Coincidentally, Obama spoke of the bad reputation that the government has acquired and urged those in the audience to help change that image in the future. The number of those in attendance who actually end up working for the government is anybody’s guess. However, the fact that this event was held is a gesture of good faith that will certainly leave an impression on those who attended.