Remembering my trip to Obama’s Senate inauguration and preparing for his presidential inauguration

Four years ago, when Barack Obama was a freshman senator from Illinois, I went to his inauguration party in Washington D.C. I helped cover his U.S. Senate campaign as an intern with the Associated Press in Springfield, Illinois. So when one of my friends (who worked on Obama’s campaign) invited me to the party, I decided to take my first-ever trip to D.C. I never imagined that only four years later he would be inaugurated as our nation’s president.

I can’t remember which building Obama’s 2005 inauguration party was in. But I do remember standing in a line that stretched outside the building. I remember thinking the room was drab. There was a divider pushed to the side to make way for more people. Illinois wines were being served. Illinois politicians, press and PR types mingled while Obama supporters (clutching their copies of “Dreams from my Father”) surrounded him waiting for autographs. Most of us were unfazed about seeing Obama in the flesh. We had questioned him at press conferences, watched him on the Illinois Senate floor and spent hours in his committee meetings.

After Obama left, I headed to the Library of Congress for Denny Hastert’s inauguration party. Hastert (also from Illinois) was Speaker of the House and his soiree featured live music, an open bar, delectable foods with over-the-top presentation (I distinctly remember seeing mashed potatoes being served in martini glasses). It was lovely and such a stark contrast from Obama’s modest celebration.

On Tuesday, only four years after his D.C. debut, Obama will be sworn-in as our nation’s president. I won’t be in Washington covering his big day, but I’m happy to report I’ll still be bringing coverage your way. I’ll be at the Marriott in downtown Durham at a celebration organized by the Durham Voter Coalition and Obama Store. Starting at 11 a.m. I’ll be livestreaming from the party, interviewing Duke law professor Bill Brown about the economy and the tough road Obama’s administration will face and chatting with some of the folks who are taking the day off to watch the historic event.

MyNC maven Page Crawford will also be on the site livestreaming from a party at the Raleighwood theater. Then at noon we’ll stream Obama’s speech (which will be great for those of you stuck at your desk without a TV). We’ll conclude with local reaction to the ceremony. You can also ask our guests questions and entertain yourself in our chatroom. (We recorded this promo, which is scheduled to air tomorrow morning on NBC17)

You can the coverage starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow here.

Of course, some or all of these plans could change if the Triangle gets wiped out in a blizzard.

What are your plans for the inauguration tomorrow?