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Two million descend on Washington for Obama's Inauguration Day

by Amy Judd | January 20, 2009 at 07:59 am

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Two million people have descended on Washington DC for the Inauguration of Barack Obama, and the crowds have clogged the mass transit lines and security checkpoints as they try to get a spot to witness a moment in history.

The scene is Washington DC is one of a festive party mood, and even though the weather is below freezing, the two million people have all come out to support the man they believe will make their country a better place to live.

By the time the sun came up this morning, tens of thousands of people had already taken up position in the mall around the US Capitol Building, where Obama will be sworn in.

The Washington subway system is jammed with people and security are asking people to take their time and be patient getting into the city.

For people not able to get that close to Obama on the podium, there is video screens set up outdoor in the public squares.

Early Tuesday, Mr. Obama and his family attended a private service at St. John's Episcopal Church, a tradition for those about to become president. The family of Vice President-elect Joe Biden also attended. The Obamas waved to bystanders, then entered the church to applause from about 200 people. The choir and congregation began singing the hymn, "O God Our Help in Ages Past.''

Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., of Los Angeles, drew murmurs and chuckles when he blessed the Obamas and asked that "they may finish these two terms in office" stronger than they are now.

The Obamas and Joe and Jill Biden went for coffee at the White House with President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney and their wives. Then they plan to travel the short distance to the Capitol for Mr. Obama's history-making moment.

Just outside the White House, huge numbers of crowds are jostling for positions as Barack Obama takes the oath of office at noon today, using the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln used when he was sworn in as President.
Obama will stand opposite the Lincoln Memorial and become the 44th president of the United States.
Two million people will be there to see it in the flesh.

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Lenny Caudill (not verified)

at 22:08 on January 20th, 2009

I was among the two million today and it was without a doubt a historical moment.

I was fortunate enough to have a Blue Ticket to see the inauguration. Unfortunately, I was among the multiple thousands that did not see the inauguration because the security checkpoints were run in such a piss-poor fashion. They were running 250,000 or more people through individual security checks --- who's the moron?

After waiting three hours in a line that only moved maybe fifty feet, the inauguration started and we never made it to the area. I just drove six hours to home and saw the speech on line having been an 1/8 mile from the podium.

Many of us that worked so hard to acquire tickets and travel great distances to see this magnificent event in person got royally totally screwed!

The travel time home helped me to realize that it was still a worthwhile effort and I'd do it again. I'm all for being safe and secure, but lighten up guys ... really.

Damn it.

car1edb

at 12:41 on January 21st, 2009

Saw some reports on the bbc, etc, sounded like it was for a fortunate few million. Lots of people got turned away by security.

tallison

at 08:54 on January 23rd, 2009

I believe Obama would prove he is no small thinker and has the light of insight. And not would really would prove himself to be a trustee. I think he should keep 99 names of Allah with him and reflect on it and try his best to live upto it. He can work miracles else nature may conspire against him.