CNN

Change = Spending millions on a speech
Change = Obama's new team of Clinton adimistration people
Change = Nastry demoncrates taking cheep shots at other Americans
Change = Hollywood antics in our White House
Change = ????

Hey DIEDERICH:

Shut up, stay in Germany and mind your own business.

Marc M:
God Bless you, you poor thing. I hate to think of you hiding under your bed for the next 8 years in irrational fear, simply because you refuse to believe what those of us who don't wear foil hats already know.

I'm not sure what it is you enjoyed about the past 8 years: preemptive war against the WRONG enemy, incompetent federal agencies, poisoned pet food, lead in toys & jewelry, alienation of our allies, raiding our national treasury, rampant cronyism, increased destruction of our environment, or perhaps the reign of Saudi oil interests over ours.

I will pray that you will awaken to reality and accept the facts and evidence that have been presented to you.

I am surprised at those who like running their mouths off on here, But when it comes down to doing the job of protecting the country they seem to be big cowards and run up under there mommies dress. You can run your pie hole into the ground but actions is alot louder than words. I look at all these people and read there opinions and just maybe they need to take a good look in the mirror before they open the pie hole. They think this so-called new administration is going to pull american people out of the pit that they are in. Crooks are going to be crooks whether Dems,Or Republicans, or Independents. Oh Yea the Next Time Some Say (God Bless The America) Do you really mean it or is to try impress someone?

"Dire Warnings" ?? Thats a phrase used in terror attacks – not inconvenient crowded ceremonies. More irresponsible sensationalism from CNN. Maybe you should hire someone who can actually write engaging headlines instead of a 23 yr old intern.

What is with all the extremely stupid comments? This is the kind of high brow dialogue I'd expect to see on Flavor of Love or the Springer Show. CNN – Why don't you moderate this better and not post comments that have little or no value?

Im staying home and doing something because YES I CAN! I remember the special ed teachers always telling their mentally challenged students the same slogans you get from our future administration. Im convinced the movie Idiocracy really predicts our future. Democrats, republicans, obama, mcain, etc. Theyre all politicians and have no interest in actually helping the public. But people are gullable and will believe whatever the politicians tell you. I dont know how people dont see something wrong with our political process. If the nfl were like politics then the super bowl would be the Cowboys and Patriots every single year since the nfl was conceived. How do we live in a country with so much choice and "freedom" but the media and government only shows us two choices for a leader every 4 years. Dont believe the hype.

Hey neo-con sore losers,

This is a hostoric event and Americans want to be part of it, those are facts. The fact that millions want to be here, despite all the inconvenience, is a triumph of democracy and the most excitement anything related to U.S. government has generated in years.

This isn't about money or infrastructure, Obama isnt forcing anyone to come to DC or Congress to spend money on this. Don't be ridiculous. To say this event should be confined to a session of Congress or those with ticket holders is utterly elitist.

Those of you who are insulting Obama, that is really not the issue at hand, I'm sure there are many venomous right wing blogs you can hang out on. And by the way, I wouldn't be so boastful considering the corrupt idiot you put in charge for the past 8 years. This country is in crisis because of his leadership.

Perhaps Obama won't fix everything, but there are many out there who believe he can, so we're going to celebrate regardless of what you think. Don't come to DC, that's fine with us. At least we're not going to be waving "Mission Accomplished" signs at the event when nothing has actually been accomplished.

One of the best things about American politics is that we DO have a VIABLE two party system. When the public percieves one party has led the Country to far to the right, the public votes the other party into power. When the second party goes to far toward the left..... the other party is voted back into office....

Although America's course may waiver slightly left or right, over the years, America' has been steadfastly and accurately on the course towards freedom and equality for all.

The public has spoken.......Support the President.

May Freedom Ring!

It is going to be worse than Katrina! I can see the idiots on roof tops now waiting for a rescue! It should be hillarious!

Interaction!!! Turkey is trying to protect itself against Northern Iraq/Iran Boaders.... So an Alliance is good for Israel....

After reading some of these comments I was really bothered by how ignorant and confused some of you really are. Some of you need proof he is a citizen, others say his supporters are crazy and that he should not even think of trying to have this 'party' and use it for the economy. How dumb are you people? After having Bush run this country and mess it up for 8 years you can still make this nonsense comments? I really wish I could meet some of you in person to tell you all how dumb and ignorant you are. First of all this isnt a party its a swearing in ceremony that your dumb president had to do as well. Also I didnt hear all these comments when he was sworn in. Also Palin would have been ten times worst than him, my grandmother knows more politics that her. I really think you people need to take a long hard look in the mirror before coming after a qualified, guided, smart man like Obama.

I have family in USA. I will be flying out soon for this event! CONGRATULATIONS USA for your great Victory!

I am going to enjoy it all from the warmth of my home. I will be able to see/hear everything. Going to DC just to make history, well not me. Many will not even be able to hear or see what is going on and the ceremony will be over and the majority won't even know. I pray for a 65 degree day with plenty of sun.

So many unemployed, hungry and homeless and Obama insists on wasting all this money on his dog and pony show. In world War II Citizens were asked to donate their pots and pans to made into ammunition etc for the war effort. Kennedy said, " ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". Well, I'm asking you Obama, what can you do for the people of this country in our greatest time of need? Can you relinquish your need to be placed on a throne and instead, spend those millions on the poor and homless? Can you"sacrafice" your house warming party and HELP people who elected you? Somehow I doubt it. Your ego is much to bloated.

Folks, Obama is going to get the job whether you're standing around in hip-deep snow and sub-zero temperatures or relaxing in your comfy, centrally-heated, living-room. Why is anyone actually going to this dog-and-pony show?

I wonder how many tax payer dollars will be spent on the ceremony. Shouldn't we scale the celebration down and keep that money in the economy so we don't lose our homes?

I will be there front and center even if it is -60 degrees ..think how far man has come 50 years ago ..a walk home in group could have resulted in getting a fire hose turned on you .

Let's see, everywhere "Global Warming Expert" Al Gore has gone has been plagued by severe cold and ice.

My weather prediction for Inauguration day is 6 degrees and 2 feet of snow.

To call Marc in Virginia an idiot would be an insult to idiots. His posts are certainly an insult to Virginians.

To all saying Marc needs to grow up. Do you mean like you did after bush got elected? Face it, dems acted like Bush was not the president and still have not gotten over the fact that they lost in 2000. Can you say that dems treated bush with respect at any point? If you can you are only fooling yourself.

Not sure I understand why no umbrellas.
Is it because it may be too easy to make a rifle look like one?
Or is it because they'll now be no mistake when the one umbrella goes up, a la Dallas?

December 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Obama has a lot of fans. He should be an actor in big-budget movies or maybe a rock-n-roll singer in a band or something, not the President.

___________________________________________________

Wow. I almost forgot that the republicans had been so used to their president not being liked, that when a candidate comes along that might actually represent a decent portion of our country's population, it becomes an MTV show rather than politics. Get over yourself! Due to the incredible voter turn out, you can clearly see what most of America wants. And now we've finally got it
ps. FYI, obama is NOT a rockstar because he has experience, leadership skills, and a brilliant education. unlike bush who almost failed his way through college.

Whetther we watch the Inauguration in D.C. or with friends at certain spot.....or even at home infront of our own TVs......I think we all will feel United and feel the Rush of this Historic Momemnt.

Obama has alot on his plate,......but I have so much faith in his ability to take on each and every one of these challenges.

Yes We Can!!!!! Yes We Did!!!!!

God Bless the Obama Family and God Bless America!!!!!

wow, so many people still bitter and resentful.
you people need to get over it.
the most historic inauguration in our life-time and all you can do is vent.
This is not the time or place for therse comments.
You moaners have two choices: get on the bus and embrace change or……….
+++++++++++
Like we haven't heard moaning and groaning for the past 8 years from you idiots.

I wonder how we can have peace in the world when there is so much hate right in our own neighborhoods. Let's practice acceptance, tolerance and respect.

I'm pretty sure the inauguration was similar for Bush, Reagan and every other Republican that has occupied the White House. The nasty Republican responders do amuse me though... Wasn't it their candidate that got us into this economic mess?? I do recall a good economy and a budget surplus in the Clinton years. Bush can never say that!

I'm just curious. Does everyone posting here and referring to the President Elect as a Messiah honestly believe that?

The man is the President Elect, not Christ. Making this type of comparison is setting him up for failure right out of the gate.

Note to those un-educated obamabots – Barack Hussein Obama is not a Messiah! He is the president-elect! Are you actually going to pray to him? How about praying FOR him? He's going to need all the help and support he can get. I am just going to wait and see if how he will do. What will impress me is if he actually accepts full responsiblity for action taken under his presidency. It would be refreshing to see a stop to the blame games in Washington. Oh, one other thing – Pelosi has got to go!

I'll be watching it on TV. . . . because I don't like crowds. God bless and protect Barack Obama.

Yep, the righties especially "Repuclican!" must have no self respect and enjoy making fools of themselves in public. So sad that you people have descended into such mediocre chaos. I remember when the GOP still had some ethics and standards even under Reagan, but no anymore. You've ruined the party with the neo con cowards and the mega church wannabe christians. You are so out of touch with reality it's pathetic. After the routing you suffered last month on Election Day I would be more worried about the current state of my country and my party. But alas, the hate and denial seep through and you go on pitiful little tirades about Obama. These are the tactics of the lies, lies that have the stench of death and defeat. But that's where you've taken this country and your party for the last 8 years. You reep what you sow and when you lie down with dogs you get up with fleas. Better get used to President Obama and if you don't like it, tough, deal with it because there is nothing you can do about it. Unless you're some crazy piece of human garbage that wants to do more and in that case the Secret Service will gladly put your nothing butt in the gray bar hotel! Keep em coming righties, all you are is comic relief now! Oh and by the way I'm a moderate so the typical "liberal this and liberal that" has no meaning!

David...why do you think anyone cares that you blindly believe Hussein’s birth certificate had to be approved before he got elected? You can’t even spell “someone” correctly, so just saying you trust this imaginary “someone” is proof enough not to trust this “someone”. “Someone” should make sure you don’t continue spreading un-educated ignorance about documents you haven’t seen and know nothing about.

I will give the same respect to Obama that the democrats have gave Bush the last 8 years. Remember we must be fair.

David, you said it perfectly...

Typical liberal blog:
1. Comment on how awful the hateful comments are
2. Make a hateful comment about Bush, Republicans, Palin or all three
3. Never realize what hypocrites you are

True, some of the Republican comments here are crude, divisive and probably uncalled for. Of course, that's EXACTLY what I've been reading from a lion's share of Democrat supporters for the past 8 years. In fact, I'd have to say that some of the anti-Obama invective is pretty tame compared to the "hitler-ad-nauseum" diatribe aimed at Bush.

Democrats may be thrilled and proud to have their team on top. But, don't whine about the criticism from the losing side – foaming-at-the-mouth rhetoric cuts BOTH ways. Now, it's the REPUBLICANS turn to pule and moan about the state of this country's leadership.

Don't worry – you'll get your chance again. Sooner or later there'll be another Republican in the White House for you to savagely attack.

Gee, with all this republican hate shown here, I hope the secret service and DC police are out in force on Jan 20. Concidering the Republican base is now mostly racists and white supremicists, I will stay home and pray everyone remains safe and sound for this long awaited day of national pride. God Bless America – those who put Country Before Party – and God Bless Barack Obama. May He give Barack and Joe the strength and wisdom to successfully pull America out of the ditch Bush/Cheney put us in.

To the Naysayers and the people with nasty comments, this is for you...."And the 44th President of the United States is Baraka Obama..."
GET USE TO IT...IT HAS A HISTORIC RING TO IT!!

I see Proud American back showing that liberal empathy and reminding us that everyone, no matter how extreme still has the right of free speech, at least until January 20th, when his kind take over.

Republican –

You obviously don't know what you are talking aobut. Private groups & individuals are contributing their own $ to supplement the government inauguration funds in order to make sure that everyone can participate and that there is sufficient security for the people attending.

