"Crush-Level" Inaugural Crowds Forecasted By Congressional Committee

Political Hotsheet:

Late yesterday, the Congressional Inaugural Committee issued an "Inaugural Advisory" for those planning to attend Barack Obama's swearing in ceremony in Washington D.C. on January 20th. And the unspoken message seems to be: Stay home.

Otherwise, here's what you're in for: "Street closures throughout Washington, D.C., will make traveling by car or taxi very difficult. Bridges from Virginia crossing the Potomac River into Washington, D.C., as well as major roadways from Maryland into Washington, D.C., may be closed to all but bus traffic."

Prefer the subway? "D.C.'s subway system will be running 'rush-hour' service all day, but is expecting 'crush-level' crowds. Be prepared to wait for space on a train for long periods of time, during which you will have to stand in close proximity to several thousand people. Many Metro escalators will be closed due to crowding and individuals will need to climb Metro stairs or wait to utilize the small number of elevators at Metro stations."

Read the whole story: Political Hotsheet

Comments

[L3ftofC3nter]

I can't wait. I received my letter yesterday in the mail that I received 3 tickets to the swearing in. I'm so excited!!

[BabsfromKansas]

Do you have an extra ticket??? I will be your new BFF! My ex-BFF from KS got 4 and all I get is taxation without representation!

[hamchunk]

Does this mean there will be alot more of that special "touchy-feely" going on in the Metro than is usual? Awesome, because I cannot get enough of that and that great urine smell that permeates the entire Metro system.

[BabsfromKansas]

You must be thinking of NY's metro. I read the redline everyday - very clean

[bubbuh]

Read? I thought I was the only onr who did that sort of thing.
Shady Grove
Rockville
Twinbrook
White Flint
Grosvenor–­Strathmore
Medical Center
Bethesda
Friendship Heights
Tenleytown–AU
Van Ness–UDC
Cleveland Park
Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan
Dupont Circle
Farragut North
Metro Center
Gallery Pl-Chinatown
Judiciary Square
Union Station
New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U
Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood
Brookland–CUA
Fort Totten
Takoma
Silver Spring
Forest Glen
Wheaton
Glenmont
You're right. No smut there! LOL

[L3ftofC3nter]

What are you talking about? The red line only starts to smell when you get to Metro Center-ROTFLMAO!

[RadicalConservative]

I'm going on vacation the week of the inauguration. Renting my townhouse in DC while I'm gone for $1,000/day.

[bby328]

There may be a vacant beach house in Hawaii that week.

[Liberalicious]

Does that rent payment include getting rid of your foul stench from the premises? Cause it's not enough.

[BabsfromKansas]

Have fun - I'll be sure and get my homies to throw a brick thru your window as we walk on by!

[bokiluis]

That's a good one BabsfromKansas!

Be sure to have them videotape it for YouTube.....I'm sure it will be a sensation.

RadicalConservative indeed! NOT

[tel8034]

Not only will Americans be attending the inauguration in record numbers, but many countries are oraganizing special travel packages for thousands of their citizens to be present in Washington DC.

Persons planning to attend the inauguration expect the large crowds and the "crush levels", but for them, that is but a small inconvenience for the priveledge of witnessing history first hand.

January 20th 2009 will be yet another eventful historical day when years from now people all over the world will be asking and answering the question..­..........­........ "Where Were You When Barack Obama Was Sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America"?.­..........­..........­.......

Many would like to be able to say that "I was right there in person in Washington DC and witnessed it first hand".

[bokiluis]

So which is it? A few weeks ago, it was predicted that record breaking crowds heading towards 3-4 million people would be there to salute our new President.

Last week it was stated that the number is more realistically like 1 to 1.5 million, much much better than either Bush 2004 or 2004 but not a record setter.

[bubbuh]

Depends on whether you count the fifteen different protest groups or not.

[BabsfromKansas]

Either way the availability to the portapotties remain my first concern!

