I was there in 2000, for dubya's. It was a rotten day. There were hundreds of thousands of people...standing room only as far as the eye could see...all bundled up with suits, hats and overcoats. I remember them doing "the wave" and a cheer.
There was lots of security, and we walked for what seemed to be miles, and encountering the occasional dirtbag protestor.
We were way way back in the crowd, the Marine Band was barely visible, but there were just as many people behind us. I had never before seen such a massive crowd.
The temp was in the low 30s and it was a constant mist...not quite rain...very uncomfortable. We stayed and listened to the event, watched and cheered as the Clintons left in a helicopter.
Eventually, we had had enough, walked to the nearest subway entrance, and took the Metro back to the hotel. We were cold and soggy, but changed clothes, got warmed up and switched on the TV to see the parade......It was a beautiful day just down the street from where we were.
On the walk in, we had noticed a huge array of floodlights and a media stakeout. So as the parade passed through the lights, it looked like a nice day (on TV).
Then, when dubya gave his address, he was under those lights...I'll bet they felt pretty good after being cold and wet.
I was there that day, too, along with my husband and one of our grown sons. It was miserable, but I was so happy.
Ha! Now that I know what I know about W....