60,000 Apply To Volunteer At Inauguration

Washington Post: With Only About 18,000 Spots, Most Will Be Rejected

(Washingtonpost.com)  An unprecedented 60,000 people have sent applications to the Presidential Inaugural Committee to volunteer for activities surrounding the swearing-in of Barack Obama -- even if it means simply giving directions or friendly hellos to out-of-towners at airports and Metro stops.

With several days of events, including the Jan. 20 swearing-in, the committee needs 15,000 to 18,000 volunteers, officials said. That's three times as many as were called upon for the inaugurations of George W. Bush.

Committee spokesman Kevin Griffis said: "There's a hunger out there. People want to get involved. People want to be a part of this thing . . . a part of history."

Officials have thinned the applicant pool to about 27,000, said Tripp Wellde, the committee's director of volunteers. They've been screening the offers via questionnaires that focus on availability and capability. But the applications keep coming in through the committee's Web site, with a deadline set for 11:59 p.m. tomorrow.

Volunteers will be responsible for their own transportation and housing, and they won't be paid, Wellde said. Those selected won't necessarily get within a mile of the nation's first African American president, but they will be provided with food, a commemorative credential and a red winter cap.

The committee is especially looking for local volunteers who know the Washington area.

"We're going to have so many folks coming in here from out of state, from out of town, we want to make sure that we give people a good, positive experience," Wellde said. "The more people that we have volunteering for us from the D.C. area . . . we just think it's going to make people's experience even better."

Some applicants have applied for specific jobs, he said.

"We always have people who offer to be up there to hold the Bible," Wellde said. "We've had an incredible amount of people who have shown interest in wanting to be up there standing next to [Obama]. Unfortunately, most of our volunteer roles will not be standing next to the president-elect, if not all of them."

Although it's not yet clear who will be holding the Bible when the oath of office is taken, the book is usually held by the president-elect's spouse, a spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said yesterday.

Wellde said volunteers who are accepted will be notified by e-mail and asked to sign up for a training session. They will be divided into teams of 15, each with a "captain."

The enormous crowds anticipated could require large numbers of volunteers, he said. He estimated that 6,000 volunteers would be required to work on the Mall, where upward of 2 million people are expected to gather for the swearing-in. An additional 2,800 volunteers would likely be needed to staff the inaugural parade route. And thousands more would be needed to help at balls and the rest of the week's inaugural events.

Applications can be found and filed on the Presidential Inaugural Committee's Web site, http://www.pic2009.org.

One early volunteer is Gail Wise, who said she was in high school the last time she was so excited about a presidential inauguration. It was 1961. Her work stuffing envelopes for John F. Kennedy earned her a ticket to his swearing-in. But when the day came, she had a biology exam, and her parents told her that she could attend Kennedy's next inauguration.

She recalled listening to the ceremonies on a transistor radio while dissecting a frog.

But there would be no second inauguration for Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. "So, of course, I never ever got there," she said.

Now 63, retired with children and grandchildren, Wise said yesterday that this time, "I am bound and determined to be there."

Wise, of Leesburg, who worked in Loudoun County for Obama during the campaign, already is at work helping the Presidential Inaugural Committee match other volunteers with jobs.

Wise, who said she has no title, said she and others worked for Obama during the primaries and the general election and are working for him again "because something was ignited and we can't settle down and go back to our lives."

[vcofreason]

Folks, calm down. There is nothing "historic" about this election or inauguration. A man, of mixed race, not black, not white but 1/2 of each is taking office. Nothing to see here; move along. I do find it amusing that all the blacks are talking about their prince; um, his momma is as white as mine and I''m talking white as the pure driven snow. Puh-leeze stop it with the black president yammering.

[u-r-right]

It will be amusing to witness the diappointment by those who are expecting a handout from their prince and great change. They will see he is just like any other politician in a short amount of time. I predict another Jimmy Carter.

