High Spirits On A Gloomy Day

A native Washingtonian, I had never been to a presidential inauguration. However, I have "participated" in five inaugurals, but it was done through the relative warmth and comfort of a CBS News control room or anchor booth. Saturday I attended my first inauguration ceremony.

With many of Washington's streets closed off for security reasons, it was a long hike up to the Capitol. Crowds were polite, and on Independence Avenue at least, they appeared to be very pro-Bush. Music piped in from speakers bounced eerily off museum and federal buildings. The biggest worry was getting poked in the eye by one of the thousands of umbrellas in use.

Under a dark and raining sky, spectators without tickets lined up early to claim choice viewing spots on the grounds right outside the Capitol. Two hours before the ceremony, crowds were 30 people deep – not exactly prime viewing, especially for the many children in the audience.

Those fortunate enough to have reserved seating were a bit later in arriving. Patrons with tickets had to pass through metal detectors and bags, purses and knapsacks were checked by grim faced military personnel. As the ceremony began crowds were still streaming into the reserved seating area. Though it was reported that all tickets were accounted for, there were still hundreds of empty seats, perhaps due to the nasty weather. Mud was everywhere, and those who didn't wear heavy-duty boots risked life and limb slipping in the foot-deep muck.

Sgt. Ryan Stalvey, stationed at the Marine Corps barracks at 8th and I Streets in Washington, was serving as an usher. In his three and a half years in the nation's capital, he's seen his share of military ceremonies. However this one was different, he told CBSNews.com. "I'm really happy and honored to be a part of this special day. It's really exciting to be here."

Fourteen-year-old Wade Root from Erie, Pennsylvania, was also attending his first inauguration. His uncle, Rep. Phil English, had gotten tickets for Wade and his family. When asked what he thought of the inauguration, he offered that he "might go into politics" as a result of all that he'd seen. He also said he was "going to some ball at Union Station" but he didn't know who was holding it.

Ruth and James Wise, from Moody, Alabama, were attending their second inauguration. In 1981 they watched Ronald Reagan take the oath of office. "It's even better the second time around," said Ruth Wise. Her husband agreed, "visiting the Capitol and seeing the inauguration is the most amazing thing. It's an exciting celebration."

The crowd in the reserved seating area was somewhat subdued. As various dignitaries were announced polite applause welcomed them. However, when the former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was introduced, loud booing broke out. Bill Clinton also greeted with more booing than applause. However, former president Jimmy Carter was warmly greted.

The crowd roared with approval as president-elect George W. Bush took his place on the podium. Most seemed to listen intently to the new president, but they didn't seem to interrupt his speech with a lot of applause.

Rick from Washington, D.C. thought that the inauguration was "exciting" and that Bush's speech was "excellent."

Connie from Virginia agreed. "It was a very good speech. One of his best."

On the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the Capitol there were more protesters. Holding signs proclaiming "Hail to the Thief" and "One Man – One Vote" and "Every Vote Counts – All Five of Them" protesters shouted "Shame, shame, shame."

Ariel, a student from the University of Delaware was one of the protesters. Holding a banner proclaiming "Freedom of Choice" she explained, "I'm against the voting process, and the blatant way he (George W. Bush) bought his way in." And she added, "The voting system is so messed up. I'm trying influence others. Maybe together we can make a difference."

Another protestor who would not give his name, said Bush's speech was "Garbage. Just garbage." He added, "He's not my president."

Crowds were thicker on Pennsylvania Avenue and at times there was absolute gridlock. After the ceremony people reported walking many blocks out of their way to get from the Capitol to a spot where they could view the parade. I know - I was one of them.

"You couldn't get through the crowds, it was horrible," said one harried mother of three who asked that her name not be used. "It's not real good for strollers."

Yet most people said they would do it again. Fourteen-year-old said the experience was, "awesome". Her friend Jesse, also 14 said it was "a great day."

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