Cheap Seats

By Jeff Young -- 1/20/09

It is often said that the true fans of sports teams are the ones crowded into the bleachers. They have the cheapest seats and worst view, but make the most noise.
If this level of fan-hood could be transferred to politics, then I definitely met those fans today.

There was estimated to be well over one million supporters watching President Barack Obama's Inauguration from the National Mall.  But then there were thousands more stranded outside the security gates.

These were Obama's bleacher creatures.

Many had tickets that were supposed to gain them access to the celebration, but they were unable to make it through any of the four metal detectors set up at various checkpoints.

I talked to many disgruntled supporters who came from all over the country specifically to see the President they elected sworn into office.

But as it turns out they had to remain in the cheap seats with no view and an overwhelming feeling of disappointment.

I respect these Obama-fanatics more than any celebrity or politician who publicly backed our President. They took time off from work, fought the crowds and paid outrageous prices for hotel rooms to catch a glance of Obama.

But even if they missed what they came to see, these fans will continue to back their team - - the Obama team.

Click here to see the frustrated thousands