I saw President Obama this evening

One of the many joys of working in DC are the opportunities to get held up by motorcades. I work at a building on Pennsylvania Avenue a few blocks from the White House and have gotten to see my share. It's pretty easy to tell if it's the VP, a bureau secretary, an ambassador, or the Man Himself. When W was president, his motorcades shut down streets and had choppers overhead. Cheney had 3 or 4 SUVs following his limo with heavily armed SS personnel hanging out the sides and back scanning the non-existent crowds for evil-doers. In contrast Biden's 'cade has 2 or 3 police motorcycles, and maybe two chase cars. I see his fairly often going into work and always send him a wish for peace and good fortune.

This evening I had to work later than normal. The attorney I work closest with is off this evening
on annual leave with his family to Malaysia. Unfortunately his secretary was out sick yet again so I had to help him. Actually given that it was a confidential matter, I would have been doing it anyway come to think of it.

Anyway, I left the building around 6:30 pm, not awfully late, but given that I start at 8 am, late enough. As I was walking along Pennsylvania Avenue, heading towards Foggy Bottom Metro Station, I heard a whole bunch of police sirens. More than I've heard in a while. So I stopped walking and looked. Sure enough it was a presidential motorcade.

I got to see President Obama in his limo. Unlike W, his windows are clear and you can see him. He appeared to be reviewing something. The folks on the sidewalk were very excited and so was I.