[drpolitics1]

I am so tired of the media calling this inauguration "historic". ALL inaugurations are historic. ALL presidents, good or bad, rich or poor are historic. ALL "First Ladies" dresses are in the Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C. Please stop acting as though everything about Obama is so good and not others who have been president. It just shows how little people know about history until this year. They need to go to our U.S. Capital at other times and visit the sites. You will see, there is so much history in that town, until it will make your head spin. It is all history and nothing more!

[drpolitics1]

This is a great nation, but it was founded and forged by men who owned slaves, black slaves from Africa.

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Posted by fsw3 at 08:23 AM : Jan 02, 2009

Neither one of Obama%u2019s parents were slaves. Actually, Obama is a Kenyan-American. We as blacks created the term African-American because we did not know what country in Africa we derived. Obama knows his ancestry and he is %u201CKenyan-American%u201D. His White family owned slaves, so there is nothing to keep bragging about him being the first black President. Again, it is all history.

[vcofreason]

Posted by fsw3 at 06:46 AM

I must disagree. I do not see Obama as a black man. Never have, never will. The picture of him with his mother seals that for me. I would like to hear from his mother directly that they had to eat separately and take the back seat in a bus.

[hatesthecolt]

It tickles me to see the posts that "play down" this inauguration as nothing special when it obviously is. The wishful thinking of the Obama-bashers (that he''s fail, that he''s not black, etc) is really pitiful and a waste of my time to address directly because they are so blinded by their own ideology that they cannot see what is right in front of them: namely, that a huge chunk of the US population is excited by the drama and potential of the incoming administration.

[hatesthecolt]

I must disagree. I do not see Obama as a black man. Never have, never will. The picture of him with his mother seals that for me. I would like to hear from his mother directly that they had to eat separately and take the back seat in a bus.

Posted by VcofReason

50 years ago they would have had to...

[drpolitics1]

Nonetheless, his skin color is considered ''''black'''', he is a man of color, he is clearly not white. Had he lived just a generation ago he would not have even been allowed to vote, much less hold office

Posted by fsw3 at 09:02 AM : Jan 02, 2009

So let us just say that Obama is the first black-looking president because he is half-black. It will really be historic when we get a full-black president.

[jt_lancer]

Whether or not he is black or white, I think little will ''change'' during his presidency. Here''s why:

Obama claims to be against the war, but ALL of Obama''s national security and foreign policy appointees are known to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Including his Sec. of State, Hillary Clinton, who has supported the war from the start.

Obama says he was against the war from the start. Yet, he voted FOR ALL but one of the President''s Iraqi war funding requests since he joined the Senate!

Obama, like Bush, McCain, and many Repubs, voted FOR the Patriot Act renewal; FISA wiretapping bill; the $800 Billion taxpayer funded bailout of Wall Street fat cats.

Obama, like Bush and McCain, believe the US should consider military intervention in Pakistan and Iran. In fact, Obama wants to EXPAND the war in Afghanistan!

Obama supports continuing the Bush policy of massive deficit spending to put American taxpayers in even more debt.

Obama, like Bush, McCain and most Repubs, is an ardent drug war supporter.

So much for ''change we can believe in''.

[drpolitics1]

''''African'''' is not a skin color. It is his ancestry. No man of African ancestry has ever been the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.


Posted by fsw3 at 09:28 AM : Jan 02, 2009

Actually, Africa is a continent. We live in North America, but we are from the U.S. We refer to the country. Therefore, Kenya is a country in the CONTINENT of Africa. He is a Kenyan + White American.

[credibility2]

I believe that once the 60,000 realize that Mr. Obama is also white, they won''t see the accomplishment that big of a deal and decide to stay home, where they can be comfortable.

[credibility2]

The issue really is one of Obama being bi-racial with only his visible race traits being recognized, which diminishes and actually demeans his mother''s race. It''s as if some are ashamed of his also being white. Yes, he''s black, but only half black. His labeling is as if his white race doesn''t exist or matter. Obama is the first bi-racial man to become president; this is a much more accurate and fitting label.