[rubygreen]

As much as I would love to be in D.C. for this history making moment, I am going to take the day off, plant my @ss on the couch with a great meal and a bottle of champagn. I'll have a perfect view and a clean bathroom anytime I need it. And, I will still feel the love! Can't wait.

[Hare]

Sounds like another article to fill our cup of fear. Stay home or you will suffer. Fat chance. If we can wait in lines for hours to get a deal on a sale. If we can walk/run 5-10, half and full 26 marathons for pleasure we can see Obama swearing in. Do not be discorage people. Take drinks, trail mix and a folding chair/blanket, rest when tired, wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing, you'll be fine for the party.

[flymic]

Three Things:

1) i'm still planning to go but i do not have tickets--> can i have yours?

2) where is the best place to watch if you don't have tickets?

3) how accepting is DC police when it comes to Box wines and the out doors?

Thanks.

[RadicalConservative]

I live here in DC so I think I can answer your questions.
(1) I'd give them to you if I had any myself. Check with your Congressional Rep or Senator to see if theyhave any left.
(2) Best place would be anywhere along Pennsylvania Ave. NW. If possible, get there by 6:00 p.m. on the 19th and be prepared to camp out.
(3) Box wines or any open alcohol is prohibited. You'll get a ticket (not the kind you're looking for) if caught.

[BabsfromKansas]

no one allowed on parade route until morning of

[ruthinking]

To watch the oath, without a ticket, be on the Mall. To watch the parade, be on Pennsylvania avenue. Why the box wine? Do without.

[BabsfromKansas]

1 - NO
2 - CNN
3 - Fergit about it

[bokiluis]

1. You can't have something that doesn't exist my friend.

2. MSNBC or better still CSPAN

3. And just what are you drinking right now??????

[Realtor n VA]

I'll park my car and walk or ride my bike into the city if I have to!! I'll let you guys know how it goes!!!

[BabsfromKansas]

See ya there! I'll be the one in the red hat!

[minty68]

It will basically be like the 4th of July on steroids. Just be prepared, and you should be fine.

[bubbuh]

But, colder. BRRRR.

[Indubitably]

I'm hoping for less pyrotechnics... ;-)

[afgail]

I went for the first Clinton inaugural. It was super great. Very joyous. Just wear comfortable shoes/boots with wooly sox, mittens, scarf and a hat that covers your ears. Bring snacks. After the swearing in go to the Lincoln Memorial early for the live performances. The Obama inaugural will be awesome.

[flymic]

do you need tickets for the Lincoln Memoria performances??

[bubbuh]

Only for the Lincoln bedroom performances.

[NC2NJ]

l will enjoy the parties my friends here in NY are having.. made plans to go before the crowds.. just party where ever you are and enjoy... Its still going to be a great day in history

[Indubitably]

As long as the out-of-towners stand to the right on the escalators, all will be well.

[bubbuh]

What the odds? lol

[LauraNyro]

and H{ll will freeze over!

[L3ftofC3nter]

Here's to hoping. I doubt they will get it though, at least until someone pushes them down-HAHA!!

[TheWanderer]

Forecasted? FORECASTED?

[bubbuh]

Oh, goody, another spelling monitor. Don't forget to clap the virtual chalk erasers together on you way out. You can together in the corner of the playground with your fellows and mutter imprecations.

[Paralogos]

It's a front page headline, for cryin' out loud. If literacy matters - Sarah Palin would of course argue that it doesn't - then we ought to at least get headlines right.

[crablover]

This is a great opportunity for Americans to get out of their cars and walk across the bridges to DC from Virginia and Maryland. We could all use the exercise.

[Realtor n VA]

Amen to that!! Count me in!

[bonofide]

I don`t like crowds so I am happy to be watching this at home.
I like the close-ups anyway to see the expressions on everybody`s
face.

[bubbuh]

But, you'll not go to the ball!!!!!

[bonofide]

That`s okay. I can`t dance anyway! LOL

[Manx]

Does the forecast include the thousands of people who will be there to protest Rick Warren's presence?

[bubbuh]

They are one of fifteen protest groups expected to show up. They'll have to get in line like everyone else.