Thank you America for finally getting it right this time! Thanks to all the supporters of President Obama..your hard work paid off!

Something to consider:

I've read that restroom facilities will be EXTREMELY limited. I know that this is going to sound nuts, but people might want to take a cue from the astronaut's playbook and wear Depends undergarments...just in case. Certainly, I would recomend that anyone with a child at the inauguration make the child wear a pull-up. As the mother of an 8-year-old, I know that their restroom needs can arise quite suddenly.

Personally, I'm going to enjoy the inaugural festivities in the comfort of my home (complete with sanitary restrooms, of course) via my HDTV tuned in to CNN.

I am always listening to CCN Live... I used to get a Krick in my neck; trying to watch TV, answer you're questions... I've been around here for the Past 5 months....

Whatever the conditions are, it will be worth it to the brave souls in attendance just to take part in a historical event. If I lived anywhere near, I'd certainly be there.

Far too many nasty remarks over an event that takes place every 4 years for the elected President. Of course this year it's very different as it can be taken as a dual celebration......the inauguration of our new President and then end of the last 8 years of governance.
For those with the nasty comments, the event is being funded with some federal funds as all inaugurations are with the overage being funded by private donations. I wonder what you would be saying if the McCain/Palin ticket had won? Of course, the crowd control wouldn't be an issue since no too many would want to attend but the federal funds would be used just the same – wellllll, Sarah might need new clothes for her and her family – you know, the Empress would have needed new clothes.
BTW, where is President Bush? Seems as if he's already left office since he has delegated all the handling of breaking events to others in his group of cronies and is in seclusion in TX. Doesn't seem to realize he's still President until 1/20/09??
Take your nasty comments and run to the neocon sites where they will fit in with the rest of the ridiculous, unintelligent and deranged remarks.
We held an election and voted for our new President. Obama won and 1/20/09 is his day in the sun – just as happened for the elected Presidents in the past.
Your lack of intelligence is showing......

I'm wondering why so many lefties get nasty when people ask for a birth certificate from the "King in waiting"

It is actually very simple. Why does the new Kenyan president provide a mircofiche copy of his birth certificate? Where is any paperwork generated from the day he was born? Where is the doctor? Hospital records? Billing information? ANYTHING from the day he was born.

Why do his Kenyan relatives insist he was born there?

Why did his Indonesian step father claim he was a citizen of that country?

McCain answered questions relating to his birth in the Panama Canal Zone honestly.

The Kenyan on the other hand, lawyered up and with the help of the Socialist party refused to provide proof.

An honest man does not have to hide behind an army of lawyers about something like this,,,,,,,,,,,unless of course he has something to hide.

Republicans Village Idiots will be holding the annual Idiot parade today. This year parade will be 30 miles through Antarctica. Leaders are asking everyone to bring a jacket, in case it get cold.

I'm singing a Christmas song = "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"
People having to wait three hours while trying to get in the area to watch T.V == Not for me! In fact, DC hasn't had a good snow fall in awhile and freezing temperatures. The good think about this day is a “federal holiday” in DC.

Marc M December 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.

-------------------------------–

Did you ever demand to see Bush's? Do you have any proof he was a citizen when he took the oath? Remember, as the right-wing reminded it's opposition so many times over the last eight years, questioning the President is un-patriotic. Why do you hate America, Marc?

To GOP faithful: If my memory serves me correctly, a bunch of so called religious right wings prayed for heavy rain during the Democratic Convention and in return it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY followed by heavy rains in Minneapolis just before the Republican convention. And if it does happen to be bad weather, what you will see if millions of patriotic Americans STILL gathered in treacherous weather to see OUR PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA take the oath of office, oh what a day that will be! I betcha your curiousity will get the best of you and you will have the TV tuned in all day to see OUR historic day. Oh and by the way, he will be your president too, hee hee!

We are so blessed to have Barack Obama become our next President! This will be an historic occasion and yet will be toned down as much as humanly possible. The Obama team has planned well and wants to allow as many people who are interested be there to witness the history making event. The 69 million plus of us who voted for him can be there to witness the inauguration event as has been the practice for decades. The inauguration is also being funded in large part by donations from online donors who supported the primary and general election. I know that I have donated to the fund. I pray every day that those who are so unhappy to have lost this election cycle will set aside their anger and join with us to work toward rebuilding our Nation. We need everyone to do all that we can to turn things around. This is OUR country and we need to reclaim it. Do something to make a difference. Start now. Donate to a food bank for starters. You'll feel better. God Bless.

Thank goodness for TV and video! You wouldn't find me at that "zoo!"

JohnT: Really? Bush had two elaborate ceremonies to commemorate his "wins" - we aren't supposed to do the same thing for the most monumentous election of our time??

Besides, it's W who got us into this economic disaster - if anyone should be sacrificing, it should be him. (Remember Clinton left us with a freaking surplus - you people have either selective memories or no memory at all.)

I live five miles from the White House (hiking distance) and I'm planning to be there! Unless the weather is absolutely monstrous, I don't want to miss this exciting event! And I'm sure everyone else who's attending feels the same way. They want to be there to take part in this celebration, however far away we be from the actual inauguration ceremony.

The way i see Obama won the election. Whether you voted for him or not, (i did not vote for him) is neither here nor there right now. The fact is that he won the election, he is our new President and we all need to support him as long as he is our President. Until the people of this Great Country learn to support our leaders, we are not going to gain anything. We are self destructing. How many of the complainers and whiners ever taken the time to email or call their congressmen and senators about any of the issues they complain about every day? Obama is our next President and that is just the way it is. Nothing racial about it. I am a White Male American and i will support him for as long as he is in office. I may not agree with everything he does or says, but i will support him. When the next election comes, his actions between now and then will determine whether i vote for him then or someone else. Yall have a great day

I don't see any reason for all the hoopla. Why not a quiet swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office with the Court Justice and the outgoing president. Obama could be sworn in, he could make a short televised speech, and the public could enjoy the televised image of him sitting at his desk and getting to work.

WHY DOESN'T BARACK GET SWORN IN AROUND THE COUNTRY

OR ALL 50 STATES IN MINI INAURGURATIONS????

WHATS THE BIG DEAL HE IS AND HE WILL BE THE PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT!!!!

WHO SAYS THE PRESIDENT OF THESE HERE UNITED STATES HAS TO BE SWORN IN IN WASHINGTON???????

LET ALL OF AMERICA ATTEND!!!!

IN PHILLY, NEBRASKA, MISSISSIPPI, IOWA ALL OVER THE PLACE ALASKA, WEST VIRGINIA!

COME ON GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT !!

I've read a lot of hatred today. Loosing this elevtion has been difficult for most Republicans. I would suggest ending the hate speech though. For one thing, America is walking away from the divide and rule concept in favor of working together for a change. The Lee Atwater, Sara Palin, Karl Rove methods of stiring up hate has been rejected. In the future we will act like true Americans – for once. Secondly, with all the death threats leveled at the guy during the campaign, both via phone, mail and shouted out at McCain/Palin reallies, the Sec. Service, FBI, CIA and the office for homeland security are reviewing all emails with hate components in it. Who knows, maybe you are on their watch list already?

read a lot of these blogs and I tell you the only reason people are so upset is because Barrack is black….If it was a white democrat that one there wouldn't this much hate. But I will say the love does outweigh the hate with is a positive step in the right direction.

For anyone not familiar with DC – I was born in DC and raised just outside the city (Oxon Hill, MD) –

Here's what you need to do – drive to Southeast DC – somewhere along MLK drive – park on the street and walk across the 14th street bridge (the one by the Navy Yard) – It's a very scenic stroll. You'll see what the rest of of the country is going to look like 4 years from now.

Have a great time at this very historic event!

Proud American? You voted for OBama? Do you even know what an American is? You own admittance of supporting such an unworthy invidividual highlights that you must be the idiot....

WHY DOESN'T BARACK GET SWORN IN AROUND THE COUNTRY OR ALL 50 STATES IN MINI INAURGURATIONS????

WHATS THE BIG DEAL HE IS AND HE WILL BE THE PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT!!!!

WHO SAYS THE PRESIDENT OF THESE HERE UNITED STATES HAS TO BE SWORN IN IN WASHINGTONG???????

LET ALL OF AMERICA ATTEND!!!!

IN PHILLY, NEBRASKA, MISSISSIPPI, IOWA ALL OVER THE PLACE ALASKA?????

COME ON GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT !!

President Obama.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY HATERS IN MY LIFE.!!!!!!

HE IS THE NEW PRESIDENT PEOPLE. GET OVER IT! HE WON FAIR AND SQUARE AND BY QUITE A BIT OF VOTES I MIGHT ADD!!!

I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE CAN'T JUST BE "PATRIOTIC" AND STAND BEHIND THEIR NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT. WE ALL HAD TO STAND BEHIND BUSH FOR EIGHT LONG TIRING STRENUOUS YEARS.... GIVEN, NO ONE LIKES HIM, BUT WE RESPECTED HIM BECAUSE HE WAS THE PRESIDENT AND ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

PEOPLE SHOULD GIVE OBAMA A CHANCE, THE POOR GUY HASN'T HAD A CHANCE TO DO ANYTHING YET. I THINK THAT PLENTY ARE JUST MAD BECAUSE WE HAVE A AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT. WELL JUST GET OVE RIT BECAUSE THERE IS A NEW DAY COMIN HONEY!

IS THIS POLITICALLY CORRECT ENOUGH CNN OR IS IT GOING TO SIT IN MODERATION FOR A YEAR?

To all the Obama-maniacs – don't waste your breath on the poor little Republicans. They are so jealous of Obama, jealous, jealous, jealous! Rejoice! Let's all rejoice that we are not lumped in with the under-50 IQ gang!
Let's rejoice that we FINALLY have an intelligent and totally cool President that the whole world is excited about! The entire world will be rejoicing and celebrating with us on 1/20/09 – the day we have been waiting for – forever!
Leave the racial slurs, the "free market policies" (that have created a global depression), corrupt & criminal Republicans behind. They are out of there! Out of the majority, out of the Presidency – out, out, out in the cold with their ignorance & pitiful record over the last 8 years.
January 20 – the day the whole world has been waiting for – have fun & party likes it's 2009!

I meant "there"

I'm a DC resident and while I'm excited about the upcoming events, I have a message to everyone coming: Please go easy on our city. You have to understand that we are a city of less than 1 million people, even during out peak day hours. Its going to be very difficult for us to accomdate this many people. Still, we will try and hope that you will come back and visit during our summer tourist season. There is no place I like hang out at more than the WWII memorial at sundown.

I am so surprised at the magnitude of negative posters. I am going and taking my young daughter as well. And I do still believe in the person America voted overwhelmingly for.

Someone talked about a large mess that will need to be cleaned up after the inauguration. But the biggest mess will not be the one on the mall, it will be the one left behind from 8 years of a lame leader.

Will their be a designated smoking area where Barack and other smokers can relax and unwind?

I love these fools who thought that CNN's headlines during the campaign favoring BHO were unbias journalism and now the headlines from the same CNN are misleading. Get a grip on it!! There may have been 54 million people who voted for BHO but there were 47 million of us who didn't. Hardly qualilfies as a mandate. I still have yet to meet any BHO supporter who will acknowledge that this man has any faults. The perfect president. Just what America needs.

This will be nothing compared to the 1,460 day endurance test the American economy will face under this moron.

Laughing a lot about all the people on here saying that all Americans must support the new President and how criticism amounts to hoping that America fails. These are the same people who for the last 8 years have been doing everything possible to undermine President Bush and actively working for him, and the country, to fail. Don't forget the bumper stickers I've been seeing for 8 years: "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." I can feel my patriotism getting higher every day.

I'm going to be right there on the mall! No ticket but loving it! My time in Iraq was by farce, yes FARCE. But going to the mall, will be by sheer FORCE of the American spirit. Man, I love this land. Oh, by the way Kristen, Eileen Patterson,JohnT, and the rest of your ilk, get a life. No, really, get a life. 1-20-09 woohoo!

