Results tagged “swearinginceremony”

Attention all inaugural ticket holders who are still smarting over harrowing security gate experiences: the Presidential Inaugural Committee really does feel bad. To prove it, they are offering to give you free stuff. Said stuff is said to be copies of the Swearing-In invitation and program, photos of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and a color print of the ceremony itself. Does this free stuff make up for you feeling super disappointed/having been actually frightened by an angry mob/spending money and time on something that you didn't get to experience? You tell us.

A week ago we pointed out that Pepsi might be too closely exploiting the Obama logo and message for the comfort of their Republican consumers. Well yesterday on the National Mall, they continued to link themselves even more shamelessly to the new president by handing out tote bags with distinctly Obama-esque message ("Hope," "Yes You Can") and cards encouraging people to sign an open letter to America's newest leader by sending a text message to Pepsi. Beyond the wisdom of trying to make itself the drink of all Democrats, it seemed a little tacky for Pepsi to be handing out corporate schwag on what is something of a sacred day for America's democracy. Coca-Cola seems to be playing it safe, on the other hand -- the most they've done is run ads on MLK Day advocating diversity and service.

Like many District residents, DCist writers and visitors, I made an extra-early trek down to the National Mall this morning for the swearing-in of President Barack Obama. Arriving in darkness, the U.S. Capitol cut a stark contrast against the dark sky as thousands of people populated the Mall in anticipation of the morning's events.

                     

Written by Sommer Mathis, Jen Chung and Aaron Morrissey

DCist's Amanda Mattos reports from the "orange" ticketholders entrance at the Swearing-In Ceremony, which is near C street at the entrance to the Rayburn HOB. She says she was shuffled into a long, winding line that was supposedly leading to the security entrance, but when she actually reached the gate, there was nobody monitoring the entrance to the security tent, and it seemed like people could have cut to the front of the line without anyone stopping them -- except, as it turned out, the angry mob. A family did try to cut in line, and Amanda says the crowd responded by calling them "Bush"! Apparently shouting "Bush!" is the official insult of Inauguration Day.