PHOTOS Obama leaves for Washington

[Jackeens]

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14: U.S. President-elect Barack Obama shakes hands with Air Force Colonel Scott Turner, his future pilot of Air Force One, as he steps aboard a military plane at Chicago Midway Airport January 4, 2009, before flying to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.

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Washington Post:

CHICAGO -- President-elect Barack Obama took off from Chicago's Midway Airport this afternoon, headed for Washington, aboard an aircraft from the military's presidential fleet for the first time. After posing for pictures on the windy tarmac with the ground crew, Obama, wearing a navy suit, blue tie and black overcoat, boarded a Boeing 757 painted like Air Force One. This particular jet is frequently used to carry the vice president, first lady and other top officials.

The president-elect was scheduled to land at Andrews Air Force Base about an hour later. From there, Obama's motorcade would ferry him to the Hay-Adams Hotel, where he is staying with his wife, Michelle, and two daughters.

"Hey guys, we'll see you in D.C.," Obama told a group of reporters as he ran up the steps of the plane before shaking hands with the pilot and crew. The president-elect briefly greeted about 20 reporters and photographers on board the plane when he arrived and said he "choked up" when he left his empty Chicago house today. He said that one of Malia's close friends dropped off a scrapbook of pictures of the girls since they were in preschool.

Asked whether he was looking forward to moving to Washington, Obama said: "Yeah, although living in a hotel for two weeks, we kind of did that for two years." Obama was joined on the plane by several of his top aides, including senior adviser David Axelrod and incoming press secretary Robert Gibbs.

As they boarded the presidential plane for the first time, Obama's transition staffers looked delighted at the fruit plates and baskets of candy on their seats. Although the plane was not officially designated Air Force One, flight stewards and ground staff wore jackets embroidered with the Air Force One logo, and presidential seals decorated the plane's interior. When Obama boarded, he met with Col. Scott Turner, the aircraft commander who will pilot Air Force One for Obama once he takes office, and Reggie Dickson, chief flight attendant. Obama ordered a cheeseburger and french fries from Dickson.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2009/01/04/obama_heads_to_washington_on_p.html?wprss=the-trail

[Cha]

1. Great photos..thanks Jackeens.

He doesn't look like he has the world on his shoulders but he does.

[firedupdem]

2. Oh My...

I'm crying. I don't know why. I do know why but I can't explain it.



Thanks Jackeens!

[mopinko]

12. it's that seal on the door, i think.

it's almost here. it's almost real. it seems like it has been so long in coming.
but there it is. the seal. the words. president of the united states.
keep him well, you uniformed guardians. keep him safe.
crying here, too.

[AZBlue]

24. Yeah, that picture got to me too.

It's really happening!!!!!!!!

[mopinko]

29. and the guards

are they secret service? sorry, i am quite ignorant about uniforms and insignia and all. i know they don't look like marines, who i thought would be serving on the president's planes.

edited to say that, of course, they are air force.

[AZBlue]

40. I'm going to guess air force?

But I don't know military insignia.



Edited after your edit, LOL: ah, that solves that question!

[alsame]

30. Yep, him standing next to the seal turned on the waterworks for me..

[Lugnut]

65. It took my breath away.

I know it's real but seeing the presidential seal was an affirmation.

[SharonRB]

80. That's exactly what made me cry.

:hi: Mo!

[mopinko]

81. hi back at ya

how are things in michigan? how did nancy do? i never heard.

[SharonRB]

85. Things are lousy here in general, but I'm doing okay for now

How did Nancy do with what? You do know she dropped out of the race last February -- way before the primary -- don't you? For party unity and all that jazz.

Unless you meant how did she do subbing for Lionel last week and the week before. In that case, she did great!

[mopinko]

86. didn't here about that, but

glad to hear she has a foot in air america. boy would that be great for her to be back in radio. i was so wrapped up in getting obama elected that i lost track of a lot of the congressional races. hope she gets a chance to run again.

well, best wishes for a good new year for you and yours.

[SharonRB]

87. Thanks, Mo

Same to you and yours.

Yes, I do hope Nancy gets her own show, but I also hope she gets a chance to run for something again. We need more like her in Congress.

[peace13]

27. After eight years of a buffoon making a mockery of the office of President

we have an incoming president who seems to embrace the moment. These pictures made me cry as well. It is so wonderful to have a president who will respect the lives of those who protect and serve him. Very cool pictures!

[Barbara2423]

55. I agree. I can't explain it either but I hope it's good.

[lady raven]

68. I had the same reaction

For both happy and sad reasons. I'm sad that they are leaving their home behind, at least for now. But so happy for other obvious reasons.