Rob Stumpf…you sound like a maniac. Seek help.
<<<

Okay, then! No bitterness or hating from the Obama side! ha ha.

I'm not sure what TCM is referring to in terms of inexperience. Perhaps he means the imbecile that's been running the country the past 8 years - you know, the guy who had four bankrupted businesses before becoming a government leader. If Obama fixes just ONE thing this administration broke, we'll be in far better shape.

Bush, a president who will go down in history as the worst president ever.
<<

Which, of course illustrates that liberals know nothing about history.

But I love how they want conservatives to be fair to Obama while being unfair to Bush. It's hysterical.

We are trillions of dollars in debt., facing a potential Great Depression II and spending millions of dollars on an inaugural circus. The American Way.

American should take a real good look at these hateful Republican comments. This is what happens when brother and sisters are allowed to have children. 55 Million complete Idiots. God Bless America

I find it amusing when conservatives make rude (and definitive) statements about how, two or four years from now, the US will suddenly realize what cute and cuddly people they really are, and vote Republicans back in. Sheesh!

David,

Before posting on this topic, you should read the constitution and look up the definition of naturalized. A naturalized citizen is not eligible to become POTUS – only those having citizenship by birth on US soil are eligble.

Didn't lots of people turn out for Hitler's rallies, too?

Wishing for any President to fail is not patriotic.<<

It can be. It will be better for Obama to fail, this way America can get the liberal sickness out of our system. Obama's Presidency won't last that long in the scheme of things, so it's not a big deal. He'll fail, we'll get him out, and everything will eventually work out.

Many times in life you have to take a step back before you can move foward. Too many young people have bought into the idea of an all powerful government, with a celebrity President solving everyone's problems! Except that it's a childish fantasy. They have to learn their lesson....and then America can be great again.

I loooooove reading all the sour grapes comments in this thread:

"I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?"

haha lol. Sore Loser! God I hope at least your football team is in the playoffs you little baby.

He's a 1st Term Senator with no experience. He's not the messiah.........he wasn't sent from the heavens.

People wonder where people like Jim Jones and other cults find their followers.........ignorant people looking for hope and think Barrack Hussain Obama is the answer to their prayers........ridiculious!!!

Please stop with the "messiah" crap........it's ignorant and stupid!!!!!

Boy, if this can be described in any way by using the term endurance, I feel sorry for the organizers spouses, if you know what I mean.

RE: 1) This is a slap in the face to the last 43 presidents, good, bad, or indifferent. Here we go with the "special" parameters.
______________________________________________________

It's safe to say that George Washington didn't have secret service agents, snipers with infrared scopes, motorcade escorts, armored limos, bullet-proof screens, bomb-sniffing dogs, etc. . .

The office of the presidency and the US government, as a whole, still belong to the people, at the end of the day. I know it's hard to believe after the past 8 years, but it does. If the people want to be there to witness the swearing in of their president, then they should be allowed to be there and the city should prepare accordingly.

@ Eileen, TCM, PatNY, Lucas Hammond, GOP faithful, Rob in NJ, George, Andy, Pete, Marc in VA, Kristen, Marc M, bj in TX, Rob Stumpf, and all naysayers who will leave a negative comment:

You people are obviously unhappy; tense; more than likely living in a trailer park; driving a very old car or pick up; in debt; on guns you can't afford to buy ammunition for; and unemployed. Since you want to be under the leadership of Palin and McCain you have two choices – move to Alaska (where you can see Russia from your house) or move to Arizona to be near one of McCain’s several houses. Those two people probably won't even acknowledge your presence, because they will see you as being "beneath" them.

Barack Hussein Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Whether you admit to it or not God bless you and God bless America!

The hubby and I will be sipping cocktails on the beach in Honolulu enjoying the moment when Barack Hussein Obama is sworn in. More fun than freezing in Washington D.C.

Eileen, WOW you are such a nasty person to have written us a statement. I just bet you work with Obama supporters or maybe not because who could stand to work with you.

I hope God will bless you and one day change your heart.......God be with you.

Pretty pitiful people that have to feel happy in their lives by going to an inaugarual.
I don't think any future president has to do this. Just go on t.v. and spent the money on something worth while like an animal shelter.
I see where those "hard working" congress people are taking their annual raise. LIke all those millionaries (mostly dems) really need it.
The 3 richest people in the Senate are dems. Kohl, Kerry and Kennedy. Take a guess as to which inherited it, married it or earned it.

Got to factcheck.org for a copy of Obama's birth certificate and proof of its authenticity

I read a lot of these blogs and I tell you the only reason people are so upset is because Barrack is black....If it was a white democrat that one there wouldn't this much hate. But I will say the love does outweigh the hate with is a positive step in the right direction.

It wasn't until I read some of the nasty comments for Republican that I rememberedd today was "National Village Idiot Day" From the looks of some of their comments it seems most didn't take part in the 30 mile parade they planned for today. Idiots

As a DC area resident, let me suggest that you just stay home and watch this on television!

I realize that this is a historic event, but weather conditions can be terrible in the middle of January. In 1985 it was so bitterly cold that they held the ceremony INSIDE and cancelled the parade. Anyone who went out to see it, saw absolutely nothing! Regardless of the weather with the crowd that is being perdicted some people will be standing, literally, a mile or more from the Capitol. Do just want to be able to say you were in Washington that day? Because you won't be able to experience any of the ceremony from that far back.

To my American Brothers and Sisters:
I'm old enough to remember when America was truly a great country. I went to college in the U.S. (on scholorship) and my profession has taken me to several states to work for extended periods of time so I am qualified to offer my opinion as a person who understands your country. As I read all of the comments posted I was shocked but not surprised by the divisivness in your country after the election was over. I watched every debate on T.V. (my wife is an American) with great interest and after getting through all the B.S. I would have voted for B.O. as well. In the beginning we were big J.M. supporters until 3 things happened:
1) Naming Sarah Palin as his running mate when she was not even remotley qualified to hold the office of President and considering J.M.'s medical history and age she was litterly a heart beat away from the presidency.
2) When J.M. pulled that stunt when he suspended his campain after the stock markets went into a tailspin.
3) The constant attack ads when he was not offering any solutions.

American politics have deteriorated into nothing more than a mud slinging contest, its no longer about the candiate its more about how much dirt you can dig up on a person. The commentators both left and right are equally guilty of presenting conflicting reports about each candidate when all there really interested in is there own personal agenda's.
The election is over people!!! Its time to put the country first and rally around your new President. America is in bad shape, banks are collapsing, the auto industry is hanging on by its finger nails, several states are on the verge of bankrupcy, unemployment is high, people are loosing their homes, the military is hemridging money and lives in both conflicts and people are scared.
What always made America great is the way its citizens could rally around the flag and do the impossible, the world is watching and were all depending on America to pull us all out of this mess.
B.O. has huge expectations being put on him, we need America to show the world leadership, because thats what America does best. God bless all of you and God Bless America!!

How long are we going to have to deal with closed-minded conservatives and their hateful world view? I am tired of the ignorance and selfishness. Let's get behind our new president and make this country a place to be proud of again. The world is still watching.

Only fools would go there in that mess to worship their new god.
I won't bother watching it on t.v. either. It will just be a reminder of what we're going to have to face and get taxed for in the future.

PEOPLE – get over it. Obama is America's President, if you don't like it then leave......... Well I guess times have not changed if people can't accept the fax that Black people can hold a high office such as the President of the US....

Come On........

Marc in Virginia December 30th, 2008 11:13 am ET

I'm happily renting out 2 rooms in my Northern VA home for about a $1000/night to some ignorant Obamabots. Thanks for sharing your wealth.

Note to ANYONE renting a room from someone named Marc in Northern VA for $1,000/night. This guy hates you. He mocks you publicly and thinks you're idiots. CANCEL YOUR RESERVATIONS and find a place to stay where you might be appreciated as human beings.

This is America! The American people have spoken (Nov. 4th). We need to accept the new prsedident, support himand get over it if you didn't vote for hi You can move out of the country as you know Americans are well liked in foreign countries. You know we have choices, THIS IS AMERICA!!

Now that he has been built up to Messiah the only direction he can go now is down. The liberal press will start critizing him in one month.
Before you critisize Bush you better take a hard look Congress. After all, they were the ones who voted for everything and wouldn't heed Bushe warnings about Fannie and Freddie he had been giving for years. Barnie & Dodd were raking in too much money and being pc to give a hoot about the rest of the country.
Maybe one of these days some of you will grow up and take a look at history.

WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO THE PATRIOTIC AMERICANS, THE ONES WITH THE AMERICAN FLAG STICK PEN IN THERE LAPELL OF THERE SUIT , WHAT PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA IS ENTERING INTO IS NO JOKE , IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WE THE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO KNOW WHO THE PATRIOTS OF THE UNITED STATES AMERICA .

To Rob's question: "How did Obama's crazy supporters treat Palin, McCain, and Bush?" Answer: with far more respect than they deserved.

While Palin and McCain were whipping their dim-witted mobs into a frenzy with the "palling around with terrorists" BS, not a peep was heard about Palin's husband palling around with Joe Vogler and the Alaskan Independence Party (i.e., terrorist). There was quite a list of juicy items that could have been plastered all over the news, but weren't – Cindy McCain's drug habit, John McCain's role in Keating Five or how he cheated on his first wife....and let's not forget Palin's witch-hunting pastor and the pregnant unmarried daughter.

CNN's version of BIAS.... It is Not just a Positive Quention, (Or Negative).... Or is the Bias Positive or Negative... It's no good saying "we are not Biased"... Unless the public Knows which way the Question Lean's.... For, or against....

Andy December 30th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Come forth and bless us, messiah
--------------
Blessed are the idiots. For they shall inherit the GOP.

In this economy they will spend millions on an inaguration???!!!!!!! That makes no sense. If Obama allows this than he is no better than past politicians, although I fear he is no better anyway. Once a politician, always a crook.

Simple solution: Don't go, all the MSM is going to shove it down our throats anyway.

The access to this inauguration is no different than in the past. The Mall is still a public space; Metro has never handled huge crowds well; and DC still has poor vehicular access to downtown and a terribly inefficient street grid once you get there.

Only one thing has changed–people are really excited about this Inauguration. This is NOT business as usual. This is truly history in the making, and God willing, our country will never be the same.

To all the conservative naysayers and hacks and trolls on here:
Thanks for nothing over the last 8 years. All Obama's going to do is clean up the economy and get to work on our infrastructure and our education system, and mend a few bruised relationships with foreign allies while making the rich pay their fair share for the first time in almost a decade. Of course, individual and national prosperity aren't enough for you greedy ingrates.
If you don't like the new, Obama-run America, feel free to LEAVE it.

You can bet a Democrat came up with the idea of having the big day in the coldest month of the year.

Obama is NOT some great leader who came down from the heavens to lead this country.

He's an inexperienced 1st term Senator from Chicago that has done NOTHING important.

Ok......I understand wanting change..........but remember he's a politician..........not the messiah ( makes me want to puke when I hear people say that) and has ALOT to prove!!!!!!!!

Get over the celebrity of this guy........it's ridiculious

Marc in Virginia December 30th, 2008 11:13 am ET
I'm happily renting out 2 rooms in my Northern VA home for about a $1000/night to some ignorant Obamabots. Thanks for sharing your wealth.

----------------------------

Wow. You're a real jerk. I hope those people disinfect themselves after they leave your home.

the Messiah will provide loaves and fish for everyone!!! count me in!

Gotta live up to the media hype,so spend 50 million and be a "ROCK STAR" for a day,what the heck,he's not paying for it.Typical Democrat.

I wouldn't exactly call this a DIRE warning. I think that's a bit of overkill. Personally, if you are really excited about the inauguration, I would just invite some friends over and have your own inaugural party.

Barack Obama WILL be our next President and it's up to all Americans to stand behind him. <<<

Not, it's not. Why would you stand behind someone you disagree with? The best way to "deal with" Obama is to work so he isn't re-elected, and his harebrained New Deal/appeasement agenda is defeated.

