One would be hard pressed to find more appealing entertainment for Democrats under the age of 35 than Barack Obama and Kanye West. At the Youth Ball held at the Washington Hilton Tuesday night, both the new president and the rap star made appearances before an adoring crowd.
“It’s a pretty tough act to beat,” attendee David Kelly, 34, said of the duo.
One of 10 official inaugural balls held throughout the city, the Youth Ball drew upward of 7,000 guests to the massive red and blue ballroom. The newly sworn-in president and first lady took the stage at 10:30 p.m. to applause so loud it drowned out the announcer’s introduction.
Obama thanked those in attendance for their efforts in last fall’s election. He said that many people told him they had decided to vote for him because their children were actively involved in his campaign.
“A new generation inspired previous generations. That’s how change happens in America,” Obama said.
Continuing themes from his inaugural address earlier in the day, Obama praised service organizations like Teach for America and the Peace Corps. He added that what happened in this country would inspire young people in other countries to work for a better future for themselves.
“The future will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the energy you showed on this campaign,” Obama told the crowd.
Following his speech, Obama and the first lady danced to Etta James’ “At Last,” played by the Air Force Band.
Prior to Obama’s appearance, Kanye West delighted the crowd with a brief but energetic set. Wearing his iconic sunglasses and a tuxedo, West expressed his joy over Obama’s election and inauguration.
“It feels so good to be here,” West said, before singing a verse that referenced Obama and the American dream.
In addition to West, both Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy performed. Fall Out Boy lead singer Patrick Stump sarcastically dedicated the band’s first song, “Thnks fr th Mmrs,” to the outgoing President Bush.
All three artists’ performances and Obama’s appearance were broadcast live on MTV, which sponsored the ball. Many of those in attendance were veterans of Obama’s campaign, either as volunteers or full-time staffers.
Andrew Baxter, a field organizer for the campaign in Savannah, Ga., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said the Ball was akin to a reunion for him and his colleagues.
“It’s cool to see everything we worked so hard for wrapped up so neatly,” said Baxter, 21. “I’m just glad to see my Savannah family, the ragtag group of 20-somethings who worked 100-hour weeks with me.”
Those in attendance also said they appreciated the pomp and splendor of the ball.
“I’ve never been to anything like it,” said Meghann Smith, an Arlington resident.
Not everyone was pleased with how the evening’s events transpired, however. A line of guests were still waiting to be admitted at 11 p.m., after the president had finished speaking. One woman, who said she had been in line for over an hour, was furious that it was taking so much time.
She said, “To do this to people who have paid for tickets, it’s really upsetting.”
