Bush's Flight Home

January 20, 2009 6:51 PM

From an aide on board former President Bush's flight to Texas:

"We watched a video that was put together for the flight. About 30 minutes long, covering POTUS speeches, event, photos and comments, funny and sad, by staff and friends. The video was a surprise for President and Mrs. Bush. We ate crab cakes. President Bush and Mrs. Bush were walking around the cabins talking to people most of the flight."

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (31)

Green Mountain Miracle

January 20, 2009 6:22 PM

A short time ago I watched the marching band from Brattleboro, Vermont file past the president.  It was about as close as any Vermonters have been to a president in quite some time.  You see, Vermont was the only state in the Union that former President Bush did not visit during his eight years in office.  Eight years, and not so much as a cup of coffee. I guess maybe the overwhelming margins of defeat Vermonters lobbed at Bush might have had something to do with that.

But isn't it time for a presidential visit to Vermont?  I challenge the new president to go north as soon as he can.  We will start an official count for days not traveled to Vermont.

It now stands at one.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (3)

Dow Says 'O No'

January 20, 2009 5:24 PM

My friend Dan Arnall of the ABC News Business Unit reports:

"The Dow Jones confirms: worst Inauguration Day performance in the DJIA's history. Today's close is the lowest close since November 20, 2008."

The Dow lost 332.13 points or 4.01 percent, closing below 8,000.

Welcome to the White House, President Obama!

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (11)

Meanwhile, in New Mexico...

January 20, 2009 3:55 PM

So Bill Richardson wanted to be president, then vice president, then secretary of state.  He was picked as secretary of commerce, for about ten seconds before that fell apart.  So how is he spending this historic inauguration day?  Delivering the State of the State address in New Mexico.  This is what the governor said today:

"Now I know there are some legislators who were looking forward to my departure, and not having to deal with me this session.  I'm sorry to disappoint. I'll try to make it up to you somehow."

At this moment we are trying to figure out how John Edwards is spending the day.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (4)

Kennedy at the Convention

January 20, 2009 3:20 PM

It was August when Sen. Ted Kennedy bravely took the stage at the Democratic convention. It wasn't at all certain he would be well enough to speak that day.  He was battling kidney stones on top of the debilitating treatment for a cancerous brain tumor.  He came from the hospital to deliver the speech, and when he electrified the crowd from that stage he promised it wouldn't be his last, he promised that he would make it to today to see the inauguration of Barack Obama. 

He said, "I pledge to you -- I pledge to you that I will be there next January on the floor of the United States Senate when we begin the great test." 

Well, he was there today to see the inauguration.  He did make it.  And now an entire nation is praying that he keeps on making it for some time to come.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (3)

Concern for Senator Kennedy

January 20, 2009 3:01 PM

The day has taken on a decidedly somber tone, with everyone, including the new president, waiting for news on the condition of Senator Ted Kennedy. 

Stay tuned to ABC News for all the latest.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (4)

Shameless Self Promotion

January 20, 2009 2:10 PM

It is kind of a strange quiet period at this very moment; the new president and Congress are behind closed doors eating weird foods and waiting to watch marching bands.

It would be a great time to take a look at a few of the new residents of the White House.  One that we know about, Marian Robinson, and the other, the still unknown First Dog.

Learn all about them in these ABC News videos!

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (18)

Bush Staffer: 'We're Ready' to Go

January 20, 2009 2:07 PM

From a longtime Bush staffer getting ready to fly home on the big plane formerly known as Air Force One. 

I asked, how's the mood?

The response? 

"Great. 43 walking around, shaking hands, hugging. We're ready."

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (6)

Powell 'Thinks' He's a Republican

January 20, 2009 1:24 PM

Biggest hedge of the day? When Charlie Gibson asked Colin Powell, "are you still a Republican?"  Powell answered in a tone of voice loaded with uncertainty:

"Yes, I think I am still a Republican."

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (3)

More on Malaise

January 20, 2009 1:21 PM

Before I am too badly beaten-up for comparing President Obama to Jimmy Carter, despite how history has treated the Carter "malaise speech," in truth it was a powerful call to action, laced with what he believed to be sober truth.  Not unlike the speech today.

More from Carter:

"We've got to stop crying and start sweating, stop talking and start walking, stop cursing and start praying. The strength we need will not come from the White House, but from every house in America."

And how about this from President Obama?

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

I think what is remarkable is how America seems to be ready to hear about reality in more real terms.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (2)

Obama's Malaise Speech?

January 20, 2009 12:56 PM

A lot of talk about Obama’s speech already; was it more like Roosevelt’s or Kennedy’s?

