Exit Hurridly, Pursued By A Bear

Think I'm going to be anywhere near downtown Dee Cee tomorrow? Not bloody likely!

In 2001, my firm, which was then located on Pennsylvania Avenue, had an Inaugural Parade Party. I managed to glimpse Dubya's armor-plated limo as it whizzed by. So far as I'm concerned, that's good enough for me. I'll watch tomorrow's festivities (maybe) on tee-vee. The idea of being squished into the sea of actual spectators, especially given the weather, and after having to fight my way in from the Virginia suburbs, frankly gives me the willies. (I have the same reaction to the idea of coming down to the Mall to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Thanks but no thanks.) Oddly, the whole What If Something Happens thing really doesn't factor into this. It's really just a function of time, effort and discomfort.

Anyway, I always like watching parades on tee vee. And sometimes, something special happens. I remember watching the parade for Bush 41 on NBC. Willard Scott was down at street level. As George and Barbara walked past him, he shouted something like, "Hey, Babs! We love you!" Barbara, who was a good twenty yards away, heard Scott, turned aside, came up to him and planted a big kiss on his cheek. Scott was positively thunderstruck - he couldn't do anything but turn back to the camera with one of the goofiest looks I've ever seen on his face and giggle. The entire studio crew was equally speechless for several seconds. I cherish this memory even now.

While I don't think Laura is going to kiss anybody from the press, there is always the chance that Dubya will punch one of them.

Hey - It could happen.

Later, y'all!