1) Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden made an appearance and danced (it makes me sooooooo happy to be able to call him vice president c: )
2) Hunter and I got to meet Senator Burris (who replaced president Obama in the senate)
3) Hunter thought he saw reverend wright (we’re not exactly sure if it was him or not, but still…)

ok so yea basically i had the time of my life!!! my favorite performances  were probably alicia Keys singing no one, Zero Gravity, and Will.I.Am, and Maroon5.  (Well, maybe it DOES help that i was in the front row…)

I thought that Prez. Barack and Michelle were SO romantic!!
Oh and when Vice prez. Joe made that comment about how they were counting down 20 seconds on the cue screen, it was Hilarious!! lololol

ok yea well i actually have to go catch a plane to warm, sunny florida now, so i hope you enjoyed my little inside look!
ciao
`Katharine

Hey everyone - watch for Katharine and Hunter at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball on ABC starting at 8! Look out for her red dress!!

We found a great spot right in front of the jumbotron and with some other kids, where Elle could actually SEE what was happening on the jumbotron.

One of the most hilarious moments was when they showed a shot of W. up on the screen and the whole crowd started singing “Na na na na, na na na na, hey W, GOODBYE!”  The crowd really got into it!

Even with people packed in ear to ear, it was just amazing how considerate and polite and patient people were, almost without exception.  When things got particularly tight, someone would remind us that “WE ARE ONE” and we would joke about how much warmer it was in the huge crowd.

When they showed Michelle and Sasha and Malia coming in through the Capitol, the crowd just went nuts!

Of course, seeing our beloved President Obama was just priceless.  As he took the podium, people cheered and you could see tears in their eyes.

His speech was so moving, with so many quotable lines.  Such inspiration.  Being there to watch felt truly surreal.

Getting back to the hotel took several hours, but we made it.

Now Katharine is getting ready to go to the Neighborhood Ball with 17-year old Hunter Hektner, who many of you know from his incredibly hard work on the campaign out of the Abacoa office. Look for her in a stunning red dress on the t.v. coverage!  We’ve been told the Neighborhood Ball will be President Obama’s first ball to stop by and visit and also that he and Michelle will have their first dance there.  I’ve told Katharine to send pictures if possible!!

Hunter just flew in this morning and has a great story to tell, so I’m going to turn my laptop over to him to tell you about his experience.

FROM HUNTER:

Today was my first time going to Washington. The looks weren’t as I expected, but the feeling from the crowd and unity of people was exactly what I expected. I got to Washington less than 2 hours before Barack was inaugurated so i had to book it to the mall.  I thought Obamas speech was awesome that I watched on the Jumbo screen with the crowd extending all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. This was probably one of the most meaningful days of my life because this campaign was one of the most meaningful things in my life. I havn’t eaten anything all day so I’m going to get some food and get ready to go to Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. So far this has been a great experience.

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.

The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.

And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

L & Co.

Ron Klein told us he was happy to see so many Floridians in Washington to enjoy this joyous occasion.

Congressman Wexler was just all smiles and obviously thrilled to be here for this historic moment, which he was such a HUGE PART of creating!  Toby sat next to him out in Denver at the convention for the Obama acceptance speech, and so Toby joked with him that he expected to be sitting next to him tomorrow too.  (Ha!  Fat chance!  Rep. Wexler laughed and enjoyed the humor.  Actually, he said “Oh sure - I’ll see what I can do!”)

A bunch of Obama field organizers were there too, including our own Maria Cole, Josh Phillips, Craig Borkon and Carol Pyne.

Rick and Carmella Morton, who helped tirelessly on the campaign out in Wellington practically from day one, were there to enjoy the moment with their two kids, Jasmine (now a freshman at Georgetown) and Derek.

We all went outside for picture afterwards on the terrace with the Capitol rising up behind us.

It was amazing to walk over around the Capitol and the swearing in setting and see so many giddy people just wandering around, drinking it all in!  Looking at the thousands of people who were there tonight just enjoying the spot where it will take place tomorrow, I couldn’t help wondering if in inaugurations past there was ever such a huge feeling of joy at the prospect of a new president taking over.  I sincerely doubt it!

Well, we are a little anxious about how exactly we are going to get to the Mall tomorrow.  We can take a bus only so far - most streets all around will be closed.  And we know the security checkpoints will take a LONG time . . . so Toby went to Whole Foods tonight and picked up healthy whole grain bread and muffins for breakfast and snacks tomorrow (THANKS TOBY).  We figure we’ll have to be on the road at about 6am at the latest, even though the gates don’t open till 8.

