Outside of Union Station, the sky is dark and the sleet has changed to bona fide snow. Women step out of limousines and taxicabs, daintily jumping over puddles and patches of ice. Once safe inside, they join an inaugural gala already in full swing. Red, white and blue swags drape down from the majestic columns of the station's Great Hall. A screen large enough to rival any multiplex theater broadcasts images of the band.
Colored spotlights roam the room.
Besides checking out all the fancy dresses and elaborate hairstyles, one wonders how such a pricey event could have the gall to have a cash bar. Revelers pack every inch of the dance floor. Sen. Arlen Specter arrives with his wife, Joan. The crowd swarms around the couple, excited for a good photo op. I thought that was very important.