Inaugural crowds may reach 2 million

[liberal N proud]

Reporting from Washington -- Crowds surged in previously unseen numbers today for the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, making it seem increasingly likely that the gathering would reach the record-setting mark of 2 million.

From views at the U.S. Capitol, where the inauguration is to take place, a vast sea of people appeared to stretch nearly the entire two-mile length of the National Mall, from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial.

Police began shutting down the National Mall in parts, guiding spectators to more distant viewing spots. Not surprisingly, strains on the capital's transportation infrastructure started to show as hundreds of thousands continued streaming into downtown Washington in hopes of joining the crowds on the mall.

Subway platforms were packed as trains moved closer to the city. At one station in the Virginia suburbs, one six-car train was forced to unload after at least two passengers became ill, adding to the backup.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/newsletter/la-na-inauguration-crowds21-2009jan21,0,4823302.story

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. That's more people than the entire population of my home state!