10:05 a.m.
The Obamas have arrived at the White House, warmly greeted by George W. and Laura Bush.
And in case anyone was wondering, the inaugural parade route is filled to capacity, Associated Press reports:
Crowds are packing the National Mall from the Capitol to the Washington Monument as they await the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president.
The city itself — as well as subway cars and sidewalks — are jammed with pedestrians from all over.
Some 207,000 people had entered Washington’s Metro transit system by 7 a.m., transit officials said. Huge lines formed outside subway stations; many parking lots filled up and were closed.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered near the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route, making it tough for many to find checkpoints into the secure area.
But that didn’t matter for long. Nearing 9:30 a.m., jumbotrons on the mall announced that the parade route was closed because it was filled to capacity.
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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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