Inquirer staff writer Jeff Shields reports:
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.’s staff gathered in the 3rd Floor City Hall office of his legislative Counsel, Shoshanna Bricklin, to watch the inauguration. The phones were quiet -- apparently the constituents of the Councilman’s 4th District were busy watching as well. It all unfolded on the Councilman’s 52-inch Sony flatscreen, bought with campaign funds, which adorns the office wall. It’s the kind of thing usually seen in emergency management centers; here it’s normally used for Powerpoint presentations.
Legislative Aide Morgan Cephas liked the fact that Obama and Chief Justice John Roberts couldn’t get the oath straight – it made the new President more human. Josh Cohen, director of legislative services, cheered the new vice-president as the most famous graduate of the University of Delaware. Cohen claimed second place for himself before realisitically settling for third behind Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
It was Councilman Jones, however, who put the stamp on the party, texting in from his own gathering out in the District.
His message, simply: “A day that only God could have made!”
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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.
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