The Obama Inauguration: What to Expect

I have covered several presidential and gubernatorial inaugurations over the years, and attended a few as well.

As a reporter, it is fascinating to have a front row seat to history. Make no mistake about it: covering an inauguration is work… HARD WORK. You are faced with near constant hassles, deadlines, security, cold, crowds and traffic. And as a spectator, you only miss one of those things… the deadlines. Still, it is worth it.

You walk away with the same feeling I get when spring arrives. Yes, it’s happening in the middle of winter and yes snow usually blankets the ground. There is an air of rebirth at an inauguration. It’s a chance for our government to change direction, correct the mistakes of the past, and move forward. This inauguration has that feel more than any other in generations.

If you’re planning to go, here’s my list of the top 7 things people can expect at this inauguration.

1) Crowds. Huge crowds. They are expecting the largest outpouring of spectators since LBJ’s inauguration in 1964. Just about everywhere you turn there will be hordes of people.
2) Long lines. Thanks to the crowds, you can expect to stand in line… a lot. Whether it’s to get into a museum, to have a bite to eat, or to get on the metro. You’re going to have to stand in line. Which brings me to #4…
3) Security. For decades now, security has been a concern. Even during President George W. Bush’s first inauguration in January of 2001 police were out in full force. There were long lines to have your bags searched and everyone had to go through a metal detector. And that was pre 9-11. It was also pre the election of the nation’s first African American president. Both of those things are likely to only heighten the security surrounding this inauguration.
4) Traffic. Security crews are so worried about the traffic that most roads going in and out of Washington DC will be blocked the day of the ceremony. Traffic in DC and the surrounding area is almost always bad. On Inauguration Day it will be 10 times worse.
5) Cold. Two of the three coldest days of my life as a reporter happened on inauguration days. At President Bush’s first inauguration, icy roads almost prevented us from getting back from the inaugural ball in time for our 11pm live shot. During President Bush’s second inauguration, the snow was falling so hard I looked like I had white hair in one of my reports. The cold is a particular problem during inaugurations because so much of everything happens outside. Best advice, bundle up and dress in layers.
6) Tourists. Generally those who live in Washington avoid inaugural activities. They are battle-worn veterans of DC life and aren’t as taken away with the pomp and circumstance of an inauguration. To many, it’s a day off to enjoy being out of the district. This means that most of the people on the roads, sidewalks and in the Metro will be trying to figure out how to get around.
7) Hope. Remember the rebirth I mentioned at the beginning of this entry? Well, our nation’s capitol will be overflowing with the sense of hope on Tuesday. There will be hope for a brighter day. Hope that this will mark a new chapter in race relations in America. Hope that our standing in the world will improve. Hope that our country might unite like it hasn’t in at least 16 years. And it is all of that, that makes the rest of it worth the trip.

So safe travels. And if you can’t make it to DC… turn on your television. The pictures will be great and you’ll get to watch them without freezing, standing in line, or getting stuck in traffic!