[AFSCME girl]

3. Woo hoo -

I've been waiting for a Jackeens photo post! Thanks, Jackeens - great job, as always! :bounce:

[gblady]

4. oh.....it begins....

we're getting so close....

the Secret Service guy in the first picture looks sad...
(maybe I'm projecting)

wonder why the Presidential Seal is on the door of the plane???

he's so darned cute!

[firedupdem]

6. I stared at that picture a long time. I think he looks kind of amazed..

like "wow". He's on his way to Washington. I'm just like wow, just wow.

[CatWoman]

5. he always looks so smooth!!

:)

[elleng]

7. THANK YOU THANK YOU!

MORE MORE MORE!

Quandary: REALLY wanna see pics of O family, and DON'T want media to bug them!

[gblady]

16. same....

quandry here...
I love photos!

[phoenixriz]

20. This is so beautiful

Thank you so much for the pictures. This is so Historical as tears well up in my eyes. Look at the Seal on the Plane. Look at that plane taking off. And yes, can you imagine how that SS agent holding the door must feel inside. It is too deep for the proper words. First thing tomorrow I am asking for the 20th off work.

[gblady]

38. yes....

this year I think it should be a national holiday!

[calimary]

41. Welcome to DU!

I'm sure even if you have to be on duty on the 20th, nobody anywhere will be getting a lot done that day. ANY office with a TV anywhere in it is gonna stop cold because everybody's gonna leave their workstation and go watch history in the making.

I just marvel at these photos. What remarkable images! Let's see - a guy bounding up the steps to a jet with a presidential seal on it - and he's the guy I happened to vote for. A man boarding a jet with that seal - who's a Democrat - a Democrat is president again, thank God! And the nature of the man - the way he changed the timbre of the presidential campaign itself - winning by NOT going negative and mudslinging and bottom-scraping. No cheap tawdry character-assassination from his side. The way he elevated things. Always at ease and of good humor. Blood pressure lowers and boiling subsides when he's around. I read somewhere here that it can be traced back to his upbringing in Hawaii, where the mood tends to be much more mellow. Whatever, after the turbulence and terror and fear-mongering and hate-mongering across the airwaves and treachery and betrayal and loss and dread and threats and intimidation and bankruptcy (of ALL SORTS, not just financial) and never-ending truckloads of shit that avalanched over us all in the past eight years (understandable, 'cause bush, the guy responsible for it all, is a certifiable ASS), we needed nothing less than this.

We needed the kind of change, and the kind of man, that Obama presents. He is a national gear-shifting at a time when it was MOST urgently needed. After all, bush had us stuck in reverse with a brick on the gas pedal while he was off picking his nose somewhere and enjoying the fawning flattery of his sycophantic subordinates, and we were about to zoom bass-ackwards straight over a cliff. The nature of the man - youthful and optimistic with a new outlook and new approach. Oh yeah, and he makes history as the first African-American to win the presidency, too. He embodies the idea that America just might be able to wake up from time to time after a period of extreme recklessness, and do something that reasserts the position we always SHOULD have held in the world community - of leadership, elegance, brains, wisdom, generosity, and exemplary ethics and morals. America's supposed to represent the best of us, that "shining city on a hill" thing, that reason that you really can't overlook - that people risk everything to come here to start new lives. That America with our history of racial and discriminatory strife can take a step this big - makes me proud to be an American again. It's been more than eight years (officially as of December 12th, 2000) that I've felt actual shame.

As I write this, I just saw a breaking news update with video of Obama's motorcade inbound from the airport in Washington. The anchor referred to him as President-Elect Obama. My husband happened to be tuning by Pox Noise at that moment. Even THEY have to concede this, and swallow it for perhaps as long as the next eight years. I felt such joy! It feels as though I've been a hostage for eight years and just heard that negotiations for my release have just been completed, and I see my kidnappers approaching, carrying my clothing and stuff they confiscated when they first broke in eight years ago so I can get dressed to LEAVE. That's how it feels. I'm (at this writing) 16 days away from being released. And it's a lock. An absolute. My kidnappers are stuck - they can't even fudge the date. They HAVE TO let me go.

I'm just filled with delight! This victory is unbelievably sweet! And to see the signals that it's getting closer and closer to absolute undeniable reality is just beyond the beyond!!! I get happier by the day. Sixteen of 'em. And counting...

:toast: :headbang: :woohoo: :party: :applause: :bounce: :patriot:

[Hope And Change]

8. Big K & R!

[femmocrat]

9. OMG, This is for REAL!

My joy will only be exceeded by seeing the photos of the bushes' helicopter taking off from the south lawn.