We need a real Republican in the White House. Not Bush, a spending lunatic. But someone that will defend our country and protect our liberty. Someone like Reagan, not Obama.

Sandy C says, "I will be there to celebrate the swearing in of a President who identifies with those of us Americans who were forgotten the past 8 years!"

I am sorry, but how many Americans can identify with someone who lives in a mansion in Chicago? I know I can't and I won't ever be able to identify with Borack Obama and his family – his children who attend Private School (because the public schools the rest of our children attend are not good enough). I will support and pray for him because he is the new leader of our country, but don't kid yourselves and believe that he represents the "average" American. And please, supporting Obama is one thing, but STOP worshipping the man – he is NOT our "Savior"!

Republicans continue to amaze me. I honestly believe many of you would SHOOT HOLES IN YOUR OWN BOAT if you thought sinking and drowning would make our new president-elect look bad. You will obviously cheer if he fails.

That's ok. Your stupidity is what lost your party the election. Your attitude is what will KEEP your party out of meaningful politics for a long, long time to come.

But - I hope we can all join together and not only condemn but INVESTIGATE and JAIL anyone who is ever caught intentionally trying to derail the job our new president is trying to do - for TREASON. I realize this is Karl Rove's way, advocated constantly by RUSH LIMBURER and SEAN "OH GOSH I'M SUCH A SMART GUY" HANNITY. But we're in such dire straits, getting worse EVERY DAY while the current president visits mommy and daddy in Texas for a "break" and runs the clock out, that we need every effort possible to pull it around.

Honestly - it will be a MIRACLE if Obama is able to save us. Still, some of you amazingly are HOPING he won't and don't realize there is NO TIME LEFT ON THE CLOCK. THIS is the player we sent in by majority vote (I know - that stings when you're a Republican as that never seems to matter to you) to hopefully score big before the end of the game.

Keep up your Karl Rove crap and the clock will run out, the country will fall into the deepest depression history has seen - and I'll be looking for each and every one of you.

Well everyone keeps saying a historic moment, but will it be good or bad by next year.

It is going to be worst than expected. Can you imagine 3.5 to 4.0 million people in need of toilet systems ? It's going to look like Woodstock after it was over.

Once again, all you haters should just go find yourself another drug of choice. Hatefulness is very addictive and all consumming. Being hateful leads to hating <<<

Good. So practice what you preach. Stop hating George Bush.

If the birth certificate is a "non-issue", then why did Obama pay $800K to keep it sealed?

They should issue a certain amount of tickets giving priority to disabled, war heroes and people who actively campaigned for Obama. All this fuss is just over the top.

listen to you pathetic, bitter Republicans.

Why don't you put COUNTRY FIRST for once?

TCM December 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?
It's not historic, it's a shame that our country has stooped to the level it has and placed such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat. It's all glitter and showboating; and when the real tests begin, you libs will see what fools you've been to vote in such inexperience.
----------------
Eight years ago, it WAS a white guy who won the election. And you see where that got us.

It's not too late. You can still change your citizenship to Canadian. They still have a white president. Hurry while the plane fares are cheap!

It will be a chaotic start for the new administration and will mar the Obama presidency. You wanted to be President, Mr. Obama, so here ya go. Have fun!!!

December 30th, 2008 11:05 am ET

I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?

It's not historic, it's a shame that our country has stooped to the level it has and placed such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat. It's all glitter and showboating; and when the real tests begin, you libs will see what fools you've been to vote in such inexperience.
______________________________________________________

you must be white, and mad. but you are right bout one thing if this was a white man there wont be alot of hype around it, but if it was hilliary there will. face it, you are giong to have a black prez, and the funny thing about it is that there are more white people in love with the prex than black . who ever was going to be the prez they where going to have alot to deal with all we can do is pray, and HOPE that change really does come.

GET OVER IT AND GROW UP

actually I mean both sides. Adams was incorrect. It will not be reaching for consensus that kills the country. It will be each side hating at each other. like this.... all the time.

For Marc. M
You seem to have all the answers, Why did'nt you run for
President. As for the birth certificate, go to Obama.com . Get
Over it!!

Judge by the Content of Character. Not color of Skin.

If Barak were White. No one would ask for his Birth Certificate.

Regardless of your parentage. Most Americans are a cross breed
of hundreds of cultures.

None of us are any less American for it. We are infact better because of it.

Had Barak not been American..he would never had been able to
even approach the Senate, let alone the White House.

Obviously, Mark M. Needs a History Lesson.

For, me, I am proud of the direction America is heading.
and yes Barak Obama is the President.

Mary Patricia A. Letcher December 30th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Under these circumstances, it would be best to hold our Inauguration in a stadium. It is not too late to alter the plan.
----------------–
Normally, I'd agree. But where are they going to find a stadium that holds 3 million people?

This just proves what I have been saying since the beginning of the campaigns: he wants change right? He wants more money to change hands...this show (aka inauguration) just proves my point. He said what the American People wanted to hear and now it's going to be political business as usual. Don't believe me, just look at the cabinet that he has chosen. Those are a lot of the same political cronies that Clinton had when he was in office.

An as for the show, this not for the people, it is a huge ego booster. "Look at me, look at me!! I am the first black president." I do not care what color or gender you are, what are you going to do to change the mess that we are in. Oh that's right, spend money that we are already hurting for..

Pete December 30th, 2008 11:12 am ET

it's a small sacrafice to see the Messiah.
-----------------------
Another hater who insists on calling Barack Obama "messiah".

FYI: The word "messiah" means "chosen one". Technically you're correct. Barack Obama was "chosen" to clean up George Bush's messes.

Take that, haters!

I am appalled at the hatred and vitriol spewing from some of these posts. This is a time when you should be pulling together and working as a team to make your country a better place for everyone.

Shameful.

Bravado in Boston December 30th, 2008 11:36 am ET
. . . . Now then, on to the "healing of the nation" part of what we dems and libs do best………
_______________________

That's the funniest thing I've read all week!!!!!!!!!! Do you ever read the "healing" comments by your dems and libs????????????

Rob Stumpf -Obama's cronies aren't nasty? ARe you even on this planet? Emanuel? Rezko? Gov Rod? Pelosi? Reid? what do you define as nasty? Oh wait, let's not forget the Gestapo hunt once the plumber spoke his mind, or the relentless spies sent out to discredit Palin...dude, lay off the bottle...your vision's cloudy

You bitter people are still bitter, wow...no wonder the county's in a mess, would rather be bitter than use that energy to find solutions...whether you like him or not he's your next president...only hate causes that type of bitterness...

Rob in NJ December 30th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Obama has a lot of fans. He should be an actor in big-budget movies or maybe a rock-n-roll singer in a band or something, not the President.
--------------------
Funny. A lot of people felt that way about Ronald Reagan. Hey, wait a minute. He really WAS an actor, wasn't he?

Can you say "Bedtime for Bonzo??"

ROFL @ the idiots still talking about "real birth certificates". Get a grip on reality people, a black man is your president whether you choose to accept it or not. The GOP is the most pathetic bunch of human (giving loads of credit here) beings to ever have walked this planet.

Chad, don't give yourself credit for being smart, if you voted for Obama....fooled maybe, but not smart.

TO RETIRED ARMY IN SAN ANTONIO: Please enlighten all of us and name the presidents birth certificates you have seen. You are a jerk!

retired army in San antonio – you should be ashamed for betraying our country; I served 20 also, and anyone voting for Obama should have their citizenship revoked! Treasonous act, at a minimum.....you'll be getting over it, after a year of corruption, further recession and incompetent leadership.

Marc M December 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.
Remember Jimmy Carter, you asked for it all over again.
High interest rates, insane unemployment and taxes like we have never seen before. Here they come.
-------------------–
I don't think anyone cares whether you think he's the president or not. If you can't accept reality, then that's your problem.

You tell me, Rob Stumpf. How have Obama's supporter's treated Palin, McCain and Bush badly? Seems like Bush has lied to and walked all over the American people for the last 8 years. I'd say he's gotten more than enough leeway, He should have been thrown out of office after the first election was stolen for him. He should have been impeached. He should be going to prison. I'd say he's been treated fairly well. I never heard anyone yell "Kill Palin!" at an Obama rally. I never heard anyone yell "McCain funded the board William Ayers served on! He's palling around with terrorists!" at an Obama rally. How have these three been treated badly? It cannot compare to the vitriol that's been posted about the new President Elect.

Marc, as to the authentic birth certificate I would be just as outraged as you!! In fact if I were you I'd consider moving to another country to show your disdain for this man. That darned Supreme Court refusing to even address the issue!! How dare they? Could it be it was addressed and resolved and only those with a lack of critical thinking skills don't see? Yeah, I'm thinking that's it.........

It's a trite saying for libs to keep spouting, "Get over it..." about Obama being handed the presidency....well, repubicans have nothing to "get over," since we have known all along what OBama lacks. It will be the libs that have to get over it, since you're setting high expectations from a complete incompetent...and in a year when there's race riots, rampant crime and probably terrorist activity on our soil...you libs will be in disbelieft that the messiah couldn't deliver like you thought...you'll have to get over it!

Eileen Patterson December 30th, 2008 9:56 am ET

The inauguration event itself promises to prove what a nasty bunch of people supported Obama's presidency. Just think what DC will be like with port-a-potties up and down the streets, hotdog stands everywhere,people sleeping in boxes downtown. This will show the level of intelligence of those supporters who could see the whole thing on TV comfortably in their homes. Maybe they think Obama is going to throw $100 bills at them during the parade? Then again, maybe he will.
-----------------–
I didn't get a ticket, either.

I see there still remains a lot of anger on the behalf of those who witnessed such incredible changes on November 4th. Too bad really. To the woman who is charging $1000.00 a night for her rooms for some "obamabots" so they may attend the inauguration. Thank you, that is a great service to your country. Obviously they can afford it and you will reap the benefits of your fees. It's a great country, isn't it???

Didn't the Democrats win?

For all those people with negative comments about PE Obama and this event you all need to look in the mirror and what you will see is a reflection of chaotic mess YOUR about to be lowest approval rating ex-President left behind. If you say PE Obama is inexperienced, then what do you call President Bush?? Thought you could forget, well I just reminded you!!! Have a blessed day.

Marc m-"High interest rates, insane unemployment and taxes like we have never seen before"? Who do you think put us there in the first place? The outgoing president (if that's what you want to call him) that YOU probably voted for in the first place.
And Marc in Virginia-If you don't beleive in President Elect's cause, then why are you taking people's money? You remind me of so many people in the news nowadays that were working so hard to get rid of!

I have never heard such ignorance, divisiveness and outright HATE in one place in my life. This harping on the negative is proof positive that many people do not seek change for the positive ....they prefer to wallow in self-pity and negativity, and the more that join them the merrier!! I don't know how much lower you all think this country can go before it (or its IDEAL) is lost FOREVER. STOP THE BICKERING – THE HATING – THE BACKBITING ..... before it's too late !

If the NYPD can cope with the Jonas Bros on NYE, then DC can cope with the inauguration.

The notice is just what it is; a message to come prepared or stay home. Simple as that.

It can be enjoyed two ways: 1. Celebration of Obama's election or 2. Farewell celebration for Dub.

Agree with you Rod Stumpf, in the meantime lets have fun and act like liberal democrats and tear down everything.

I am not even surprised seeing the Republican comments here wishing for President-Elect Obama to FAIL or comments like I will not accept him as my President until I see his Birth Certificate (what an idiot who made that one). Do you really think a man could become POTUS without somone verifying he is a naturalized citizen. These are the same people who act as if they have a patent on Patriotism. The same people who claim to put this country FIRST. The same people that make put out racially charged music CD's and think it's funny. Wishing for any President to fail is not patriotic. It is in fact one of the worst forms of not acting American. You are in fact wishing for America to fail by wishing for a new President to fail. People need to put aside their hate and start putting some of that energy into rebuilding America and repairing our image around the world.

