Opinion: It’s an interactive inauguration

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Throngs of people packed around the Capitol this morning, many saying they wanted to be there to experience the inauguration with others.

But for some, the togetherness of being crammed into the Mall like sardines wasn’t enough. They shared the experience on Twitter with countless others outside Washington. This year’s inauguration is surely the most interactive yet; thousands snapped photos for instant uploads, and one-line commentaries formed a patchwork play-by-play of the day’s proceedings.

For every minute of Inauguration Day, there were hundreds of new “tweets” on Twitter, from praise for Michelle Obama’s glittering yellow ensemble to tips on the best inaugural live streams for your iPhone. Once Barack Obama was sworn in, tweets turned celebratory, expressing admiration and excitement.

On the new president’s speech:

“This speech is great quote after great quote. He’s like a bag of fortune cookies.”

“YES WE CAN!!!”

“Let the CHANGE begin!”

And there were plenty of tweets for the outgoing president — namely ecstatic goodbyes for his departure:

“and now the chopper takes Bush away . . . finally.”

“Farewell W. We won’t miss you.”

“We’re freeeeeeee!!!!!!”

— Joanna Lin

Screenshot of Twitter Search

For full inauguration coverage, visit Top of the Ticket or follow us on Twitter.