[FrenchieCat]

10. Is that Air Force One?

If so....these photos was more history in the making, no?

[Jackeens]

14. No...but almost! Just added the Washington Post report to the OP.

[Catshrink]

17. I choked up when I saw the plane.

Obama. Air Force One. Yes we can!

[live love laugh]

69. The plane photo also jumped out at me. W.O.W. Pinch me. nt

[firedupdem]

19. Yes they are! I've been saving each one of them! n/t

[tammywammy]

44. No, it's not Air Force One

That is the designation for any plane that the president is currently riding. Since Obama's not President yet, it's not Air Force One. It is one of the planes in the Presidential fleet.

[blaze]

46. I read somewhere that if the President is aboard

it *is* Air Force One. :shrug:

Either way, that's the photo that got to me, too.

I work pretty close to Buckley Air Force Base and saw Air Force One flying by one day and flipped it off!!!!

If I have the good fortune to see it again, I'll probably weep. :patriot:

[stlsaxman]

56. Not until the inauguration is any plane containing the president is given the title Air Force One......

it could be a hang glider and it would be AF1...

any plane the president is NOT on is called by it's registration number...

[ClayZ]

11. YAY! K and R

:woohoo:

[me b zola]

13. The tinglies have returned!

:bounce:

[Withywindle]

15. Fabulous pictures. Thank you!

Wow.


It's really happening, isn't it?



That last picture really gets me. Wintry gray Chicago, I know it well...and then the plane taking off. I'm a nervous flyer, but I really really really love takeoff. It's that wild little rush in the pit of the belly, that thrill of "Here we GO!"

Here we go, America. We're starting a new trip, in a different direction to a better place.

[Jackeens]

Oh heck, it's spine-tingling...is this for real?!?!

[Catshrink]

21. Are you tearing up?

I've got chills. Amazing.

But I'm also fearful for him. Lord, keep him safe.

[Jackeens]

25. ................. ................ yes!!!

[roody]

53. Visualize Obama on his 90th birthday.

[loudsue]

62. EXACTLY!!! See him 90 years old with Michelle and the girls beside him,

all grown up, grandkids, smiles.... I can see 'em all now. Great idea!

[Corbettpc]

82. Goose bumps

This beautiful series of photographs just gave me goose bumps
ALL OVER

[AtomicKitten]

18. Please, please, please keep him safe!

[Kahuna]

22. As usual, love the pics! K&R for the night crew...

:yourock:

[Catshrink]

23. Charles Manson? Fucking Charles Manson? WTF, MSNBC???

All crime, all the time = MSNBC.

[goclark]

31. MSNBC the Prison Plantation Station

and now good old Charlie all day long.

[Phx_Dem]

37. They actually did cut away from Charlie and showed Obama

deplaning and showed the motorcade for a little while. They implied they'd cut away again when he arrives at the hotel, but were in a pretty big hurry to get back to Charlie. I guess Manson rules.

[JNelson6563]

26. A wonderful sight!

As always thank you for the fabulous photo compilation. :yourock:

Julie

[IndianaGreen]

28. Notice that the airmen are at ease, without saluting Obama.

This is because Obama is a civilian. Once Obama becomes President, they will stand at attention and salute their Commander in Chief.

[alsame]

33. Thanks for that explanation - I was wondering why they didn't salute. n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

49. More salutes for our incoming President!

additional pic in post below.

:-)

[EraOfResponsibility]

47. Oh god, now I'm crying again...n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

48. In this one, they are saluting him.

[mucifer]

32. Thanks Jackeens! But, I gotta ask, are you stalking him?

j/k

:)

[Jackeens]

34. Yes. But very politely. Honest.

[DevonRex]

35. *snort* Thanks for the photos. They're awesome!

[tabbycat31]

36. very nice

are Michelle and the girls already in DC?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

39. Look at his expression! He is READY!

Oh, he looks so damn good...

I am so proud to see him like this...

He is going to be such a Great President!

I am bursting with pride at these pics...

We helped him get there!

:fistbump:

[Libby2]

43. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

[tilsammans]

42. Happy tears here too!

He really will be OUR president!

:toast: :patriot:

[my3boyz]

45. Oh man..check out the seal on the plane!!! Man it feels good to see that. nt

[Politicalboi]

50. Wait a minute

Where's his flag pin????? I hope he lost that damn thing in Hawaii. I know it's his coat so there probably wouldn't be one there. I just hope he drops it. I find it unprofessional to wear it. It's a Republican thing they started and it's somehow suppose to represent patriotism. Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt didn't wear flag pins. George is the first. Let George be the last.
Great Pictures by the way

[BeyondGeography]

51. Photo #17 just makes me smile

Hits me like it does so many others on this thread.

