KC family hosted Obama during Democratic National Convention
By Bill Gallo
KC Family Joins Obama, Biden on Pre-Inauguration Train Ride by williamgallo
January 18, 2009
Washington, DC – Out of the 5 million people expected to attend Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration festivities this weekend, none will get closer to the action than the Girardeau family from Kansas City.
Jim and Alicia Girardeau and their daughters Hannah, Lindsay, and Grace joined 13 other ordinary Americans for President-elect Obama’s historic “whistle stop” train tour from Philadelphia to Washington on Saturday.
The campaign asked the family to join the tour after Obama used the Girardeau’s Brookside home in August to watch his wife’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.
But Alicia Girardeau says that doesn’t compare to what her family is getting to do this weekend in Washington.
“People of every different color, race, and size were just so excited and happy. It’s such an exciting event to be a part of already, but to see it from our vantage point, it was just amazing,” said Alicia Girardeau.
While riding on the vintage railcar, the Girardeau’s discussed politics with Obama, and also held a surprise birthday party for Michelle. Jim Girardeau says the President-elect’s personable demeanor continues to impress him.
“He’s super warm and friendly. He really puts you at ease with how interested he is in what you’re talking about.”
As for the kids, 11-year-old Lindsay Girardeau said they were busy putting together a puzzle and playing Apples to Apples in the back of the train with Sasha and Malia Obama.
“I felt so exclusive. It was just our family and the Obama’s,” said Lindsay.
The tour started in Philadelphia and included stops in Wilmington and Baltimore before heading to Washington. The Obama campaign modeled the trip after a similar one made by Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
The Girardeau’s plan to take part in the National Day of Service tomorrow, before attending Tuesday’s inauguration.
Washington Mayor Adrien Fenty has suggested that as many as 5 million people could attend the event, making it one of the capital’s largest crowds ever assembled.
