D.C.'s big Obama dilemma: What to do with the crowds?

[babylonsister]

D.C.'s big Obama dilemma: What to do with the crowds?



Workers begin to cover fountain on West Front of the Capitol Building as part of the start of construction of the inaugural platform.
Chuck Kennedy / MCT

By William Douglas | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — Barack Obama didn't measure the White House drapes before being elected president — as Republican rival John McCain accused him of doing — but Ron Walters' family effectively did.

Weeks before Election Day, Walters began fielding calls from relatives who were looking for beds, couches, floors or any other sleeping space available in his suburban Washington home in anticipation of Obama being sworn in as the nation's first African-American president on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

"I had 23 relatives call us to try to get space in this home, and that's going on everywhere around here," said Walters, a University of Maryland political science professor. "We're trying to figure out how to buy all the futons and where to put them. But we'll be one big happy family. This is going to be a big celebration."

It seems as if everyone on Earth wants to come to Obama's inauguration, especially African-Americans. There are about 90,000 hotel rooms in the Washington area and only a few are still available, for a price. Prices start around $400 a night, and for most there's a four-night minimum. One unidentified celebrant paid $1 million to book an entire 300-room Marriott. Hotels as far away as Richmond, Va. — 100 miles south — and Baltimore — 40 miles north — are raising their rates and getting bookings.

"It's going to be like the Million Man March," said author A'Lelia Bundles, a Washingtonian and descendant of Madam C.J, one of the nation's first black female millionaires. "People are excited. It's almost like emancipation and Jubilee."

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/55712.html

[HughBeaumont]

1. Can't wait.

Hopefully I'll be one of the people to have tickets (which I already requested).

What's weird about this is that along the parade route of the 2nd Bewsh Inaugural, it seemed like there were more police than people. There was still a big turnout, but it isn't like I was fighting for space up front. I was able to move around quite easily. I don't anticipate any sparseness this time out.

It's also a plus to have family in Silver Spring. :)

[BanzaiBonnie]

10. I was there

Traveled from the West Coast to Turn my Back on Bush. I had never been to the East Coast before that, but knew I had to do it for my mental health.

I won't be able to be in DC for Obama's inauguration. I don't have the money to do it. I would be there if I could. I'll be there in spirit and we'll have a big party here.

[dipsydoodle]

2. I'm sure it will get well deserved

world news coverage.

[sampsonblk]

3. I won't be deterred, I know that!

I am going. If I'm sure it will be safe, I will take my son. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

[lunatica]

4. I wish I were going for the first time ever

I never even thought about it before.

[grace0418]

5. I decided that, since I had the good fortune to get a ticket to the Grant Park rally last

Tuesday, I'd give up whatever space my ass would take up along the route and just watch on tv. :) I want to hear lots of stories from folks who attend though! :hi:

[nichomachus]

6. Can we all sing

"Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey goodbye" -- as Bush leaves the White House. I think it would be so cool to have a million people singing that together.

[kwassa]

7. Reminds me of the 1963 March on Washington

We live locally, and haven't decided if we are going to brave the crowds or not. No tickets yet, it might be too late. The nearest comparable is the 4th of July fireworks crowd, and it is hell to get home after that. 600,000 people trying to get on the Metro at once.

My wife's cousin says her entire church is coming over in a bus from the eastern shore of Maryland.

My wife got VIP tickets with her then-boyfriend to Bill's first inaugural in 1992, ended up standing next to Johnny Cash for the entire ceremony.

[LynneSin]

8. I'm so glad I got my room booked already

may be a giant camp-out in it Monday night so that we can all get out extra early Tuesday morning for a slot along the parade route.

[goclark]

9. I'm going! Rented a home in DC

6 months ago!

I could cancel 60 days before and the price is $300 a night!
It is near the Metro and not far from Tiffany's etc.

In no way am I trying to sell anything to anyone but I have used this website many times and love it -- it's so much better for families, so much better and cheaper.

www.vrbo.com

Just realized that some Republicans may have done what I did and now had to cancel. There may be some places available now but the owner probably raised the prices.

It's worth a try.


6 of us- family/friends are going and dividing the cost 6 ways.