January 2009 Archives

Yesterday was the culmination of an effort that started in late 2006, over two years ago.  That was when my wife and I signed on to support Barack Obama for President of the United States.  These last months have been filled with ups and downs (mostly up, I might add) and it is the closest I've been to directly witnessing history being made.  That episode was completed for me yesterday as I stood and watched...

For the first time in American history, the incoming President held a candlelight dinner for...wait for it...his opponent.  PE Obama honored Senator John McCain last night a the Washington Hilton.  We had the honor of being invited, along with a bunch of other Obama faithful and Republican Senators and Congressmen.  We were seated with Wisconsin Republican Congressman Paul Ryan and his wife, Jana.  It was quite an experience.  Clearly uncomfortable when they arrived in a...

The 44th President of the United States was inaugurated today just after noon eastern time.  It was an exciting, inspiring, yet frigid event.  I'll put down my thoughts with some pictures later today as I get time.  Right now, one last post about GWB.  As he appeared on the Jumbotron arriving from the Capitol and walking to the stage, the crowd, obviously almost all Obama supporters, got restless.  I was worried that the crowd would...

Yesterday saw the official kick-off events of the Inauguration of Barack Obama.  It started with a huge concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial with over 500,000 in attendance.  It was quite an event, according to our friends, but we missed it.  The lure of Sunday talk shows, the New York Times, breakfast in our room, and Bloody Marys proved too strong.  Cold and grey gave way to warm and comfy, at least until early...

Channel 13, KTRK, did a segment on our dinner last night at the Hay-Adams with Houston Mayor Bill White.  Here's the link....

Today was another big day of events.  First was the Speaker's Cabinet lunch at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, completed in 1934, and one of the largest facilities for gatherings in Washington.  It was a great program complete with entertainment from Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, and Jon Bon Jovi.  It was a who's who of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee with long time supporters from around the country.  Here are a couple pics from the event:Gracie...

Tonight we attended several events, but the highlight was a DNC reception for outgoing chairman Howard Dean.  We had gotten to know him during his Presidential bid in 2003 and 2004, and strongly supported him for DNC chair.  Many credit Dean with strong showings in 2006 races through his 50 State Strategy that devoted time (and money) to Democratic candidates in traditionally red states.   Dean made a career of successfully bucking tradition and status quo...

There is lots of talk in the right wing media, fanned by Fox Noise and then picked up by the mainstream media, that PE Obama's cost 4 times more than GWB's inauguration in 2005.  That's false, as usual, with the media distorting the numbers to make it appear as if Obama is being far more extravagant than any other President.  It's not only lazy reporting, it's negligent misinformation because it makes a better story.First, the...

Day one in DC.  I'm off to the Smithsonian for a tour of the Air and Space Museum.  Later today, a reception with Howard Dean, then a welcome dinner tonight.  I'll be posting as often as I can and posting photos....

I got to meet a true hero this morning, General Jack Dailey, retired USMC pilot and director of the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum.  As part of our time here this weekend, there are a number of events that guests can attend.  One that I was really excited about was a before-opening private tour of the museum personally led by General Dailey.  There were only 3 of us, I think because it was about 5...