Inaug McCain
By Katie Burns-Yocum
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Even John McCain supporters converged upon the National Mall Tuesday, saying they believed Barack Obama’s inauguration as president was an important time for national unity.
Obama’s Inauguration Weekend, which spanned from Jan. 18 -20, was attended by a record 1.8 million people.
Many McCain supporters watched or attended the event. According to Courtney Klamar, a McCain supporter at American University, she attended President Obama’s inauguration because “this is a once in a lifetime experience, I want to be able to look back and say I was there. It’s a part of history.”
“Even people who don’t like Obama are excited,” said Sarah McGhee, a sophomore at American University. “This is a huge step for America; all this support even though they don’t agree with his message.”
Stephanie Scroggs, an Obama supporter and inaugural attendee, said that “McCain supporters are probably feeling sad but embracing this momentous occasion.”
One of these supporters embracing the occasion is Klamar. She said, “The current spirit of the country is not healthy. This inauguration symbolizes a new spirit for the country.”
“This is exciting, regardless of your ideals,” said American University freshman and McCain supporter, William Noel. “There’s an energetic spark in the city.”
Noel, who posted the Gallup Poll in his window daily, did not go to the event. He decided to stay away from the crowds and watch the live broadcast because the view would be better.
One McCain supporter wanted to attend, but stayed on the American University campus to cover shifts at the front desk in his residence hall. “It’s not out of bitterness, just helping out,” said Shane Carley, an American University student.
One of the largest groups present at the ceremony was that of the youth vote. “If it was McCain’s inauguration, there would certainly not be as many students,” said Carley.
“Maybe the same amount of people would be here if it was McCain’s inauguration, but Obama is a rock star. He unites people. People are here for Obama, not the inauguration,” said Klamar.
During the election, many Republicans felt that the media was too kind to Obama, yet Noel felt that in this instance all the press attention was “great, this is a big event, it’s a good thing, not negative.” Carley agreed, saying, “It’s their job.”
Despite differences in fundamental philosophies, McCain supporters do not wish any harm to the new president. Many felt that the high level of security was necessary.
Carley felt that the security precautions were necessary regardless of who was being inaugurated. “Having a president assassinated would be one of the worst things that could possibly happen in this country,” he stated.
According to Klamar the party change is not the main reason for the magnitude of Obama’s inauguration.
“It has nothing to do with political party,” she said. “Political parties are no longer the source of hope or change; the candidates are.”
Carley disagreed saying, “the fact that a Democratic president has been elected after a long and unsuccessful Republican tenure is significant.”
“The fact that he is a Democrat and thus at least has different fundamental philosophies is a significant change in itself,” Carley added. “Given the situation in which the country finds itself, that alone is important.”
This inauguration has rallied so much support “because of the difficulties and disappointment of the last eight years,” according to McGhee.
McGhee said that she would still attend the inauguration if it was for McCain because it would still be important to the country.
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