Players Stage Rehearsal of Inauguration

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON - The make-believe president fidgeted slightly on this chilly and overcast Sunday but otherwise stood stoically, ready to accept the oath of office from the make-believe Supreme Court chief justice.

The daylong dress rehearsal on Capitol Hill for President Bush (news - web sites)'s inauguration ceremony lacked the main characters and supporting cast, some of whom were played by U.S. troops and Hill employees. Only snippets of celebratory music sounded over loud speakers, and just two of the planned 21 shots of cannon fire rang out to mark the president's second term.

The timing, however, was more precise, as organizers made certain that planned music, movements and speeches will result in Bush's swearing-in as scheduled at noon on Jan. 20.
...
The platform, soon to be adorned by red, white and blue, is the largest for a presidential inauguration, Basile said. The design is also new, with stadium seating surrounding the microphone to allow for better views.

The rehearsal also timed the behind-the-scenes movements within the Capitol, including escorting the president and vice president from the building's underground crypt and moving dignitaries to the inaugural luncheon following Bush's address. Outside, police lined the avenue that runs along the building, and troops in fatigues roamed the grounds.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050109/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inaugural_rehearsal

[stevedeshazer]

1. Those kids will regret this photo some day.

Mark my words.

[inslee08]

2. "The make believe president"

no explanation needed...LOL

[NYC]

3. Is this standard procedure?

I really don't want to read the article. The answer may not be in there anyway.

Yes, the "make believe president". We've seen too much of him.

[Lisa]

4. "the make-believe president fidgeted"

Kudos to the kid for getting into character! Bush does that a lot, I've noticed.

[slor]

5. "The make-believe president "

So bush was there, I thought they were actors.

[PartyPooper]

6. It's just a little ironic that the dude in uniform is "playing" Junior.

...AKA AWOL, Mr. BunnyPants, Coward-in-Chief.

:eyes:

[NYC Liberal]

7. Stoically?

Reminds me of that AP report on November 3rd. It said that Karen Hughes told Bush on Election Night (like 9PM) he was going to lose big. It's THE main reason why I know it was stolen.

[Zerex71]

8. "The make-believe president"?

So Bush was there then? Funny, I don't recognize him in his MILITARY UNIFORM.