Working the Wire

My coverage spot at the Inauguration of Barack Obama was a ticketed spot in the standing section on the Capitol grounds, the purple gate was the entry point. Because it was not a special media position I had to stand in the line with everyone else. To our dismay, despite arriving at dawn, thousands of people with purple tickets were unable to enter the gate. Why is still unclear, what is clear is that there was no communication to the massive crowd about the situation. There were no signs or volunteers to help. Worse, there was misdirection that led several thousand people to spend inauguration morning in the 3rd Street tunnel that goes underneath the National Mall. The crowd patiently waited in good humor for their chance to watch history in person. Sadly, they didn’t have the chance – not even to find a different spot. Purple people, these pictures are for you.

All photos are copyright the Associated Press and may not be redistributed. Thanks!

More photos can be seen in this slideshow HERE.