[hatesthecolt]

Obama is the first bi-racial man to become president; this is a much more accurate and fitting label.

Posted by Credibility2

Why is that level of hairsplitting necessary?? The important factor is that he is a man of color, the first in the history of the country. That is sufficient to make it historic.

[last121868]

No, let''''s just say that you are stupid, ignorant bigot who is filled with bitterness and hate. That is the type of thinking that a strong majority of the American people rejected on November fourth.


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Posted by fsw3 at 09:27 AM : Jan 02, 2009
+ report abuse


Thanks you fsw3..Very well said!

[credibility2]

And which color might that be? It''s not splitting hairs. If Obama had visible characteristics that were white instead of black and others referred to him as white, then blacks would rightly be inclined to question that. Bi-racial is what Obama is. Yes, he is a man of color - white and black. It does matter and his only being referred to as African-American is incorrect, since he''s also European-American.

[hatesthecolt]

since he''''s also European-American.

Posted by Credibility2

AHHHH now I get it.... you''re a racist! You CANNOT stand to admit that someone who is not European American so you''ll grasp at straws to reach that conclusion at any cost to the logic of the situation. Okay, well, now I at least I understand.

[credibility2]

His mother was white and was of European ethnicity. Ergo, Obama is also European-American. Actually, he''s European-African-American. That''s not being racist, that''s being accurate and factual. At least I can grasp both. Or would you prefer altogether discounting his having been born of a white woman?

[blindersoff]

I''m glad to see White people claiming the President Elect now because during the election for some reason, some were trying to present him as a "Secret muslim or an Arab". Glad to see that cleared up. Credibility and other''s seem to be very concerned that he''s labled correctly. I''m just glad to see him ready and able to take his seat on 1/20/2009. Kudo''s to the people selected to be volunteers during this event, unfortunately I will have to watch on tv from N.C. (blue this election season, YES!)

[ohohoh1]

No, let''''''''s just say that you are stupid, ignorant bigot who is filled with bitterness and hate. That is the type of thinking that a strong majority of the American people rejected on November fourth.


A strong majority? no...not a strong popular vote...and yes, he is european-african-american

[ohohoh1]

and can only black people be african american? what about a white baby with a black dad/white mom? or what if you were born to a white couple from south africa?

[ohohoh1]

52% is not a strong majority...i voted for alan keyes anyways...and lets just call everyone who is a citizen of this great country American...enough with the prefixes...

[ohohoh1]

No, that''''s only a real issue from stupid, ignorant bigots. The real issue is that the American people have risen above their racist past and elected a decent and brialliant man who is going to do great things for our country, with our help.


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Posted by fsw3 at 01:51 PM : Jan 02, 2009
+ report abuse

Any democrat woulda won this election...the slight majority were just tired of bush is all...

[jt_lancer]

fsw3 - ''More Americans voted for Barack Obama than any other candidate in history.''

Because they expect real ''change'', though I predict little change will happen in an Obama administration. Here''s why:

Obama says he was against the war from the start. Yet, he voted FOR all but one of the President''s Iraqi war funding requests since he joined the Senate!

Plus, ALL of Obama''s national security and foreign policy appointees are known to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama, like McCain and Bush, voted to give $750 billion in taxpayer funds to fat cats on Wall Street.

McCain and Bush believe the US should consider military intervention in Pakistan and Iran. So does Obama. In fact, Obama wants to EXPAND the war in Afghanistan!

Obama, like McCain and Bush, voted to extend the Patriot Act, which gives the president the power to wiretap, read your emails, and throw anybody in jail as an enemy combatant.

Obama, like McCain and Bush, supported the FISA Act, which allows the government to perform domestic wiretapping against American citizens without a warrant.

Obama, like Bush and McCain, are ardent supporters of the war on drugs.

Bush has overseen the largest federal deficits in US history. Obama plans to continue the fiscally irresponsible spending spree that Bush started. In fact, Obama already said he plans to deficit spend to ''''get us out of the economic mess''''.