AND WHO'S BEEN IN OFFICE, LEAVING 1 OF THE BIGGEST MESSES IN HISTORY? REPUBLICANS. WHO DECIDES HOW BIG THE INAUGURATION CROWD IS? NOT PRESIDENT ELECT. DC IN JANUARY, JUST ISN'T THE BEST TIME TO BE OUTSIDE. JUST STAY HOME AND WATCH IT ON TV.

"Every year NYC packs a million plus folk into Times Square on New Year's Eve. It does so without dire alarmist warnings and anyone who has ever gone there can tell you that the authorities have the crowd control down to a science."

I'll bet if people were yelling "Kill him!" and "Terrorist!" about Dick Clark, NYC would have these same problems.

Can I see any reason why so many people are so proud of what they have done to this country by electing such an inexperienced person? Not At All! However, it's still Inauguration and it will be quite the spectacle just as it is every 4 years.
That being said, stay away unless you are TRULY committed. DC can't even handle the 4th of July crowds. It usually takes 2+ hours just for me to get from my offce (directly next to the white house) across a bridge to VA...and that is only the 4th of July. This is going to prove to be a disaster that only FEMA could 'one-up'.

I think I'll go there, just so they can play me on video crying. Oh wait, I think lots of people will be doing that.

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis December 30th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Why can't this event be held privately in a secluded location without television coverage and endless commentary? It is a simple ceremony and is only immensely meaningful to the participants. We do not need this gaudy display of arrogance.
____________________________________________________
I'm sure it wasn't gaudy when Bush-kill had his inaugural and the public was invited....Don't hate.

A GOP Faithful December 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I hope Washington, D.C. gets two feet of snow the night before the inaguration and the temperature on the big day is in the teens.

___________________________

;op

guess what ... HE will still be President jajaaaaa

OH LORDY! SAVE US FROM OURSELVES! Typical liberal bs... be careful-it might be icy, the escalators might be turned off, the subways will be packed, it might be cold, you'll have to walk at least 2 miles and stand for 6.

Obama clearly wants to spend money-look at his influence in all of the bailouts, and this inauguration party. If he really wanted to change Washington he'd cut taxes and cut spending, and would sacrifice his own inauguration party by putting the millions it will cost (and the millions donated to his election campaign) back into the American economy!

For anyone who thinks that the "experience" of being present for President Obama's Inauguration is not worth it, I have to say that there is more to this Inauguration that any brief ceremony.

I flew from Houston, TX to Denver, CO for then Sen. Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field. There were tens of thousands of us there and the excitement was palpable. The camaraderie and relationships that we made will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Just being in Denver and meeting some of the locals and shop owners was very enjoyable as well.

So, I will be in DC for this historic moment and plan to glean the same type of lifelong memories that will always be with me from making the journey to the convention in Denver.

Can we all get to DC and enjoy this historic moment while making lifelong memories? YES WE CAN!!!!

Regardless of the warnings, no tickets to attend, cold weather, millions of people....I will be there amoungst all of God's beautiful people of different races, beliefs and ideas for this historic event. Everyone has an opinion, however Obama has shown how he can bring multitudes of diversity together and this my friends is an absolute MIRACLE. This actually THRILLS ME!

Marc M December 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.

______________________

bet you were so ready to vote for Palin in a heartbeat .... right? No matter what you wanted Palin for VP and if you pray really really hard she might be your President because after all SHE can see Russia from her house jajaaaaa.

Don't you think if this 'fake birth certificate' was real that EVERY Reporter and Rep. would be looking for it ....... hhmmm no my 'friend' you just plain don't like Obama.

I will be watching on TV here in FL.

For the Right Wingers that diss Obama, GROW UP.

If you were, you would be less concerned about slamming Obama and more concerned for the horrific train crash that GWB has left this country in.

So keep on watching Hannity the manatee and idolizing Palin the moose stew queen.

For us adults, this country is in a horrid mess economically, 2 ongoing wars for close to 6 years.....the list goes on and on.

Bush, a president who will go down in history as the worst president ever.

Marc M December 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.

Remember Jimmy Carter, you asked for it all over again.

High interest rates, insane unemployment and taxes like we have never seen before. Here they come.
__________________________________________________

Doesn't matter what you consider he will still be your president, like it or not....

Hight interest rate, insane unemployment and taxes like we have never seen before are happening now...

Stay off the crack. Its clouding your thinking

This "party" should not even be taking place. It should be a formal ceremony attended only by the people in offices that are required to make it legal.
No matter whether it's Barack Obama, or any one else, he's just asked for and received the most difficult job on the planet. He should be figuring out what to do, not worrying about who stands where at a party.

Rob Stumpf...you sound like a maniac. Seek help.

I will be there and I have a room. My good friend Rod Blugo got us a room for a price. All the pretzels and mixed nuts I can eat, free, from the mini-bar, compliments of Rham-bo Emanuel.

What a joke

TCM, Why must republicans be so bitter? "Such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual"? Where did you get that from? Why and how is he corrupt? Incompetent... Um, no... he's actually a very smart individual in case you didn't notice. Very even-keeled and bright. The reason for so much security is that, YES, this IS an historic moment in our country's history and there are a lot of bitter and racist people out there who can't see beyond the end of their noses.

A GOP Faithful December 30th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I hope Washington, D.C. gets two feet of snow the night before the inaguration and the temperature on the big day is in the teens.
___________________________________________________

Just plain stupid...Grow up...

Mr. Obama has every right to be sworn in as President of the USA, just like the Presidents before him. What concerns me with this pending ceremony, is the amount of people excepted to witness, this historic event.

Never,in the history of this process have we seen the potential of great personal risk,disapointment, danger, injuries. I would have expected more common sense from the Obama Team, perhaps to put a limit on spectators. Inviting 1-2 million people to the swearing in, is just not rational thinking.

Let's all pray that no one gets hurt, making this historic event the ugliest event in history.

I can't wait to swoon during his inauguration. I know the messiah will save us.

From a DC Native... it's simple:
- take a BUS to the END of your METRO Subway line
- get off at OUTSIDE the city (National Airport, Clarendon, Dupont Circle, etc)
- WALK in (Key Bridge, Memorial Bridge, etc)

Enjoy!
Michael Domingo
Alexandria, VA

I do not plan on watching anything remotely involved with that man. I will be busy turning my flag that has been flying proudly for 30 years upside down where it will remain for the duration of this regime.

What a truly sad, sad day for our country this will be. Obama is a joke and his followers are all fools. This country is unrecognizable. Welcome to the third world.

Well, it seems like an uphill battle, but my husband and I plan to be there; we are looking forward to this Historic Event .

Wow, I can't believe the vitriolic nature of some of these posts. I didn't vote for Obama, but I NEVER got the idea the guy had a big ego. I think it's really uncool to put down the next president, whoever he is, no matter how someone voted. Even McCain, his opponent, called on all Americans to come together and support the new president. No wonder there is so much hatred talked about and expressed between the two parties if the posts here are representative of how people talk about the opposing party.

I do think that we should spend less money on the Inauguration, not more, in these economic times, and I do think that it is only being honest to recommend that people expect long waits everywhere, difficulties, and a physically grueling day.

I think it's only responsible to tell people that with the crowds it will be nigh on impossible to deal with accidents or help the disabled.

I think it's good to tell people to think twice about bringing small kids to an event where the line for the bathroom might be an hour and there will be no strollers where tired kids can sack out.

Washington D.C. was not designed to be easy to get in and out of, nor to get around in. It was designed to make it hard for an invading army to attack. Thus it is hard to get around in on any day. It's very crowded on any day. It's insane when they have the simply Cherry Blossom Festival. Now imagine the historic beginning of the presidency of our first president who is not totally white. A lot of people in America see this as a sign that we can change and be more inclusive and open-minded so they want to be part of the excitement.

While I can understand this, I also would be hesitant to go to ceremony. I mean people who live there are vacating and renting their houses for thousands of dollars a night. There are no hotels for at least a 100 mile radius. Some people SHOULD stay home.

But we know that people will do what they want without regard for others' feelings and without regard for their own safety and comfort, or the safety and comfort of their family members. There will be angry, frustrated parents, children having serious breakdowns (and probably having accidents), there will be shoving, anger and maybe fights in the public transport and on the streets, especially near food vendors and toilets. People will get hurt by the excited, tight-packed crowds, and by over-exerting themselves. There will be people who can not handle standing and walking and waiting for so long who will hurt themselves and probably will be so packed in with people that no one can get aid to them. Those people will probably sue somebody when they ought to be realistic about what they can handle.

I just hope that by warning people to be honest with themselves and think about the logistics, that MAYBE some people will stay home who otherwise might have an unpleasant day or maybe even get hurt. But that's probably just wishful thinking.

I really hope parents will think of their children's welfare and comfort and not drag them along. And I hope that people who can't walk several miles and climb steps and stand for long periods will stay at home and not risk injury.

I mean let's be realistic. With that many people crowded in, it's going to be standing room only all over D.C. If someone collapses, has breathing troubles, hurts a foot, leg, or muscle, or otherwise needs the paramedics, they will NOT be able to get through.

Shocked

I live/work in DC area and on a normal day the traffic is horendous... For those planning on attending- be prepared to spend 6+ hours trying to get into the city. There is one way in and out for the Inauguration. The swearing in ceremony may very well come and go while you are still trying to get there!

Marc, the entire birth certificate drama has already been debunked. Just look it up on snopes.com. I suppose you would know better than the government of Hawaii, though. Tool.

I'm not a Democrat or a Republican..(I did vote for Republicans since Reagan)...and this time I voted for Obama. This time I paid much closer attention to the arguments and answers and the Republicans don't have any. The GOP folks who still don't get it are the ones who don't have a clue. I agree with EW...if people can't walk a few miles...they should be out exercising instead of sitting on their butt watching TV.
Its amazing we will actually have a president with some intelligence and morals...and the GOP hardcore don't like it.

Who was Mike Connell and why was he killed?

Obama deserve this just like all the 43 presidents before him. So don't try to make it like is a big deal now. I'm sure Mccain's party would be just as BIG AND EXPENSIVE and you know it. Stop Hating! and wishing for bad things to happen.

Why not have the Inauguration during the halftime show of the Superbowl? Right on the 50 yard line. That would be awesome and a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER. Save us taxpayers some money...

I'm not normally the 'blame the media' type, but the tagline for this article on the main page of CNN read "Dire Warning from Inauguration Team" and then I see the article is just about heavy crowds at the inaugural. Are you KIDDING me? This is not 'dire' it's just common sense! CNN and the rest of the so-called 'news' media need to start being more responsible about the way in which they present their stories, rather than going for shock value all the time by painting everything as the end of the world. Be responsible for cryin' out loud!

My office is directly across 17th Street from the Mayflower Hotel and like most other offices in downtown Washington, it will be closed on I-Day. My advice to those trying to get into town:

1. Don't bring your kids if you can avoid it.
2. Don't bring ANYTHING with you that you cannot carry in your pockets.
3. Eat a large breakfast and visit the restroom prior to coming into town. Getting meals, drinks, or other amenities will be problematic at best.
4. PLAN AN ALTERNATE ROUTE OF EGRESS. In other words, walk the extra distance to the metro centers that are further from the Mall to get out of town. Yes, the metro platforms are going to be really backed up and so are the trains, so if you can get into a train at a station that is not crowded, it will save you that much more time, and take some of the pressure out of the closer stations.
5. Start watching the weather NOW if you are from out of town. Keep up to date on this as the weather in DC can and does change by the hour.
6. Try to find a point of contact outside the district in case of an emergency. It is not an understatement to say that the districts resources are going to be stretched thin.
7. Leave bad attitudes at home. There is enough of that here when nothing else is going on already.

Now then, on to the "healing of the nation" part of what we dems and libs do best………
<<<

Yeah, like during the Great Society/Vietnam era. Healing of the nation. Are you serious?

Porto Potties, no lawn chairs, no wheelchairs, no strollers, no backpacks, no camera cases, no thermos, no brains if you want to go to this mess just to see B.O. put his hand on Lincoln's Bible to
swear himself to mess up this country as much as he can.....

I am not even going to watch it on T.V............so there.....hahaha....

