The Massive Influx for Obama's Inauguration

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Hours before Barack Obama was to be sworn in as the nation's 44th president, it appeared that the predictions of record-breaking crowds were coming true. At subway stops around the Capitol and the National Mall, people wearing all sorts of Obama hats, scarves, and buttons streamed out.

At the stops I went by, police were politely directing people to the Mall or to the stands that corresponded to their colored tickets: orange, blue, silver, yellow, or purple. As I arrived at the Capitol, Marine One landed to get ready to carry President Bush away after the swearing-in.

Unfortunately, the Capitol area was strewn with garbage—and many empty hand-warmer packages—but few seemed to notice.

Metro crowds.



Garbage outside.



Security sign at Capitol.