Stephanie Fowler
Staff writer
Photo from barackobama.com.
Last Tuesday, “Yes We Can” chants rang from Capital Hill and echoed throughout the United States as President Barack Obama was sworn into office. Along with the crowds in Washington D.C., one recent WTAMU graduate experienced the ceremony in person.
“We decided the day after the election to try and get tickets,” Michael C de Baca said. “I was a McCain supporter, but as much as I enjoy politics I wanted to be present at such a historic event.”
C de Baca, who graduated from WT in December, was one of over two million people who attended the inauguration.
“The crowd was huge,” C de Baca said, “And security literally took hours (three for us). Nonetheless, Obama’s appearance was like a celebrity instead of a politician.”
C de Baca said one of his favorite moments of the event occurred in the crowd.
“We were actually on the Capitol lawn,” C de Baca said, “About 100 yards from the stage, and roughly two miles from the Lincoln Memorial on the other end of the National Mall. At a few points, but most notably the first time, the crowd out on the Mall started chanting, ‘O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma.’ Like a cloud, the steadily growing roar moved across the mall and overcame the Capitol. Nearly two million people were chanting his name in unison. The moment was very powerful.”
C de Baca said that although the focus of the event was on President Obama, seeing Bush leave was emotional.
“I really enjoyed and appreciated seeing President Bush flying away from the Capitol on Marine One,” C de Baca said. “As a Bush supporter, it was almost relieving to see him go.”
Despite the large crowds, C de Baca said the inauguration was a personal experience.
“Personally, I was in complete and utter amazement of the event,” C de Baca said.
As someone who truly appreciates and loves the essence of American politics, this moment – no matter who the President-elect is, or what Party they belong to – is an amazing one.”