TCM, you are a very sad and miserable excuse for a human. I would wonder where you get your information, but i know it come from the dark recesses of your twisted mind

I am disappointed that OBAMA himself has not stepped in to stop the very foolish waste of vast funds alotted to this event. Surely he must realize that in this economic climate the entire event should be scaled way back in respect to the citizens of this country. A tasteful, unwasteful swearing in would really be a HISTORIC event!

Marc M ---- December 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mark,

No one cares what you 'consider' at this point.

I mean.....you really expect ANYONE to go out of their way just to show you Obama's birth certificate? The very notion is laughable!!!!

Picture this.......I'll consider you a citizen when I see YOUR birth certificate !

Obama won the election, he's gonna be President, be an adult and get over it!!!!!

TCM, you are right! We should have kept the inept conservative approach in Washington. Another 4 (or even years would undoubtedly cripled this country....if the current administratiion hasn't already.

I'm a life-long conservative, but I'm smart enough to give an intelligent person with a fresh approach to politics a chance to turn things around. You should have done the same......if for no other reason than to help get your country out of the mess its in!

"incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat. It's all glitter and showboating"

I totally don't get this statement when he is doing exactly what other presidents have done. Bush has done the same thing at his inauguration. The media is hyping things up. The innocent truth is that we, liberals, progressives, and indepences don't care what you thank. Bush destroy this economy with re-enforcement by the Republicans with political threats against the democrats.

What a nasty woman you are. The people who supported Obama's presidency are not nasty. Many of them are educated, caring, professional people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Your comments make my stomach twist into knots. It is people like you who have systematically destroyed our great nation.<<<

ha ha ha!!! Yeah, you tell her she's nasty, and how? Of course, by being nasty yourself. How did Obama's crazy supporters treat Palin, McCain, and Bush? With the worst nastiness imaginable. But then, that's a liberal's stock in trade– non-stop hypocrisy. All the caring and wonderful people you mention unfortunately drank the Obama crazy Kool Aid....they have only themselves to blame whent the Empty Suit is in charge.

There are only two parties. When things go wrong– as they inevitably will– the Republicans will be back, because there's no other choice. It's going to be sweet to see the liberals go down again. The best. Worth waiting a couple of years for.

This article is written in regards to inaguration day's potential disasters and traveling woes, not if you support the incoming President. If you feel so strongly about his incompetance you have an easy fix...move. This is not the traditional GOP nation of long ago, everything changes. And unless you plan on being a little more optimistic of your circumstances you will be unhappy for a lot longer. DEAL WITH IT!

Where is the "dire warning?" Geez, CNN, maybe we should start calling you the "National Enquirer." That's about how much journalistic integrity you have left.

Once again, all you haters should just go find yourself another drug of choice. Hatefulness is very addictive and all consumming. Being hateful leads to hating the interperson. I pray for good weather, a happier USA where people are trying to make things work for the good of all.

Under these circumstances, it would be best to hold our Inauguration in a stadium. It is not too late to alter the plan.

Only in the land of the free do people say such low and hateful things on the internet. Some of you think your being bad by adding your full name, like that's an invitation!!! FOCUS PEOPLE........way beyond the color. Count your blessing and focus on what is really happening in your neighborhood...REALITY is man is killing and destroying this world!!!! Get over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd rather stay home and what greco roman wrestling.

I agree that the Mall will be a mess when the day is over, but this is history. Shouldn't we all be proud that our country is ecstatic over an inauguration? It's sad enough that most of us are nauseated over our current president and can't wait to see him leave D.C. Whether they closed or opened the Mall for the public, would NOT have stopped millions of people from flocking to DC to witness President Obama take office. If you don't want to go, stay home. I am! But those of you wishing for blizzards or complaining ab out port-o-potties are the reason Obama was elected – we need people who will stand up and do something for this country, not just sit with our heads in the sand and complain!

TexAnnie *-*-*-*-* -----– December 30th, 2008 11:02 am ET

People– unless you have a hotel close in to the inaugural site (and I mean within easy walking distance), I would just stay at home and watch it on TV.........

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

No kidding!!!!!!

They are expecting anywhere from 1.5 to 4 MILLION people to arrive in DC that day! Hey......there is only about 450K people who even live in the city!

Picture this......almost a million people in the National Mall area.....where are the gonna eat, what are they gonna eat/drink, how are they gonna move around if more than walking didstance, and most importantly......where are they gonna relieve themselves?

If I lived in DC or worked in DC, I'd just stay home on that day!!!!!

I might just do that, anyway !

Here's an appropriate cautionary tale -

Nicholas II was crowned Tsar of Russia on May 13, 1896. Four days later, a banquet was going to be held for the people at Khodynka Field. In the area of one town square, theaters, 150 buffets for distribution of gifts, and 20 pubs were built for the celebrations. Nearby the celebration square was a field that had a ravine and many gullies. On the evening of May 17, people who had heard rumours of rich coronation gifts from the tsar (the gifts which everybody was to receive were actually a bread roll, a piece of sausage, gingerbread, and a mug) began to gather in anticipation.

At about 5 o'clock in the morning of the coronation day, several thousand people (some say as many as 500,000) were already gathered on the field. Suddenly a rumour spread among the people that there was not enough beer or presents for everybody. A police force of only 16 men failed to maintain civil order, and in a catastrophic crush and resulting panic to flee the scene, 1,389 people were trampled to death, and roughly 1,300 were otherwise injured.
-Wikipedia

Just be careful out there, folks...a crowd that size is a scary thing.

And hey, regardless of how you voted, all Americans should feel free to disagree with their constitutionally-elected President, but we should all offer our support and hope that he is brave, wise, and honorable in the coming years.

IT IS CLEAR BY SOME OF THESE COMMENTS THAT SOME

OF OUR POOR CITIZENS ARE MISSING THEIR SOUL JUST

LIKE OUR SITTING PRESIDENT & I DO MEAN SITTING.

GOD BLESS OUR NEW PRESIDENT, HIS FAMILY & THOSE

WHO VOTED FOR HIM & YES I CAN WALK FOR DAYS TO GO

AND WITNESS HIS INAUGURATION.

I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?

No one bought the White House, the best man won. Get over it. Jerk!

If all the money that is spent by everyone producing and attending this political pop festival could be pooled together... it would be enough to help a lot of people who are in severe financial distress in the USA. There are predicted to be millions in attendance each spending a thousand dollars or MORE... to travel, and on other related expenses...what a waste of money when it is sorely needed for more important purposes. A mega expensive back-patting party does not show me a wise common sence president.

TCM, while I didn't vote for Obama, he has to be your president as much as mine. This is historical, and while there may have not been as much of a hype in the media if say McCain won, America spoke, and Obama is our president-elect and we must pray that he succeeds, because this is America that we're talking about. Not just a political party. If Obama fails, America will fall in line. It won't just be the democratic party.

Why don't you give this guy a chance. He certainly can't screw things up more then they are now.

As far as traffic, and other problems in DC, blame it on Homeland Security. The Secret Service is the agency responsible for closing all of the roads, bridges, etc. If it wasn't for all of the disgruntled Republicans and nut jobs out there maybe they could ease up a bit.

In other words, if you can't deal with it stay at home and watch TV

The last time I looked at the calendar january 20th was on a workday
tuesday as a matter of fact. Do these people have jobs that are attending the JOKE OF THE CENTURY!

To all the Republican Haters on here...please stop HATING! Your time is up, now accept it or shut up!

I would love to be there, however I cannot make the trip. But I'll be watching.

Some of the ideas on this board are pretty good, I think. Have the inauguration in the Congress with very select few audience and tv coverage. I like that idea – saves lots of money. But I also like the idea of an inauguration "event". Outside, big elaborate thing. This is history being made. I think the more people who can see it in person the better. But much too costly. So I can see both sides here.

Can't agree with those that say "woopee another inauguration" or "who cares". Maybe you don't care, but there are 65 million other people who do. And besides – this is soooo not just another inauguration.

LOVE George's idea about asking for NYPD's partication/guidance/ whatever. They certainly have experience at handling large, excitable crowds. I had not heard about the Inauguration Committee deliberately refusing to do that. Seems shortsighted of them – something I have not seen from the Obama camp. Hopefully that is incorrect, or the committee will change its mind.

And then there is the comment about clean toilets, and port-a-potties up and down the street. Someone is fixated on toilets. I'll let you continue with that fixation and move on to more important things.

get over it he would be our president!!!

What is wrong with the Republicans making comments here? Barack Obama WILL be our next President and it's up to all Americans to stand behind him. The time for partisan politics is OVER! With the economy in shambles, our international reputation in shreds and a disastrous health care crisis, we need everyone to pull together to make the United States a stronger country.

I am ashamed of you.

THE POINT:

To look back and point to the many photo's of this Historic Event and say "I was there!"

I have tickets to inauguration and I can see the Capitol building from my house. I will have a great time! I am from Michigan, so bring on the snow and the cold weather!

With all the animosity, and divisive commentary, I am surprised anyone would want to be President.

But, since this president will actually have the popular vote, unlike the outgoing Hack, I am certain he will work for all of us...not just we libs and dems who really are in control of the great USA. Don't worry repubs, we will carry you along as we have done now for, oh, over 140 years.

Just remember that The Party of Lincoln is now what the Democratic Party stands for. (grin). You guys should change your party's name to, oh, something like The Wigs, and get on with it.

Now then, on to the "healing of the nation" part of what we dems and libs do best.........

Are you people serious? I lived in Silver Spring, MD for a year. Attended the 4th of July Celebration which may be smaller, but no less of a headache. The Mall is always open to the public. I think it's just a slow news day for CNN and they had to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

And seriously, the people who are throwing so much hate at Obama and his supporters should take a look in the mirror because I think what you are seeing in others is actually what you see in yourself.

When i see a real birth certificate I'll consider this man my president.

Remember Jimmy Carter, you asked for it all over again.

High interest rates, insane unemployment and taxes like we have never seen before. Here they come.

Overexaggerate *is* a word. Thanks for the lesson, idiot.

IT WOULD BE WORTH IT IF WE HAD

TO WALK FOR A MONTH OR MORE.

I've been to two, had to miss a third due to the extremely cold weather. The first one I went to was in an office bldg. at 17th@G, with lots of food, drink, and a bathroom. The second one, I actually had to work half the day and was presented with parade route tickets, was young, and partied half the day into the night. I will be watching this one on tv. I have no desire to stand outside and be uncomfortable and unhappy for hours. The office with the food, drink, and bathroom was the way to go, for sure.

I am still waiting for my ticket

Man some of you people are bitter! Start getting used to hearing him called Mr. President folks. It happens in 21 more days.

Interessting how so many people here suddenly suggest to hold a "privat, indoor" inauguration, that it is suddenly to expensive, that the mall will suffer or that it's "better to watch it on TV then being there".

Does this have anything to do with your fears that the nation, in fact the whole world will see the images of a black, Democratic president being sworn in with 2 million+ people in attendance? Would that maybe further enhance the images of Bushs second inauguration, where he could not take the usual walk the last mile but instead the motorcade had to pick up speed because his limo was being pelted with rotten eggs?

Everybody who voted for Obama, would like to see him sworn in, is fit enough to make it and want's to send a message to the nation and the world: go ahead! I'll be there, somewhere, no matter how, no matter what, and no one, not even the inauguration comittee, can bring my spirits down! Imagine telling your grandchildren about that very special day...

Thank goodness I have purposely planned to be away from any TV or radio all that day. I can hardly stand to think what will happen that day because the American people have been fooled into thinking this is a good thing. Nothing could be further from the truth–we will all be living with socialized medicine and government interference until Obama is booted from office, hopefully in 2012!! God help us all!!!!

TCM's comment about Obama "buying the White House through a sea of corruption" means he was asleep in 2000 – Bush's "election" was one of the biggest frauds ever put over on the American people. Remember daddy's supreme court handing him the White House – just like he was handed everything else in life? It was ONLY by voters coming out in record numbers in 2008 that the Republicans didn't game this election too. (And the jury is still out on the '04 election – which Bush "won" only by savaging Kerry with lies about his service and hijacking the Ohio vote. Yippee – eight years of misery are almost over!!!