I have a weird one to throw out there -- how about Jimmy Carter’s "malaise" speech?

Carter never actually used that word, but back in July of 1979, with the country in crisis, President Carter spoke of the dour national mood:

"The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America."

And somewhat surprisingly, to me at least, today President Obama said America is suffering from: "a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights."

Boy, sounds like he is saying America is suffering a kind of malaise.  Carter was pounded in the press for his speech. Obama will not be.  Perhaps it shows how times have changed.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (27)

Chief Justice Roberts Flubs Oath

January 20, 2009 12:44 PM

Some conservative Web sites are already saying President Obama flubbed the oath of office.  And
it certainly wasn't smooth. But it appears it wasn't his fault, but that of Chief Justice John Roberts.

This is what Roberts was supposed to ask Mr, Obama to repeat:

"That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States."

Instead, Justice Roberts said, "That I will execute the office to President to the United States, faithfully."

Justice Roberts misplaced the "faithfully," and added a weird "to" in there as well.

Let's see who gets the blame among the various blogs and sites out there.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (52)

Great Day for the Flag

January 20, 2009 12:27 PM

Wow.

The flag was gleaming.  Shimmering.  Glowing.

The American flag lapel pin on Barack Obama’s chest shined today as it caught the sunlight.

It was a great day for that flag. 

Every four years in this country when an elected leader is peacefully sworn-in, it is a great day.

Some will remember that Obama was not quick to wear that pin during the campaign, and it stirred all kinds of controversy. 

Well, now that controversy is over, because the election is over.

Barack Obama is the American President, and it his job for at least the next four years to keep that flag shining bright.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (14)

Aretha's Hat

January 20, 2009 11:57 AM

Charlie Gibson noted that the Michigan legislature once voted Aretha Franklin’s voice to be one of the natural treasures of that state.

It’s unclear how they feel about the hat.

On that note, let’s all watch, listen and experience what is about to happen.

History.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (26)

Beau Biden on the Platform

January 20, 2009 11:37 AM

Yes that is Joe Biden's younger son Beau Biden on the platform.  He has made a heck of a trip to be there.  All the way from Iraq.  He is a captain in the Delaware National Guard's 261st Signal Brigade currently serving in Iraq.   He used personal leave time to attend the inauguration.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (2)

Yeah America!

January 20, 2009 11:20 AM

Quayle, Gore, Mondale, Carter, Bush 41, Clinton. 

It really is just awesome to see everyone on that platform.  And not awesome in the "wicked awesome," Red Sox fan sense of the word.  But literally awesome, as in "awe inspiring."

Clinton and Bush walking arm-in-arm.

Yeah America!!!!!!

And how great is George H.W. Bush's purple scarf? 

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (7)

A Gift Or Your Life?

January 20, 2009 11:08 AM

You want to feel good about democracy?  My good friend Faisal just arrived in America from Iraq, and is watching his first U.S. inauguration.  He notes, "I have not seen such happy faces."

As for the peaceful transition of power?  Think about what the last few regime changes have looked like to Faisal, whether it be Saddam Hussein's violent rise to power, or the American led invasion to topple him. 
 
Faisal knows how different this is, "I cant tell you how I envy the Americans on that. I love the idea that Michelle Obama brought a gift to the Bush's. This itself is a HUGE thing," he writes.

In many parts of the world, outgoing leaders are lucky to leave with their lives, let alone a gift.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (2)

And They're Off...

January 20, 2009 10:56 AM

All the big cars are on their way to the Capital.  Lots of comments from the ABC hallway on Michelle's gloves.  I didn't notice them.  I bet Barack Obama didn't either (husbands usually don't, that's all I am saying).

As for the craziest accessories...the Cheney wheelchair and cane combination defies comment.  I can't think of anything either funny or poignant.  It is just too strange.  I welcome submissions.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (6)

Biggest Star Sighting: Sully

January 20, 2009 10:49 AM

The biggest celebrity in America was just spotted on  the VIP platform.  ABC's  Rick Klein just spied hero pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger! We give him the highest OVER rating of the day.

Meanwhile, Robin Roberts caught up with Spike Lee wearing the cheesiest New York Yankees hat ever.  UNDER.  Sorry Spike. Not until you take the hat off.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Celebrity Sightings: Muhammad, Magic and More

January 20, 2009 10:29 AM

Celebrity sightings and their rating on the Demi/Ashton over/under scale:

Muhammad Ali on the VIP platform: OVER (way, way over.)

