Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

According to NBC News, Sen. Ted Kennedy is now at the Washington Hospital Center and is awake and responding to treatment.

In other news, the Washington metro system has reportedly broken a record for the number of travelers using the metro. There were some minor riots and complaints at stops where the stations were filled to their capacity and police had to step in to restore order.

On their way to the White House, President and First Lady Obama stopped the Inaugural procession to get out of the armored cars and walk on the street.

Stay tuned for more updates as the parade and day continue.

According to ABC News, Sen. Ted Kennedy was taken from the Congressional Luncheon in convulsions while at his table with Sen. John Kerry and others. He suffered seizures that lasted fir several minutes, the report said. As he was carried out, Barack Obama went with him before returning to the luncheon.

“He was there when the Voting Rights Act passed. And, along with John Lewis, he was a warrior for justice. And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him. And I think that is true for all of us. This is a joyous time, but it’s also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and Vicki,” Obama said at the luncheon.

Also, Sen. Robert Byrd, the oldest member of the Senate, needed to be escorted out of the luncheon because he was upset and distraught, according to the ABC News report.

Stay tuned for more information.

The Triangle had photographers in DC for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  Stay tuned to The Triangle blogs for photos.  -Dave Hernandez

Photos by Triangle News Co-Editor Steph Takach

After a slight slip of the tongue over his oath, Obama was sworn into office. In his speech, he appealed to the American people by recognizing the crisis at hand but restored their faith in the country and it’s future. Obama called the people to arms by reminding them of their forefathers, who worked “till their hands were raw” to build the nation. He did not speak of Bush’s axis of evil but instead offered a hand to any country seeking peace. The crowd received Obama’s words with nods and thunderous applause. The inaugural parade will begin at 2:30 and will travel down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Fans roar for Obama as the inauguration draws near. Individuals can be heard saying that America’s mission is accomplished with Obama’s inauguration as 44th president of the United States. The President-elect anxiously awaits the swearing-in ceremony.

Please note the lime green number, complete with rhinestones, worn by a bedazzling Mrs. Obama.

Blogging live from D.C.

The crowd reacts to each new face on the screens in front of the Lincoln Memorial, from former Vice President Al Gore to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Shots overlooking the memorial show massive crowds packing the area. The crowd awaits the inaugural speech. Despite the coke weather, spirits remain high.

Blogging live from D.C.

Walking down Virginia Ave., masses of people are passing military tanks, police officers and the like on the walk from George Washington University to the Mall. The excitement and enthusiasm are infectious, but the crowds remain orderly and civilized.

After passing thousands of Obama supporters, we are on our way to the Capitol. Supporters are wearing Obama sweatshirts, hats, bracelets and buttons. In lines stretching a block away, adults, children, students and visitors from all over the country are waiting for metrocards to board the trains taking them to the site of the Inauguration. Stay tuned for news on the crowds, the speech and the parade.

Blogging live from D.C.

Up at 4:30 this morning, we began our journey to Washington. On our bus full of students and professors, apprehension is visible, but the excitement is hard to overcome. The radio begins each segment with information about the Inauguration and how the change will affect America. Today we will witness history in the making. The Inaugural speech will be at noon, with a parade following at 2:30 p.m.

Blogging live from D.C.