Inquirer staff writer Zoe Tillman reports:
2:07 p.m.
Paul Coyle, 61, from Ambler, drove in with his family on Saturday. After several hours standing in the cold near the Washington Monument, he and his family headed back to their hotel to watch the parade on TV.
“We’re going to quit while we’re ahead,” he said.
Coyle called President Obama’s inaugural address “heartfelt and inspiring.”
Unlike many others, Coyle was able to find cell phone service to call friends and family. “I called a brother in Colorado but he didn’t believe we were here,” he said.
Coyle and his family plan to bring home plenty of souvenirs.
The mall is lined with vendors selling Obama T-shirts, bracelets, buttons and posters. Many were also doing a brisk business in American flags and hand warmers.
“Selling gets me engaged. I feel like I’m more a part of it,” said Todd Georgelas, 36, who was selling handwarmers
Click here for Philly.com's politics page.
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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