This is why it's called a democracy!!! People are entitled to do what they want to do and not to mention, voice their opinions. If people want to go and see him in person, then they should. This is a historic event so it's only proper that we treat it like one. I wish I could be there too!!!

Barry's term of office will only last about 1400 days, it won't be that bad....it will be over before you know it. The faster those days go, the better. Then in 2012 we can get to work on electing a real President.

TCM:

"I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?

It's not historic, it's a shame that our country has stooped to the level it has and placed such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat. It's all glitter and showboating; and when the real tests begin, you libs will see what fools you've been to vote in such inexperience."

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. You hate the guy, we get that. But your charges are based on zero evidence. Get over it already, crybaby.

I'm pretty sure he'll be able to overcome the infrastructure problems. He probably has a fleet of unicorns at the ready and the highways will turn into rainbows. Either that, or he'll open up negotiations with the trains and busses, which will agree to hold 1000 people each instead of 100.

It amazes me that most of you didn't care about the amount of money spent on Bush who cheated his way both times into the White House....but now that a African-American is elected in....you want it to be "simple". This is HISTORY people! If I could be there I would!

I'd love to be there in DC on the 20th. Real leadership for the nation and this world begins once Obama becomes president. I love reading the hateful comments from the fringe element GOP supporters. These hateful comments constantly remind us that there is no option but to continue to counter and fight everything that is part of the GOP platform. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to know that their stomachs are churning with discomfort and anxiety about the next 8 years of Obama. Don't worry, in 2016 some people may begin to forgive the GOP for the horrific failures that this party has bestowed upon this great nation. Our republic with thrive and survive, but only once the GOP has been relegated to the absolute fringe of society.

To: TCM

You said: "It's not historic, it's a shame that our country has stooped to the level it has and placed such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat."

Perhaps you're confused or are having some sort of flashback to December 1999 when the country was preparing for the first Bush, Jr. inauguration. I think, no I know, that George W. Bush IS the MOST incompent, and definetly self-centered individual to hold the Office. But, we can't blame the country for that one since HE DIDN'T WIN THE FIRST ELECTION.

Get over the hatred and hard feelings and let's move forward!

Obama/Biden '08/'12
Yes we Did!

Man, a lot of y'all are a bunch of bitter, self-righteous jerkwads. Personally, I'm not even hunting up the festivities on TV; I did everything I needed to do before Election Day. Far as I'm concerned, the swearing-in of a new (figure) head of state should be a solemn occasion, not a social one, and, especially in hard times, shouldn't involve an expensive and inconvenient public display at all. But, well, I don't have to go picking fights with my fellow citizens to justify my point of view. You know what I can't wait for??? Severe depression and major societal collapse. When the grocery store isn't there anymore, or only the wealthiest 5% can afford a trip to Aldi, all y'all are going to be relearning how to cooperate with your neighbors– regardless of race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation.

The bitter and racist comments on here are pretty disheartening. My, you republicans are an angry bunch!

Hey all you little petty squabblers – Your Jr. High called. It wants its drama back.

Wow...so many people think that Obama somehow staged this "multi-million dollar" event like he planned it. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that the actual amount of tickets is probably not much more than usual. All the planned events are the same ones that have occured through many, many previous inaugurations. What's happened is that so many people want to see such a historical event, that the Inaugural Commitee is spending the money trying to prevent anything bad from happening, and I thank them for it! You can't forbid people from traveling to DC, it's a public place! And I'm sure many of the people who will be there were NOT Obama supporters, too. Fact is, it's a historical event in our lifetime and we want to be there, my son and I included. No matter who you voted for, it's still an incredible time in US history, and my son will be able to tell his granchilren how he was there – one out of 1-2 million who witnessed change for America. How can that ever be a bad thing?? Oh, and I'm not "nasty" either – in fact, I don't have anything to say at all to people who feel the need to throw insults. I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm excited about it all!

It is absolute insanity to attend the inaugaration. What could you hope to see? It will be like watching a flea on a dog given the distance most everyone will be from the actual swearing-in.

TCM you are so right! Also, clearly those tests began to begin over the weekend.

Did Dubya cut back on his second swearing in ceremony because American soldiers were dying in a war he started and we were spending billions of dollars to repair Iraq's infrastructure after the shock and awe wore off?

Mike, yes, 66 million voted for Obama BUT 57 million did not AND there were 27% of Americans who did not vote. That means that more than 66 million people were NOT in full support of Obama. Hardly a landslide like many libs throw out there, so please, no GOP bashing ok? I wish Mr. Obama well as we are all Americans here and I respect all those that want to be there for the event. GOD BLESS AMERICA IN 2009 and beyond!

Presidential inaugurations should cost millions of dollars...it's one of the most historic events of the world. If I were president, I would want to make sure everything was taken care of from top notch vendors. Taxpayers do NOT pay for the inauguration, it's all donations. I am going, I already have confirmed tickets from my State Rep and I am paying almost $1,000 per room (3 rooms) per night but, guess what, I don't care, it's very important to me that I attend and take all that want to go.

Why do you want to be there? Are you the same people that buy the Obama coin? Obama's swearing in is historical: the biggest mistake Americans have made in a long time. No, it is not racial bias. It is common sense. He has made promises he cannot keep and has openly lied. I am not an expert in politics, but I do have a PhD in environmental engineering so I am not a total idiot. Even if I was, I have common sense. Common sense says stay away from the inauguration fiasco. It is one too many big parties for the "Savior". Use your brain people. I know you have one.

Its good for the Local and overall economy.Its also good that the largest amount of people get to attend,since main street has been totally left out of having a say in anything the past 8 years while Wallstreet ran this economy into the ground.If you want to be mad about something get mad at Bernacki and the Fed for the theft of about 2 trillion dollars.You cry about a car loan to the big 3,but gave the robber barons a blank check.And while were at it,I see the covered up the Mike Connell story with all this other low grade bs.

My thoughts on this are:
1) This is a slap in the face to the last 43 presidents, good, bad, or indifferent. Here we go with the "special" parameters.
2) Anyone who would bring a young child into that crowd without resources to properly provide for that child for a 6 hour period should be slapped with charges of child abuse-hands down there is no excuse whatsoever to put a child in harms way for them to "witness history" regardless!
3) Mr Arrogance/the New Messiah/Socialist by Definition seems to have a blatant disregard for the 50+ million of us that did not, do not and me personally-will not support this man or his administration-we are not ALL celebrating so please do not continue to inconvenience the rest of the population of the U.S.
4) Do keep in mind your future president's response or lack thereof to the events (potentially the start of World War III) of this past weekend, as he has no problem preaching about what he wants to change and cramming the media with speeches like he is already president, but yet when briefed on this potentially catastrophic reality, he hid behind the cloak of "there can only be one president at a time." Granted, Bush hasn't said much either, however, he is not cramming his speeches down our throats promising change either.

wow, so many people still bitter and resentful.
you people need to get over it.
the most historic inauguration in our life-time and all you can do is vent.
This is not the time or place for therse comments.
You moaners have two choices: get on the bus and embrace change or..........

Amen JohnT

TCM you will eat those words. You will be shown how wrong you are.

To TCM... Please, you self-righteous individual – you truly believe that the Bush administration did not buy the Presidency in 2000? It just goes to show that the right-wing Southern Christian idiots still exist in America. Hopefully, you will all stay in your homes read some books on history... Your stupidity is what we Americans can no longer tolerate.

I will be there to celebrate the swearing in of a President who identifies with those of us Americans who were forgotten the past 8 years! Frankly, I wish George W. and his rich friends would leave Washington before PEBO takes the oath of office. Just seeing George makes me sick to my stomach! Good riddance to a complete idiot and failure.

Look who is running DC and you might understand all the confusion.

I'm happily renting out 2 rooms in my Northern VA home for about a $1000/night to some ignorant Obamabots. Thanks for sharing your wealth.

it's a small sacrafice to see the Messiah.

I didn't vote for him, but my prayers and support are with him. We all need to pray for security and protection as our 44th president takes the oath of office.

I wish it were a little smaller, not because I desire any less support for Mr. Obama, but I cringe at the security nightmare that will be there.

May he be protected and provided for, and may his move into the Oval Office be successful.

God bless Barack Obama, and God bless the USA.

There is no question the press is trying to freighten people away. There are those who have made up their minds to attend the event, and no bad press coverage, rain, sleet or snow will keep them away.
Lets pray for Obama and our nation.

Come forth and bless us, messiah

Eileen Patterson Does this mean you'd like to have it at your house?We promise we won't use your pool as a port-a-potty,just the back of your 3 SUV'S for privacy.We don't want your neighbors to complain.
Who knows,you might even find a stray $100 or 2.We dont want the DAR to think we're going to go republican over this whole thing.We'll share with you.

What do you expect of a man who thinks he is God?? What a waste of money!

He should take the money wasted on the festivities and help the poor with all the promises he has made. If he wants to make a good impression on the public find our where the money went that we have just given away to the thieves in big business for their golden parachutes.They have made the biggest fools out of the congress who fell for theri poormouthing.

ugh!

I guess I don't have to say anything after I read what G.R.I.T.S.
says.....she says it all, and puts it in a perfect perspective.....

I rest my case....

Larry
Houston, Texas

This is going to be a real mess and an unfair black mark against Obama. The transportation and sanitary infrastructure can't handle 1-2 million people on the National Mall. It's a physical impossibility. At the very least, people will be inconvenienced and annoyed. At worst, there could be very serious problems.
STAY HOME & watch on TV.

I wonder if the hype would've been there had it been a white guy, who didn't buy the white house through a sea of corruption?

It's not historic, it's a shame that our country has stooped to the level it has and placed such an incompetent, corrupt, self-centered individual at the highest seat. It's all glitter and showboating; and when the real tests begin, you libs will see what fools you've been to vote in such inexperience.

Eileen You sure are the pot calling the kettle black.Are you another nasty republican with a scope sight hidden in your bible or just a fan of the Palin "Cooking with Snowballs" or "How to Shoot Something Because You Can Comedy Hour" television shows on FOX?In either case STAY HOME!Better yet MOVE TO IRAQ.I here they are really fond of american women.

I hope Washington, D.C. gets two feet of snow the night before the inaguration and the temperature on the big day is in the teens.

Lynne, Don't blame Eileen's bitterness on poor cats. I feed 10 cats daily, and I'm a very enthusiastic Obama supporter. I'll be crying for joy in front of the television holding one or two of them when our new president takes the oath of office on the Lincoln Bible. Eileen is just a poor loser. Many Republicans I know are wishing him well. They are Americans first, and Republicans second, like they should be.

God, people do not know what is in store for us in the coming years under Obama. So far he has proven everything we have thought of him. Already involved in scandal, and I do not care what his reports say. They tried to make Blogajavich into a crazy to disprove any possible remarks from him towards Obama. Now they are saying his reports are going to clear Blogajavich so not to push him into talking about Obama's involvement. He has shown he is not transparent, he does not have a hands off approach to reporters. So far, he is doing everything you hated about Bush and yet he is still the One.

Glorious Chaos. Stay at home and watch this trainwreck live on TV.

I would love to be there but I will be overjoyed to watch it from home.
Eileen,I am sure your intellect would demand you be there if McCain/Palin were being sworn in. What a sore looser you are!

To Eileen and PatNY, it is being treated different than other inauguarations because it is different. Different and historic. It should remain open to anyone who wants to go, not just those lucky enough to get tickets. And as far as who will clean up after its over...probably the same people who do it any other time. When you have a large event outside, there is bound to be a need for clean up. Whether or not they are McCain supporters or Obama supporters is irrelevant. Get a grip.

People– unless you have a hotel close in to the inaugural site (and I mean within easy walking distance), I would just stay at home and watch it on TV. The place is going to be a zoo. Transportation is going to be horrible. Save your yourself a boatload of headaches & frustrations and stay at home. The event will be historical whether you see it on TV or whether you are standing in a crowd of 200,000 angry frustrated tired people a mile from the event in the rain. Stay home and actually ENJOY it.

