The Inauguration

Just wrapped up watching today's inauguration of Barack Obama, and what's the point of a blog if I can't say a few things about it?

First off, the scene itself was impressive. The sea of people, the waving of US flags, the former Presidents and Vice-Presidents ... this really is pomp and circumstance at it's best.

I also learned a few things along the way. Such as, Obama became President at Noon ... without taking the oath. Not sure I really knew that could happen.

Also, didn't know that the Oath itself meant so little that the Chief Justice could just say whatever the hell he wanted, and the President could follow along, and still be President.

Hey, John Roberts, some index cards wouldn't kill ya next time. Seriously. You're asked to do one thing, and you can't manage that?

As for inspiration. Yes, it is wonderful seeing a man of color in the White House.

I'll be honest though, as a white male, I'm sure the true impact of this is kind of lost on me.

Seeing the tears in the eyes of African-Americans at the event convinces me more than words ever could that this was an event of historic import. If you'd like some words, check out what my friend Mom2Amara wrote this morning.

It's stuff like that I just can't express, after growing up a middle-class, white kid. And, it's ok for me to admit that.

I got a personal thrill, though, in seeing this, because not that long ago I stood in a crowd of people in Cleveland to see Obama speak. (Of course, Bruce Springsteen was a BIT of a draw for me as well.)

To know I stood 100 yards away from a man who just became President is kind of stunning to me, but very cool at the same time.

As for Obama's speech, I'll let others who are smarter than me dissect that.

I will say this though, I did vote for Obama. I do think this country needs a new direction and new leadership.

But, the days of stump speeches, attack ads, and political posturing is over.

Mr. President, you're on the job, starting now. And it's time to start cleaning things up.

I know we'll have to be patient, and I know times will be difficult, but it's time to fulfill your promises.

If you succeed, you'll probably go down as one of our greatest leaders ever. If you fail, well, I'm not afraid to vote for the other guy in 2012.

The Obama Rally

My feet hurt, my back aches, but it was all worth it.

You see, in my old job, I was the won who got to sit back ... while others attended the numerous political rallies of election season.

But yesterday, a friend and I decided to join the fray.

We were among the estimated 80,000 who flocked to Malls A, B & C in Cleveland for the Barack Obama rally.

But, I'm going to start with a confession. If it was Obama alone, I wouldn't have been there.

No, the appearance of Bruce Springsteen put my decision over the top.

I'm a pretty serious Springsteen fan, I've seen his every appearance in Cleveland going back to the "Tunnel of Love" tour.

The only exception, when he played at a John Kerry rally in 2004.

Some overall impressions of the day:

While the line was well-organized, I felt the crew inside the Mall was poorly orgainzed when it came to crowd control. I got forced out of a good standing position by some over-zealous organizer, and thrown to the back of the pile on a far side.

Also, I thought using a sideways setup on Mall B was a poor choice as well ... with the overflow crowds on Malls A and C. Didn't seem to me to be a good use of space.

A bit of a stumble by the Obama team ... when their "local" organizer came out early in the proceedings to remind everyone that Joe & Jill Biden would be in Copley Monday.

Only he pronounced Copley as Coopley. The crowd got a bit of a chuckle over this one.

After a prayer, an anthem, and a pledge ... we got some politicians, including Sherrod Brown. One gets the impression that Mr. Brown and Mr. Obama are pretty tight.

I wondered to myself how many rabid Springsteen fans would show up just for the Boss.

Turns out ... the majority of people I could see and hear were there to the see the Democratic nominee ... and not the rock and roll hall of famer. I think its interesting that Obama's popularity has eclipsed that of a singing legend.

Bruce took the stage and continues to prove why he's the best. We got classics like "Promised Land" and "Thunder Road." A predictable (but satisfying) appearance of "Youngstown." A cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" (complete with crowd sing-a-long). And it ended with "The Rising".

But, it's what happened in the middle that sent me tingling. Bruce's wife (and fellow musician) Patti Scialfa joined him on stage for "Working On A Dream." A song that is now speculated to be a brand new Springsteen composition, debuting at the rally last night.

If true, it's a dream come true for a Springsteen fan. A world premiere. It's the second of my fandom ... and they're always a tres cool moment.

When the Obamas took the stage ... another great moment ... as the entire Springsteen clan joined the entire Obama family on stage.

As for the nominee himself. I will say this, which we already know. He is an absolutely electric speaker, and that's no different in person.

Obama got off more than a few zingers. And, the abolute high moment was when he was taking aim at Dick Cheney's endorsement of John McCain.

At the mere mention of Cheney's name, the heavens began to open, and a cold November rain came down ... a light rain, but cold nonetheless.

Obama offered a great ad-lib ... saying something along the lines of, "See what happens at the mere mention of Dick Cheney's name."

All in all, I'm glad I went. It was an opportunity to hear a few tunes from my musical idol, and a chance to be within a stone's throw of a man who might be the next President of the United states.