Josh Lucas on Connecticut Avenue:  UNDER.

Dustin Hoffman on the VIP platform: OVER (And Charlie Gibson has a story about Hoffman getting soup spilled on him in a DC restaurant.  Hoffman looks like he recovered.)

Courtenay Cox on 17th Street, by ABC's John Donvan: UNDER (Cox, not Donvan.  "Friends" has been off the air too long.) 

Gray Davis on the VIP platform:  UNDER! (This guy was thrown out of office in California, how did he get an invite?)

Magic Johnson on VIP platform: OVER (Jake Tapper called him old in a television interview. Meanwhile, Magic says he will play basketball at the White House with Larry Bird and Michael Jordan if invited.  "I will only take it easy if he takes it easy on my taxes," he said.) In other news, I get the impression it is cold in Washington today. 

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (4)

Mrs. Obama Comes Bearing Gifts

January 20, 2009 10:18 AM

One reason Michelle Obama might be so popular at the White House coffee this morning is that she brought gifts.

From ABC's Sunlen Miller: "Upon arriving at the White House, this morning Michelle Obama presented Mrs. Bush with a gift.  It was a pen and journal for her memoirs."

The thing is, we all know what the gift is now, but Mrs. Bush might not! The eagle-eyed Ann Compton reports:
"Laura took the box inside but didnt open it ... she could be seen as she handed it to an aide." 

Gosh I hope she doesn't re-gift, because that would be embarassing!

Our DC crew reports that the gift appeared to come in a bag from the "Tiny Jewel Box," a tony store in Washington.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (51)

Caffeine and Chest Hair

January 20, 2009 10:08 AM

The President-elect just arrived at the White House for the morning coffee with President and Mrs. Bush.  A colleague of mine observed that everyone there seems to be clamoring to say hello to Michelle Obama.  She is the most popular person there. 

If you were Barack Obama this morning, how much coffee would you drink? The caffeine could give you a little boost for what must be a long day. But I suppose you would want to be careful not to have too much...if you know what I mean.

I just saw the strangest inauguration commercial, and I have no idea what it was about because the volume was off.  Harrison Ford was getting his chest hair ripped off by duct-tape or something.  I am sure there is an important connection between Harrison Ford's chest hair and the peaceful transition of power.  Really.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (3)

Inauguration Celebrity Sightings

January 20, 2009 9:47 AM

ABC's Jake Tapper is beating you all in celebrity sightings.  He just saw Smokey Robinson up on the VIP platform.  I am a sucker for old rock music, so I am listing him as "over" in the Demi/Ashton over/under scale.

Meanwhile, earlier Jake saw Denzel Washington, and the crack people at ABC News Radio actually scored an interview.  The Academy Award winning actor says:

"It's an optimistic day, it's a hopeful day. It's a cold day. But you know, it's just a vibe. A good feeling. You know, everybody's in it together.  I am hopeful. I am full of hope. You know I feel that we can only go up from here. United. If we're all together, if we work together and respect our civic duty, I think we can go a long way together. But we all have to be engaged. It's not about just the president and what he says and what he does, it's about all of us."

I am trying to get ABC to devote resources to getting comments from other cast members of "St. Elsewhere."  As of now, Howie Mandel is unreachable.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (6)

What to Watch For

January 20, 2009 9:30 AM

Things I will be looking for today, and am asking for your help:

How many people can you see in the audience who have run for president and lost?  I am using a loose definition, so Tom Vilsack is a correct answer.  Please send in sightings!!!!

Also, using Ashton and Demi as a sort of celebrity over/under, I am keeping track of celebrity sightings.  But I would like to sort them in two groups:  more famous that Ashton and Demi, and less famous.   

ABC's Jake Tapper sighted Denzel Washington in the elite podium seating area; he lands north of Ashton/Demi.

Again, please send in your sightings.

ABC's television coverage is just getting underway, and I offer you this exclusive insight on the subject of inauguration fashion.  From a source close to Charlie Gibson's tie, that tie is described as: "salmony/pinkish with thin blue and silver stripes going diagonally across it."  The designer is Robert  Talbott.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Bush Staffer Says Goodbye

January 20, 2009 9:20 AM

What are you doing this morning if you still work for President George W. Bush?  I asked longtime Bush staffer and spokesman for the NSC Gordon Johndroe.

His response:

"Sending final e-mails from the White House. Saying goodbye to a lot of the permanent staff."