Okay, I’ll sign off for now so we can try and get some rest.  Probably won’t be able to get any messages out tomorrow before the ceremony, but we will try and see.  Circuits have been incredibly busy up here with so many people writing home about this.

I’m fading now, so until tomorrow . . .
Lauren & Co.

Field Organizers Maria Cole, Josh Phillips and Craig Borkon

Rep. Wexler with Lauren and Ruth Cox (Director of Florida Women for Obama)

Joan and Stu Joseph with Elle and Frank "Toby" Tobias

Rep. Ron Klein with Lauren, Toby, Katharine and Elle

Florida group gathered at the reception at the Library of Congress, including Carmella & Rick Morton and family and many others in other photos.

Florida group outside the building with the Capitol in view. Note the National Guardsman on the right. We were taking the photo and people were yelling that we were from South Florida and he ran over to get in the picture too!

Lauren & Toby in the beautiful corridor of the Willard Hotel. We attended the New Hampshire State Society reception there where we dined on lambchops, beef satay and other wonderful hors d'oevres and open bar, all for a $35 fee to join the society for the whole family. This was easily the best deal of the inaugural weekend, and all at the gorgeous Willard hotel, where Oprah is staying, in case you didn't know.

Linda Balough and Harlan with Rep. Klein

Here we are with some of our favorite people - including Varthur on far left, the first and seemingly ever-present smiling face at Hotel Rouge.

First, I must plug our hotel, the Hotel Rouge.  It is funky and fun and oh so considerate!  Katharine says it’s the best hotel she’s ever stayed in and I agree.

The service is amazing.  After Delta lost our luggage, they really looked out for it and got it to us as soon as it arrived.  They served free Chandon champagne on Saturday night.  They already plan to give us hand warmers tonight to take to the Mall tomorrow.  I love this place!

This morning we will be wandering around and taking in the city until the 2pm reception at the Library of Congress hosted by Reps. Wexler, Klein and Wasserman-Shultz.  After that we head over to the Willard Hotel for the New Hampshire State Society reception.

We decided to defer our day of service until we get back.  Our plan is to host a sandwich-making party for St. Ann Place, which serves lunch to a couple hundred homeless people every day.  We’ve done this before - we pick up free, donated bread from Entenman’s and then add the fixings, package the sandwiches and then take them over to Sister Oliver to put into their freezer for the following week.  We hope some of you can join us for that in a couple of weeks!  Also hope folks are finding some great service projects at home to honor Dr. King’s memory.

We will meet up with some Palm Beach County people at the reception later and I will send back some pictures and news from them.  We found out yesterday that trying to meet anyone at any of these big events would be a hilarious exercise in futility.  Part of the fun, though, is meeting all these other people who are flying high with us, giddy at the chance to be on the Mall tomorrow.

I’m writing this long blog now because I won’t be near my computer all day, and sending back emails from my iPhone is tough.

FROM ELLE:
Okay so right now we’re eating breakfast, and this hotel is just amazing, like, I really love it!!!

Today, like my mom said, we’re probably going to just walk around the city and look at stuff, like the memorials, and then later on we’re going to the reception (FOOD!) so we can celebrate, well, you know! Obviously, for the next couple of days, every store, every restaurant, everywhere, every deli, all of the streets, are just going to be JAM PACKED with people from all around the world!!!

We were talking to the taxi driver like, two days ago, and he said that there were people coming from Japan, Argentina, Europe, etc and that the next couple of days, the taxi drivers and bus drivers are going to be rushing in and out of the mall, and business is just going to be FLYING!

Did I already tell you about yesterday’s concert? Well, it had 400,000 people, we read in the newspaper.

Last night we were watching this documentary on Obama’s life on MSNBC.

EVERY NEWS NETWORK HAS SOMETHING GOING ON ABOUT OBAMA!  It’s amazing!!! It’s like everywhere you go, it’s about the Inauguration!  I guess that I can’t blame anyone, because this is gonna be an awesome couple of days.

I’m POSITIVE that the whole entire city of Washington DC is just going to be just a HUGE party.

So anyway, just to wrap everything up,

WATCH OUT FOR THE CROWDS!!!

Yours,
Elle