This should be "Required Reading" for anyone thinking about going to DC that week:
http://inaugural.senate.gov/media/releases/release-12292008-inauguralwebsite.cfm

Obama has a lot of fans. He should be an actor in big-budget movies or maybe a rock-n-roll singer in a band or something, not the President.

Don't come, please! I live here in DC. Our transportation system is bad now–it's only going to be worse when 2 million more people show up! it's not as if Obama or anyone on his team will notice if you show up or not. Seriously, how can you really want to subject yourself to the crowds, the traffic, the expense (bring a LOT of money if you plan to eat or sleep in this town), the cold weather, the stress, etc. just so you can say "I was there!" Who cares?!? If it's important to you that Obama is going to be President, that's great. But please don't add to the mess we are going to have just to be able to say you showed up. Stay home and watch it on TV with your friends. Have a party!

Eileen...your comment is quite interesting. "Just think what DC will be like with port-a-potties up and down the streets, hot dog stands everywhere,people sleeping in boxes downtown"

And just how is this different from DC any other regular day? I live in DC, and it's obvious you've never been to this strange and wonderful place.

Eileen, such venom.

George – that's DC's local government, as inept and utterly incompetent as any in the nation!

PatNY:

The mall is ALWAYS open for pedestrians on Inauguration Day...and the ceremony is always open for non-ticket holders...it's democracy in action...why deny people the right to see this swearing-in when no one's been restricted before? They're just expecting more people than usual due to the historic ramifications of an Obama presidency. I didn't have a ticket for Clinton/Gore's first Inauguration, but I still had a great view and witnessed a part of American history...which is exactly why I'll be there in January...to witness another piece of American history!

Obama's supporters are not the ones we should be worried about. The level of ignorance and racial bias being displayed is really disheartening, but it does help with identification.

Oh. DC is going to be crowded. I clicked on this article with thet headline "Dire Warnings" making me think it was something serious – an issue of national concern. The price of bread and milk are more serious stories than this.

Eileen Patterson said, "The inauguration event itself promises to prove what a nasty bunch of people supported Obama's presidency. Just think what DC will be like with port-a-potties up and down the streets, hotdog stands everywhere,people sleeping in boxes downtown. This will show the level of intelligence of those supporters who could see the whole thing on TV comfortably in their homes. Maybe they think Obama is going to throw $100 bills at them during the parade? Then again, maybe he will."

---

What a nasty woman you are. The people who supported Obama's presidency are not nasty. Many of them are educated, caring, professional people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Your comments make my stomach twist into knots. It is people like you who have systematically destroyed our great nation.

As far as staying at home to watch the inauguration on television – how, exactly, does that equate to intelligence? Hundreds of thousands of Americans, perhaps millions, want to be present in D.C. to witness the historic swearing in of our first bi-racial President. P.E. Obama symbolizes the hope that we have as a people, that we can be better, that we can do better. Perhaps most of us can and will, but I doubt you will be included.

I'm surprised B.O. isn't having this inauguration down by the Reflecting Pool; since this man's ego has no limits, it would be easier to see himself at that location...plus, then he could baptize people while He's out there.

All jokes aside–how does a man who says "no more Washington as usual" and "time to quit living on the high hog"–have the largest, most expensive, grandiose party in the history of party's?? All the while telling people it's tough out there and it's going to be awhile before we turn things around? His Democratic Congress (Pelosi, et al) scolds car makers for unwise spending, yet he's got double the MILLIONS going towards his own swearing in Party??

Yeah, he's about change–the extra change in yo pocket.

God bless.

Be safe. All of you. And Gid Bless.

This is NOT a big deal. Another presidential innaguration...whoopee!
This just goes to show you what democrats really stand for...(I don't really think they know either)

I think the best seat in the house...will be a seat IN the house, my house!

Raina- it's "exaggerate." Adding the word "over" is redundant.

Why all the bitterness Eileen?? LMAO...go feed your 10 cats.

Eileen - WOW - your ignorance is off the charts. Then again, you probably like Bush/McCain, in which case that explains your ignorance and your desire to insult the 66 million Americans who disagree with you.

Why not just watch it on T.V.?? You'll have a much better view, won't put the strain on first responders, keep your toes warm, you'll have a place to go to the bathroom. I can see it now, thousands of little old ladies suffering out there. But don't worry, somehow it'll just be Bush's fault, not the idiots that go out there. I hope a blizzard hits the area.

This wouldn't have been a problem if I had won.

Rain or shine, Iam planning on attending. Flying in from Mid-West.

This is another sorry example of the adage that if you want something screwed up – put a Congressional Committee in charge.

Every year NYC packs a million plus folk into Times Square on New Year's Eve. It does so without dire alarmist warnings and anyone who has ever gone there can tell you that the authorities have the crowd control down to a science.

Perhaps if the Inauguration Committee had invited NYPD's participation (something they deliberately refused to do) they might have gotten some expert, experienced help in managing large, excited and enthusiastic crowds.

It's not too late to relocate the Inauguration to TSQ. We can even reuse The Ball and have it drop and flash out Barack Obama's name at 12 Noon on the 20th.

I really don't think it will be as bad as the exaggeration, we just can't listen to CNN and the other hatters and just go for youself and pray for Barack and his family and just have a C E L E B R A T I O N because we have so much to celebrate.

It woud be worth it just to be in the number. What I would give just to see our 44th President and his family receiving the oath and then Barack accepting the oath and becoming our 44th President of the United States of America. Halellujah!! What a blessing!!

Well worth every grueling minute . . . sure wish I could be there!

Our society is geared by limitations in cars, buses, theaters, elevators, eating establishments, movies, night clubs, etc. for the safety and welfare of the people. IMO, this Inauguration is an accident waiting to happen and all for the sake of greed. Regardless of how historical an event this is, it would have made more sense to limit the number of people in attendance due to concerns for safety and unexpected turn of events (like a last minute snow storm, ice storm or even a heavy rain storm) than to try and expand services and facilities to meet the demand of those wanting to attend.

This Inauguration may end up being historical and hysterical due to lack of common sense and the inability of establishing limitations regardless of requests or demands.

Why anyone would bother to go to the inauguration of Obama is beyond me. Just more rhetoric to listen to after the swearing in. Six months later starts the swearing at, when people fiigure out the this guy has no clue.

I do wish all the attendees the best and hope they bring a lot of patience, but I am sure the festivites will be well worth the wait..

No worries here. I wouldn't attend even if it was held in my own backyard!!!

This looks like a party that I was not planning on attending in the first place. Looks like a lot of people should reconsider if they had plans on being there. It will be on TV and not worth dying for to just be there and maybe not being able to see or hear much of what is going on anyway.

1-2 million spectators? Do you think that will feed Obama's overwhelming ego sufficiently for a while or are we going to have to have taxpayer lovefests every month so the great on can be worshipped?

"The middle way is no way at all. If we finally fail in this great and glorious contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping for the middle way." -John Adams, 1776

we should have elected Kucinich. we need bold leadership, not wimpy appeasers to the right wingers.

Given the dire economic condition the country finds itself in, does it really make sense to spend millions of dollars to stage this elaborate celebration? Why not just swear President-elect Obama in with a simple ceremony in Congress and cover it on all of the network and cable news channels? That's where most of the population of the nation will see it anyway. There was already one monster celebration on election night in Chicago, so what's the point? Spend the money on something else and let the man get on with dealing with all the problems facing him.

That's good they have those protective measures not only for the President to be but also the public.
Best solution, buy a good pair of walking sneakers.

My advise, stay home watch it on TV.

Why can't this event be held privately in a secluded location without television coverage and endless commentary? It is a simple ceremony and is only immensely meaningful to the participants. We do not need this gaudy display of arrogance.

I have a question–when is CNN going to stop writing misleading headlines?

"Dire warnings from inaguration team?" Over-exaggerate much?

I've got an invitation. Don't tell anyone.

The inauguration event itself promises to prove what a nasty bunch of people supported Obama's presidency. Just think what DC will be like with port-a-potties up and down the streets, hotdog stands everywhere,people sleeping in boxes downtown. This will show the level of intelligence of those supporters who could see the whole thing on TV comfortably in their homes. Maybe they think Obama is going to throw $100 bills at them during the parade? Then again, maybe he will.

Which is why the Mall should not have been open for public viewing, and the event kept at managable level as all prior inaugurals. I voted for Obama, but don't feel his inaugural should be treated any differently than prior ones – keep it to ticket holders and only those who can get into the limited area in front of the capital. The Mall will be destroyed by the crowds. Who's gonna pay to fix it all up?

Jeez, this article makes the Inauguration prep sound like the 1950s duck and cover drills. Next, signs will be posted warning people to "Prepare to run for your lives"

Stick to TV, you'll get a better seat and hopefully a much cleaner toilet.

No. The last eight years have been an endurance test. Can't wait for the Bush Error to be ended so the Obama Era can begin.

I will enjoy watching the Inauguaration on my TV and not having to deal with the DC weather and crowds.

Improvise, overcome, adapt. If you can't walk a couple of miles or climb a couple of flights of stairs you have bigger things to worry about than how you are going to get to the ceremony, real disabilities aside.

Getting in shape will cost you less in health care and at the grocery store plus you will feel much better and have more energy.

I believe in the less is more theory ergo a simple wearing in during a joint session of Congress would suffice with a motorcade to the White House afterward. This is not the time to celebrate nor incur expenses. President Obama will need time to gain the advantage over naysayers so that he can earn their respect.

I'll be there rain, sleet, or shine~!!!!

I am soooooooooooo looking forward to the inauguration – to Obama being our new president and to the history our country is making.
God Bless the USA!

It might have been a good thought to rent out domed stadiums in each major city so people would have had a place to stay and eat and go to the restroom – and be able to see and hear this historical event much better – via jumbo screens – than standing in the cold with no place to stay, or food, or restrooms – and seeing or hearing nothing. Certainly, the Obama election chest had enough money for that. I would think young children (and their parents) and those who are disabled would have been grateful.

I don't live anywhere near D.C, so I regret that I can't be a part of this. I'll be watching it on TV for sure, though!

Kudos to those willing to brave the crowds and weather for this historic event!

Even though being at this historic event in person may be important to a lot of people...Me and my family are going to do the smart thing and stay home and watch the event on CNN. I just dont beleive anything is worth the traffic, crowds, cold, lack of bathrooms. My tv and the warmth of my home will be fine. And I live 15 min from DC.

So much for an open gov.

I think I'll enjoy watching it on TV... nice and warm... cup of coffee.
Don't see the point in freezing for multiple hours to only hear it over a PA system...

I'm sure it will be considerable task for all involved and I hope it all runs smoothly.....but thousands will want to be part of this very historic moment.
I would love to be able to go there, it would be great....I just wish the people who are lucky enough to go, good luck and have a wonderful time and best wishes to PE Obama and his family all the very best for that day.
New President and a new start for this country.

Hey, it's a small sacrafice to see the Messiah.

Like football, baseball, NASCAR and any sport for that matter. Don't waste the time and money watch it on TV.

I live in DC and although it would be cool why deal with the headache? How about the risk invovled? Great location, big event, big crowds are just what some nut job needs to make a statement.

I see the " you may want to stay at home" on inauguration day warnings are starting to finally hit the national news.

If one doesn't have a "ticket" will there still be "1st come 1st serve" places to stand?...I wonder....hmmmm

Despite the constant negative comments and complaints from the MSM, I would crawl through a field of snakes to be there on such a historical day. MSM, makes their money on everything negative and "No We Can't" is their motto. Enough of this garbage. We will soon have more than enough real life negative goings on, let the population, who truly cares about our nations great accomplishment, have a moment of pure positive celebration, Please!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

IF WE AREN'T SELF-IMPORTANT IDIOTS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT. I HAVE NO PROBLEM IF THIS ECONOMY WAS UPRIGHT BUT I'M SURE OBAMA WOULD AGREE THAT WE NIX THE WHOLE CEREMONY AND SAVE TAX MONEY.