So, tell me, what''''s the difference?

[ohohoh1]

Strong Majorities...
61.1% LBJ over 38.5% Goldwater
60.8% FDR over 36.5% Landon
60.7% Nixon over 37.5% McGovern
60.3% Harding over 34.1% Cox

Thats just because alot of people decided to get out and vote this year...he did get a lot of people to vote for him but so did mccain...it just so happens that more voted for Obama..and whats wrong with keyes?

[ohohoh1]

Those elections are strong majorities/landslides...Obama had the majority, but it wasnt a strong one... whats wrong with keyes?

[ohohoh1]

I dont trust people who got their PhD in government affairs from Harvard either...

[laurieleemoo]

Well of course....a star-studded event....and how many are coming out to see their favorite star. I''m sure you all can have common sense to figure that into your calculations...so if I were Obama, I would not let it go to his head....the liberal media has made it too big already.
And one last note....The american people did not vote Obama in because they love Obama.....we all know the majority were voting against Bush and the republicans...you bozo Obamarama''s....actually...I think in fact...BOZO THE CLOWN would have been voted in as President before ANY republican would have been.

So...in essence....the people are giving Obama WAYYYYYYY more credit than he deserves. What is so great about him?????????

[laurieleemoo]

I think Obama is extremely wet behind the ears and extremely naive. By the way....his thoery of diplomacy in the world....such as wanting to sit down and talk to the terrorist and terrorist nations (i.e. IRAN)....I don''t know....somehow in my head....a picture of a black Mr. Rogers.....

Yes...Mr. Obama...our black Mr. Rogers wants to ''Welcome everybody to the neighborhood''. It is truly laughable!!

[antoniof123]

First of all it was 53 percent to 46 percent the final count.

Second the truth is this 45 percent will always vote Republican and 45 percent will always vote Democrat. So in reality only 10 percent decide the election.

Sorry but that is you nut cases fault you put party over country.

The real change is that Obama is black and that is a first you are living in what I hope begins a trend that the 10 percent get angry and make the decisions each election to rid us of your ilk.

[element51]

I don''t give a ***** if he is green with red stripes. I voted for him because I believe he is capable of getting the job done. I am tired of feeling that I am not a part of government. It''s supposed to be government of the people, by the people and for the people. It''s time that we have a leader that will tell us the truth and speak to us like we are adults. I know that the job ahead will be very difficult but I think Obama can rise to the occasion. We won''t always like what he says but I think he will try to do what is best for America. America is at a cross roads. We must come together as one nation and stop this partisan bickering. If we continue to fight and to let hate run rampant we are doomed. So hold Obama to a high standard and let''s help him in any way we can. He is not the enemy, he is our president.

[hatesthecolt]

laurieleemoo, in the first place you present an extremely simplified version of Obama''s foreign policy proposals. May I give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you were being facetious?

But second, and more importantly, how in the world can you support the last 8 years of the ultimate in simplistic diplomacy: saying FU to the world and we can do whatever we want. Where has that gotten us except up to our necks in two wars and with most of our former allies either laughing at us or despising us.

[element51]

laurieleemoo.....I find your assessment of diplomacy somewhat naive. Do you honestly believe that we should just tell the rest of the world to go to hell and be done with it. In case you haven''t noticed, the world is shrinking and the smaller it gets the more important it is to be able and willing to sit down and negoiate. Diplomacy is extremely important. If it comes down to a choice of negoiations or war I believe strongly in avoiding war. I have seen war up close and personal and I can tell you that it is not something to take lightly. I will grant you that diplomacy is not always going to work but to dismiss it as naive is just wrong. From your post it appears that you do not like Obama and that is your right but in view of the world situation today don''t you think it might be reasonable to give him a chance before you call for his head on a platter?

[lordsuntzu]

washington dc needs a lot of volunteers to work thier social services..NO GLAMOR IN IT??

THE ESSENCE OF AN OBAMA SPPORTER