Inquirer staff writer Cynthia Burton reports:
At the Medford Senior Meeting Room, Michael Diller is a little out of step with his neighbors as he watches Obama's speech. Though a registered Republican, Diller supported Obama in a town that voted for McCain.
He says the address "was much like his campaign speeches. He's an inspiring orator."
A retired attorney, Diller said in Obama, "we have someone who's articulate. I feel he will present America's case well."
His wife, Kate Diller, a former school teacher, supported McCain. But today, she was taken with the history of the moment. She is hoping that children all over the country watched the address and thought of her own two-year old granddaughter.
Inquirer staff writer Andrew Maykuth reports:
As police chief in Washington for nine years, Charles H. Ramsey oversaw security for the last two presidential inaugurations. Today, as Philadelphia’s police commissioner, he assumed a sideline role during the most momentous swearing-in ceremony of his lifetime.
Ramsey returned to Washington today, not part of the 500-member Philadelphia police contingent that helped the capital police with crowd control, but as a commentator on security measures for Washington NBC television affiliate.
Inquirer staff writer Emilie Lounsberry reports:
A block from the Liberty Bell, the western side of Independence Mall was packed – and cheers rang out when President Obama took the oath of office as thousands watched the big-screen monitor. Obama flags, Obama posters and Obama hats marked the moment. One woman clutched a copy of Time magazine with Obama’s face on the cover. A little boy waved a placard with Obama’s picture on it.
Inquirer staff writer Martha Woodall reports:
The Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center erupted in pandemonium as Barack Obama was sworn in today.
More than 600 students and parents from Independence Charter School in Center City screamed, applauded and pumped their fists in the air.
Inquirer staff writer Kristin Holmes reports:
The cheers were loud for President Barack Obama at Enon Baptist Church in Philadelphia, but the references to God and the biblical passages in his inauguration speech provoked a reaction of near equal enthusiasm. Obama’s mention of “God given promises of equality” and living in a time when “childish things” must be put away were met with “amen” and “yes!”
And hallelujahs weren’t reserved only for religious references. That was the reaction of many after the oath of office was given by Chief Justice Roberts, who said “Congratulations Mr. President.”
Inquirer staff writer Melissa Dribben reports:
A crowd of 1,000 gathered at 5th Street near Arch to witness the historic moment on a Jumbotron, in the shadow of Independence Hall.
The crowd was diverse - all races, all ages - from a 76-year-old Judiac Studies librarian to 4-year-old Anisa Pugh, the grandaughter of one of the first African-American police officers in Camden. She watched from atop her father’s shoulders alongside her brother, Maxwell, 8. Anisa wore pink sunglasses and a red knitted cap with Obama written in red, sparkly letters. Her father wore a t-shirt with a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. and Obama and the words “We changed.”
Inquirer staff writer Bonnie L. Cook reports:
The group gathered around the TV in the foyer of the Mercer Museum in Doylestown watched quietly and solemnly as the new president gave his inaugural address.
When Obama said said that the challenges are great, but “they will be met,” museum volunteer Richard Duvall, 68, said, “Very strong speech.”
Inquirer staff writer Barbara Boyer reports:
At police headquarters in Center City, about a dozen people watched a television propped on a plastic crate in the lobby to watch the inauguration.
“History,” said Ron Plummer, a businessman from Princeton, N.J., who was in the building for a meeting that ended shortly before President-elect Obama took the oath of office. “Here we go.”
Inquirer staff writer Kristen Graham reports:
Dawn Goodwin came to Fitler Elementary School to watch the inauguration with her fifth-grade son. As President Obama concluded his speech, she struggled to find the right words.
"It's an inspiration for the African American people, for the people of all races," Goodwin said, weeping. "Today, we all come together."
Inquirer staff writer Zoe Tillman reports from Washington D.C.
Victor Gilchrist, 40, from Miami, walked away from the Washington Monument after the ceremony on his way to the parade.
“I’m still overwhelmed,” Gilchrist said. “The speech encompassed what everyone want to hear.”
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
