WASHINGTON (AP) — Twice during today's inaugural parade, President Barack Obama and his wife have given spectators the extra bonus they were hoping for. The Obamas left their limousine and walked along part of the parade route, waving and responding to cheers from the crowd.
During the second walk, near the White House, the crowd roared as the Obamas passed in front of bleachers, waving and smiling. Michelle Obama occasionally clapped her hands when she wasn't holding hands with the president.
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, also left their limousine to acknowledge the crowds.
Some spectators who weren't along the route where the Obamas walked said they were happy anyway. Regina Thomas of North Carolina arrived at 6 a.m. to catch what amounted to a glimpse of Obama through tinted windows as his limo rolled by. But she said it was worth it.
210-s-25-(Sandy Kozel, AP correspondent)-"his inauguration day"-AP correspondent Sandy Kozel describes the scene as the president and first lady enjoy the parade. (21 Jan 2013)
<<CUT *210 (01/21/13)>> 00:25 "his inauguration day"
217-r-29-(Sound of crowds cheering, as President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama walk the parade route)--Sound of crowds cheering as President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama walk the inaugural parade route. (21 Jan 2013)
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APPHOTO WHCD107: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk in the Inaugural Parade during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (21 Jan 2013)
<<APPHOTO WHCD107 (01/21/13)>>