Capital gets ready for human tide of admirers

WASHINGTON is bracing itself for an onslaught today as the city’s population begins to swell in anticipation of tomorrow’s inauguration of Barack Obama as America’s first black president.

Officials said the event would be unprecedented. It is seen by many as America’s chance to regain its reputation in the world and embrace change after the unpopular presidency of George W Bush.

Estimates put the cost at $40 million (30m) and police chief Cathy Lanier said between one and two million people were expected to arrive in the capital.