Editor’s Note: Due to the Secret Service restrictions in bringing laptops and the unbelievable crowds yesterday PI was unable to post LIVE blogs as we had hoped to do yesterday. Special news correspondent Alexandra Nelson (age 10, Sophia’s niece) contributed to this post Inaugural assessment.
Post #1: We arrived on the streets of Washington D.C. around 6:45 am. It is a cold, very cold bitter morning. We avoided the long lines in the check point here on 7th & D Streets, and were able to sneak into an underground garage and get to our location right at the Navy Memorial and National Archives.
The Inauguration has started and I see Barack Obama and President George Bush in the Motorcade and they just passed us by. Today is probably the most historic moment of the history of the United States of America. It’s also exciting to finally be able to see the first African American President ever. There he is: Barack Obama standing straight, tall, and probably very proud to become the first black president in the history of the U.S.A. (Alexandra’s post)
Post #2: There walking down the stairs comes Joe Biden’s family. His children, siblings, and his grandchildren. And here comes Barack Obama’s family too all coming to watch him at the Inauguration. Barack Obama is now about to receive the oath of office and truly become the president of our great nation. I know that Sasha and Malia are so proud of their dad for so many reasons. I know that if that was my dad becoming the president, I would be proud. I can’t believe that Barack Obama messed up on his oath!!!!!!!! I just find that very funny. But I can imagine that he is very nervous in front of all those people and even the people watching the TV. (Alexandra’s post)
Now it is time for the big speech. The speech that all presidents have to give. In his speech, Mr. Obama mentioned that he would like to help as much as he can with our economy and jobs. Because he believes that the economy is bad and people need more jobs and that the government can help with that.
Post #3 (Sophia’s post): It is now about 30 mins from when Barack Obama will take the oath of office. We are all crowded into the Mintz Levin offices (9th floor with a stunning view of the Capitol & parade route) overlooking Pennsylvania avenue and the historic parade route. We saw the motorcade come by carrying our outgoing President, George W. Bush and our new one, Barack H. Obama.
Alex and I have been running back and forth between standing outside to try and get a glimpse of the Capitol and being upstairs in the warmth. It is cold and the military officers and soldiers are standing gallantly at parade rest. It is an awesome sight to behold.
The seamless transition of power has begun. People are excited and weeping quietly. My heart is beating, my chest a bit stuck out and I am watching Mrs. Obama in her gold lamay outfit (and green gloves) as she walks onto the Capitol platform to help swear her husband in. She is radiant. The Bushes outgoing seem subdued and sad. President Bill Clinton (still inside the Capitol) is walking arm and arm with President George Herbert Walker Bush who is limping. There is Secretary of State designee Hillary Clinton, Senator Kennedy, and former Vice President Al Gore. Everyone seems excited to witness such an incredible occasion. VP Cheney is in a wheel chair–so symbolic of the strain and stress this administration has faced.
It is now about 15 mins before he is sworn in. He has just descended the stairs and taken his place. They are all assembled on the stage and Barack Obama is wearing a red tie he looks as cool as ever. Showing no fear, no emotion, no trepidation. Sen Dianne Feinstein is speaking now. She brings up Aretha Franklin (who is has on a great church lady hat). She is singing my country tis of thee. We are just moments away. Damn I am proud right now. Rick Warren’s prayer made me weep. I am so touched. Anything is possible. This is such a proud day.
Okay here we go: Barack is standing up (Biden has just taken the oath) and Michelle has the Lincoln Bible. The girls look so cute–Malia in blue, Sasha in pink. Grandmom Robinson walked in with them this morning. Chief Justice Roberts has started—-oops, Barack has stumbled a bit–Michelle has shot him a look–he pulled it together (LOL). However, if my memory serves me well it is Roberts who has erred on the oath administration not Barack.
Now the Inaugural speech:
I am inspired by one of my favorite quotes inscribed on the walls of Union Station–I memorized it the first time I came to Washington D.C .as a Congressional intern when I was 14: