I'm going to the Presidential Inauguration this month, in Washington DC, and I'd like to solicit tips and tricks to make the day go smooth for me. The last time I was in DC was 8 years ago, and it was for a day trip. What to do? What to avoid? What is security going to be like, will they have food and drink for sale, etc. If you went in 2009, what was it like? How did you survive the day? Also, I have written both of my Senators for tickets, and have heard nothing back from them, so I'm going under the assumption that I didn't get any. Thus, I will probably be watching the ceremony on the National Mall. If I end up here, where's the best place to stand? I'm flying in from Seattle for this, I'm not missing it! [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 on Jan 10, 2013 - 24 answers

Does there exist a demographic of humans currently living in the United States of America that are "on the fence" about who they will be voting for in the upcoming 2012 presidential elections? Additionally, I'd like some sort of description of these people. [more inside]
posted by coolxcool=rad on Aug 17, 2012 - 25 answers

Please help me remember an old computer game. It was a lighthearted kids' adventure/puzzle game. It takes place in the far future and you are the president or possibly the president's advisor. (It wasn't Shadow President). Puzzles involved dolphins, martians and robots. [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator on Oct 14, 2011 - 6 answers

does the president of the u.s. receive any self defense training? and, if so, what sort and from whom? and are there any good articles or books on that subject?
posted by artof.mulata on Jun 11, 2009 - 32 answers

How does the U.S. presidential transition at the White House actually occur? Who does what where, when and how? [more inside]
posted by webhund on Jan 8, 2009 - 6 answers

(I think) I read somewhere recently that if Obama won, he'd be the first elected chief executive (President, PM, etc.) from a racial minority. Is that true? [more inside]
posted by brandman on Nov 5, 2008 - 32 answers

There are a number of goofy "predictors" of U.S. Presidential elections, such as: when the Redskins lose their last home game prior to the election, the incumbent party loses the White House. Does the HiveMind know of any similar off-beat predictors? [more inside]
posted by mikewas on Nov 4, 2008 - 17 answers

On November 4th, I intend to spend the evening watching election returns on TV and refreshing as many election-y tabs on the laptop as possible. What websites should I have loaded and ready to go? [more inside]
posted by rtha on Oct 24, 2008 - 25 answers

I heard recently on NPR a story about the new Clinton Presidential Library and how all of the gifts of original artwork sent to the President were kept as it was illegal to throw or give away any of it. The story went on that all the artwork was at the library but that there was so much that only a slight minority of it would ever be displayed. My question is, does anyone know more about this law obligating the President to keep the drawing I send him/her? Would they have to keep it even if it stunk or was otherwise somehow unappealing? I imagine you know what I'm getting at with our friend W in office for another four years...
posted by pwb503 on Nov 24, 2004 - 6 answers