Let’s start with a disclaimer: this is a non-partisan blog and attending the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, should not be interpreted as an endorsement of him or his policy positions. I also attended the inaugurations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Presidential politics was at the heart of my study of law, political science, and U.S. history and I cannot help but to desire to witness in person the historic transfer of power that characterizes the American system of government.
The problem is…like four years ago…I didn’t prepare very well for this.
Four years ago I was living in Philadelphia so it was an easy bus ride down to DC. This year, in California, I wavered until the eleventh hour whether to go or not. Rain is in the forecast tomorrow and Award Expert was featured in the Wall Street Journal today. It has been a busy time…
And yet I just could not stay home. Heidi encouraged me go and when John decided to join me, it was a done deal. But how to get there? Flights to DC, even from liberal California, are understandably full. I could not find space on a direct flight short of paying over $800 one-way (AA) and United did not even have standard awards seats available, meaning the flight was truly oversold.
Finally, at about 11am this morning (speaking of eleventh hour…), some space from Los Angeles to DC via Newark opened using miles. In coach.
Booked.
So here I sit in row 36 enroute to Newark, with a nasty connection and early fight down to Washington. At least we have an open middle between us and I get to eat a United hamburger again…if they still have any left by the time they reach our row.
What about tickets? We don’t have any. Four years ago I just strolled into my Senator’s office and was able to score very nice standing tickets. I’ll try that again this year. If not, I’ll start trick or treating for inauguration tickets in the Hart Senate Office building. I’m not worried about that.
I am worried about our hotel situation. We don’t have a ticket back and may well just fly back tomorrow evening, but maybe we’ll stay. I noticed last night rates were running $1309/night at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill…or 15K Gold Passport points. That would have been a deal. But alas, no more points rooms at that or the Grand or the Park Hyatt in Washington. Oh well. I have friends in the city with extra bedrooms.
CONCLUSION
So, we’re enroute to Washington, won’t sleep tonight, don’t have tickets to the inauguration, don’t have a hotel reserved, and there is a 80% chance of rain in the forecast during the swearing in. What could go wrong?
I was able to book a hyatt place on Capitol Hill on points for Friday night. Paid rate is $999. I’m attending the women’s march on Saturday and not the protest.
You may be surprised if you think the march is not a protest.
It looks like projections of attendance are lower than expected. You can probably get tickets when you get there. Hotel occupancy in DC area is at 40% full, so you should be good there.
I think it’s Saturday’s events that are filling the area. You should be fine walking in for Friday’s Big Do.
40% occupancy would be very low even without Inaugural (if you’re talking areas you’d want to be in). 70% or greater occupancy rate is common in DC, Where did that 40%number come from? Even the Days Inn on Connecticut is $399. Most nearby IHG properties are full.
Thursday is better than Friday.
I live in DC and am hosting people who want to attend the women’s march, but not anyone going to the disgraceful embarrassment of an inauguration.
Oh well. It WAS a non-partisan blog.
Yeah the thing is Jesse is doing what any upstanding person with a soul, a semblance of compassion and decency is dong right now….. standing up for what’s right.
Which is saying it’s not ok to build a ridiculous wall, to ban those of differing faiths, inciting violence, and … oh… giving the nuclear codes to a war mongering child like lunatic. So bring up the inauguration and traveling to attend for whatever reason, I feel 100% Jesse’s comment is justified and right.
So F non partisan. How about non insanity.
When will people learn that it’s this type of attacks and self righteousness that got Trump elected? Polarization is not the answer.
Polarization was highly effective in getting Trump elected. Trump made many attacks on the other–China, liberals, illegal immigrants, journalists. Trump did not try to unite all people in his campaign.
Nobody is interested in what you think about the inauguration. Were just trying to read the blog like civil human beings
JJ – We are in agreement, but note the polarization was fed by comments from both sides, the Trump side and the other side throwing out half the country with their comments (deplorables. etc.). We see the end result (even though some hold out and think they can somehow still change that result).
I did not say polarization is not effective – just that it’s not the answer.
You are doing a very good thing and should be proud.
Should have spoken up sooner. FCQ and I have 2 exra inauguration tix!
Doing this is pathetic. I understand you attended Obama’s and Bush’s. Having anything to do with this disgusting racist animal including wanting to “see him” is pathetic. If you are a parent you are setting a lousy example for your kids.
U truly are a moron.
Wow, Chris, melt much?
Capitol Hill Hyatt place still open for awards as of yesterday. I’ll be there tonight on a Chase night.
Trick or treat for tickets. A guy gave me one on the Metro yesterday, although it’s too late for me to get it to you.
The political comments are silly, especially given the disclaimer. I attended Clinton’s inauguration (on the capital steps with the photogs) and also the DC ball. I was not a fan of Bill but there are historic events and I definitely have no regrets despite the freezing rain.
If Nancy Pelosi can attend then I think our fair blogger can, too.