:patriot:

[Undercurrent]

52. Like many of you all,

I was moved to tears. This photo really did it to me.

[Tatiana]

54. Poor guy seems to have already aged a couple of years.

Godspeed, Mr. President and stay safe.

:patriot:

[rtassi]

57. God's Speed Mr. President Elect! n/t

[brianna69]

58. Awesome pics.

[Sultana]

59. Mr. President

:patriot:

How many days left till * leaves?

[LSK]

60. I love it! Thanks for the pics!!!

[Arugula Latte]

61. I can't believe it's really happening!

:bounce:

[mountainvue]

63. Sigh. His life is never going to be the same.

It brings up a lot of different feelings in me being able to see these moments in photographs.

[nevergiveup]

64. He really is going to be our president.

Damn, this is so good!

[Historic NY]

66. my favorite one thanks Jackeens_for_Obama

[DUlover2909]

67. Thanks for the pics! I'm so excited. I can't wait til Jan 20!

:D :kick: :woohoo:

[Botany]

70. He is leaving on a jet plane

All his bags are packed
He is ready to go
Im standin here waiting for some more
to his old life it is time to say goodbye
But a new dawn is breakin
It's early morn
The Country is waitin
for eight years we've been torn
After bush I am so lonesome
I could die

So now Obama hug your kids for me
Tell them that about a world that can be
Hold them like youll never let them go
cause he is flying on a jet plane
With his Family he will be back again
Oh bush, you have to go

[SeattleGirl]

71. Damn, but seeing these pics makes me so happy!

Thank you again, Jackeens!

Your threads always make my day!

[penndragon69]

72. A cheeseburger in paradise!

Americas hopes are now soaring on the wings of Eagles, not chicken hawks.

[Vinca]

73. Oh, geez, now I'm tearing up again.

Finally . . . FINALLY . . . the passenger we want on our plane.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

74. Thank You Jackeens, I missed this story, Loved seeing him on an official plane.

I no longer watch any MSM news. Your picture threads help me stay abreast of what's happening with Obama.
Thank You!

[NJCher]

76. same here

I can't bear to watch it and rightly so, it sounds, according to the posters above who are talking about Manson.

I, too, just wanted to say thanks, Jackeen, because I'd have missed this moment altogether if it weren't for you. It's too important to miss.

What a great feeling. What a great way to start the day.



Cher

[bdamomma]

75. great pictures, now for a real President.

thank goodness. Along with other DU'ers please keep him safe, we are almost there. This man has alot to deal with, I am going to support him through the bad and the good.

[Eurobabe]

77. Big day for everyone! WOOHOO!!

This is really exciting. The girls are off to school, the man is in DC now with Michelle. I wish them all the best. :loveya: :loveya: :grouphug:

[Myrina]

78. I got choked up when the plane LANDED at AFB :-)

... that's MY president!!!! :patriot:

[otohara]

79. No Fake Presidential Seal This Time

all choked up over that pic.

[lenegal]

83. There are no words.. brought me to tears

Help is on the way to DC.

[True_Blue_KY_Dem]

84. Military Honor Guard

Those gentleman standing next to the "stair's" are members of the Presidential Honor Guard. I know, I almost became one, but, because of my Guaranteed A-School, I couldn't. I wish I had of now, because of the BS I went through at Great Lakes NTC(Naval Training Center) and the hospital there. At the very least, I would have went to the best military hospital in the nation at the time. Granted, folks, this was back in 1984 and Walter Reed Hospital was the best.

However, I have to disagree with one poster, Obama is the President-Elect, he is in limited power, as are the people he selects for Cabinet Positions and all Presidential Staff members. While any major decisions are left up to the Bush Administration until Jan. 20, these people have to have their people ready to go, on January 20th. It will be "fast and furious" transition because I am sure Obama is ready to get the ball rolling on bouncing our economy back to life. Obama is far from being a private citizen, to make that point, how many private citizens have their own Secret Service detail, other than former Presidents and Vice-Presidents? Answer = ZERO.

Another note, members of the Presidential Honor Guard, are the very same people who you see at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These people have to be ready to go at moments notice and their uniforms have to be "crisp & sharp" and personal appearance must be of a meticulous detail. It is a unit that prides themselves of their personal appearance and their attention to detail; not to mention high moral character.