Inauguration 2009

A rare day

I talked to a lot of Charlestonians today --  natives, recent transplants, long-time residents -- and this stands out: Most people, regardless of political affiliation, are optimistic about what Obama can do. His speech rang true for many with its emphasis on old-fashioned values such as hard work, patriotism and selflessness.

Let's not be mistaken, there are still remnants of old and ugly racism in this town, which a local bartender heard just today. But the inauguration ceremonies gave most of us hope that, instead of being the norm, such sentiment publicly expressed will be met with disapproval and censure. Indeed, those expressing such opinions were made unwelcome and, better yet, derided. 

There were snow flurries on the peninsula tonight. Who would have thought? Perhaps this really is a time to expect the unusual and to hope for something out of the ordinary.

For a complete gallery of photographs from today's showing at Marion Square, check this out. I heard from the gracious Barbara Vaughn that the idea for the community broadcast came from the mayor himself.  Nice!

--Janet

Breaking news (updated)

Reuters is reporting that Sen. Robert Byrd and Sen. Ted Kennedy collapsed at Obama's luncheon. Byrd's office says the senator "is fine"; Kennedy is reported to be conscious and in an ambulance en route to a  D.C. hospital.

Here are links to check out! I will keep adding them as I get them. Tweet with tags #chs or #inaug09 or e-mail [email protected]. You can send photos to that address as well, but it takes a bit of time to upload them ... for some reason the Internet is really busy today. (all the more reason to check back tomorrow, too!) Be sure to give me caption information.

* Local blogger and weatherman Jared Smith offers a video of the crowd at Marion Square.

Update: The latest news is that Sen. Byrd's issues were not health-related. (hattip: Cedar Posts) Sen. Kennedy, who has undergone treatment for brain cancer, appears to be OK as well. A doctor reports "the incident was brought on by simple fatigue."

Warmed up

So I'm back at the office and mostly warmed up. For the record, the $1.24-per-four-pack hand warmers are great.

If you've got any celebrations planned today, give us a shout on Twitter, with the hash tags #chs and #inaug09 or e-mail me at [email protected] or [email protected]. Send us a link to your photos or videos or just let me know where you were and how it felt to watch Obama take the oath of office.

Freezing fantastic

It is pretty profound. A black man rocks against the cold, tears in his eyes. The church bells are tolling merrily. Everywhere in the crowd there are cell phones filming, cameras snapping, heads nodding.

"We are ready to lead once more!" draws huge cheers.

Get Ready.

The Obamas are getting ready to emerge. Could be crazy!

I am posting under a pink blanket because of the glare. A lot harder to blog this than you'd think!

Lots of photographers are here.  Videographers too. If you are shooting, remember to send us a link.

We are here!

We are here at Marion Square. I apologize in advance, but it's too bright to get a good view of the computer screen, so typos may temporarily abound.

Plenty of people here. It's cold and windy but the mood is warm!

There are young kids, older kids, parents, African-Americans and not. A nice crowd for a day that was supposed to be warmer and sunny.

Let's go!

So, I'm off to get all the stuff (tent, tables chairs, etc.) It's just me right now, so it could be 9:30 before the tent is there. (and by tent, I mean awning). Do dress warmly. City of Charleston has promised chairs because it got cold and wet overnight. Don't think it will dampen spirits, though ...

People in D.C.  are already lined up and waiting for what will most likely be hours to get into the inauguration festivities. At least being pressed up against total strangers will mean it's warmer, right?

Hope to see you soon.

--Janet

F-f-f-f-freezing!

Obama's speech will bring chills ... even if it's only from the cold weather we will be enjoying on Tuesday.  I will be at the jumbotron event in Marion Square along with News2 and the Digitel, so stop by our little tent and say hello. You can scribble a message to our new president on a big canvas, check out Twitter, and share your thoughts about the historic day.

And, just remember, no matter how cold it is here in Charleston, it will be colder in Washington, D.C. 

Here are pictures from blogger Keith Shepherd. Here's a complete schedule from MTV. If you've been watching all the coverage, test your inauguration trivia with this quiz. Even the Weather Channel has caught the inauguration fever. Check out their 25 little-known inauguration facts, complete with photographs.

Here's hoping we see you tomorrow!

--Janet

Playing coy

We promised you a look at Michelle Obama's fashion choices but, alas, we don't have any. Mrs. President-elect isn't going to give up the details on the inaugural ballgown until Tuesday, despite plenty of speculation on what she should wear.

When we know, you'll know!

A community event

For those of us not able to travel to D.C. (or for those of us intimidated by the thought of a 2-million-plus crowd!) The city of Charleston, Comcast Cable and some admirable, civic-minded  benefactors have teamed up to provide us the next best thing: a free Jumbotron view of the ceremonies at Marion Square.

Here's the announcement:

The screening on a Jumbotron will begin at approximately 11 a.m. and take place in Marion Square. The program is estimated to last until 1:30 p.m., with Barack Obama taking oath at Noon as specified by the U.S. Constitution.

The public is invited to come and bring lawn chairs and blankets.  Bring your lunch and have a picnic as we all share this remarkable day.

Sweet! So will we see you there?

--Janet