Gordon has worked for Bush since 1997.  He is 34 years-old.  He has had three jobs in his life: camp counselor, landscaper, and staffer for W.  He has put in a huge amount of time and energy, and we wish him some well-deserved peace and quiet.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Presidential Praying

January 20, 2009 8:56 AM

As Barack Obama and Joe Biden are praying at St. John's Episcopal Church, let's ponder this: what happens if/when the country elects a president or vice president who is not a Christian?  Will he/she feel compelled to appear at this church on the morning of his/her inauguration?

Barack Obama is the first African-American elected president, and that is without a doubt a monumental first.  But we still have plenty of firsts to go.   

No woman.

And we still have never elected a non-Christian to the White House.  And while we are at it, just one Catholic has ever been president (John F. Kennedy.)   And Joe Biden will be our very first Catholic vice president.

What if Mitt Romney had won?  Where would he be praying this morning?  Just some interesting stuff to think about.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (7)

McCain the Underdog

January 20, 2009 8:31 AM

Does anyone else out there think McCain still has a chance?  His people always say he is at his best when people count him out.

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (9)

Stunning Images and Sisterly Advice

January 20, 2009 7:32 AM

Good Morning America!  Those are some amazing pictures.  Breathtaking really.  If you are not watching on TV or the internet, start now.

Tough to be jaded looking at the crowds gathered in Washington.  My colleague Jake Tapper even seemed almost speechless trying to describe them on TV (and that is a rare occurrence.) 

The crowds were so big, GMA weather anchor Sam Champion couldn't even get to his camera!!!!

I am at my post in New York, in the anchor chair, wearing make-up just in case we lose communication with our ABC armies in DC. (The crowds were not nearly so impressive on the  NYC subways.)

Taking a quick look at the morning papers, the most noteworthy item is the letter in the Wall Street Journal written to Sasha and Malia Obama from Jenna and Barbara Bush. Read it here. 

It is, frankly, charming, including advice like "If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us, a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle."
And, "When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game."

It continues to be what seems to me the most gracious transition in modern history.  The Bush team has really bent over backwards to make the Obama folks seem welcome and make the move easier.

Of course, that said, there is this curious line from the Bush girls:

"Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!"

Are Jenna and Barbara already predicting that Obama will not be re-elected?

January 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (105)

Catch the Kids' Inaugural at Disney.com

January 19, 2009 9:32 PM

If your inaugural invite was lost in the mail, it's not too late!

Join Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and their families inside the Kids Inaugural Concert at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center by tuning in to Disney.com's exclusive stream of the event which honored military families.
Musical guests included the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Jamie Foxx and more.

Disney.com's stream of the concert (available now!)follows the exclusive broadcast of "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future" which aired on the Disney Channel earlier this evening.

Check out the ABC News Guide to the Inauguration for a schedule of events and inaugural balls, and tune in to ABC News and ABCNews.com tomorrow for complete inauguration coverage.

January 19, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (4)

The Demi & Ashton Factor

January 19, 2009 4:39 PM

I didn’t think I would even submit a second post before tomorrow, but the events of the day demanded it. 

ABC’s Senior Galactic Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi directed my attention to Oprah, who is hosting her show from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  Oprah opened by acknowledging the historic nature of this week, the transformational moment in the growth of America, the sheer exhilaration of witnessing such a defining, dramatic event.

And then she introduced her first guests: Demi and Ashton.

Once again ladies and gentleman: Demi and Ashton. 

Am I being unfair? Were they at the Gettsyburg Address and the “I Have a Dream Speech,” and somehow someone just forgot to tell me?

Share this moment in history with Demi and Ashton.  I guess it could be worse.  I really did like “St. Elmo’s Fire.”

January 19, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (4)

The Wardrobe Questions Begin

January 19, 2009 3:24 PM

I am still waiting for my invitation to the inauguration, from either ABC or the Obama team. At this point, I have resigned myself to the fact that neither is forthcoming. So instead of actually witnessing history, I will be commenting on it as I watch on television (or streaming video on ABC News.com!!!!)  It will be like when I yell at the TV when the Red Sox are playing, except that Obama isn't perfect like Kevin Youkilis.

So everyone start gathering around your computers at about 9:30am Eastern Time. That's when I am going to get started, assuming the coffee is alright. I will be eager to hear from all of you as the festivities ensue.

My first question, and you are all welcome to weigh-in now, is about fashion. There is a whole bunch of chatter about what Michelle Obama will wear during the balls or what Barack Obama will wear at the moment of the oath of office.

Well, my question is, what will Charlie wear? Charlie Gibson that is. A shout out to the person out there who correctly guesses the shirt and tie combo that Charlie chooses on Inauguration Day.

January 19, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (7)