Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

How Will the Obama Presidency Affect the Washington Area?

We asked Washingtonians across the spectrum—from an environmental activist to a jazz singer—what impact Obama might have on our city. Read on for their answers, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.

By Matt Carr

Dan Weiss, environmental activist 

President-elect Obama will bring a neo-soul vibe after eight years of bland country-and-western twang under President Bush.

The new First Family will reinvigorate the non-government part of Washington. With two elementary-age children, the family is likely to be out and about, doing things like playing soccer, going to Imagination Stage, and attending summer camp. Like many Washington girls, my fifth- and sixth-grade daughters hope they can meet Malia and Sasha. And every adult basketball league hopes that the President-elect will join them.

Sharón Clark, jazz singer

I’m absolutely thrilled! Just think, there will finally be some cornrows in the White House.

My biggest hope is that this new administration can find a way for self-employed people like musicians and artists to find good, affordable healthcare for themselves and their families. All the great jazz players in DC either have no health insurance or have to get a day job just for the benefits, which makes pursuing your performance career even more challenging.

Phil Chenier, Washington Wizards analyst and former Bullets player

Based on his expressed love of the game, Steve Buckhantz and I are expecting to see the President attend at least a few Wizards games—and not just when the Bulls come to town. Who knows—he may need someone to help him with his jump shot.

I appreciate the balance he seems to have in life—family, a diverse set of friends, and life experiences along with a commitment to work and serve. His calm and patient demeanor is comforting. In a recent interview, I heard him and Michelle speak about being involved in the DC area, and I think they will bring a warm and engaging spirit to the area.

Bill Hanbury, Destination DC

I think all of the excitement and energy that has been parading over this campaign is going to be transferred here. There’s been an unprecedented display of American democracy and citizenship, and I think people are going to want to continue the excitement. When they do, we are going to be the place where that happens.

We already have a very good position in the international tourism marketplace, and we think it’s going to improve even more as people come to experience the center of American democracy. I’ll put our stuff up against London, Berlin, Paris, or Rome.

Lee Jackson, Child and Family Network Centers, Alexandria

Outside of having a president who consistently advocated for universal healthcare, it’s great to know that the kids we serve feel they can relate to President Obama and feel he can relate to them.

We try to educate our kids and their families that they can do anything if given a chance, but to have a role model in the highest office as evidence proves we’re not just feeding them a fairy tale.

Neil Kerwin, president, American University

There’s no question that we’re at a historic moment for the city and the entire world. The Obama campaign has reached younger people in a way that’s unprecedented in my lifetime. The attention it has brought to Washington as an agent for change is unprecedented in that age group.

If the momentum can be maintained, Washington-based universities will enjoy increased popularity from students across the country and around the world. It’s a global phenomenon. It’s difficult to find an analog in history to it.
The other message is that public service will be a priority: volunteerism and careers in government. People looking to careers in government will look to AU and other Washington universities.

Comments

7 At the end of the air filled with the desire to shop, windows everywhere Sale, the people involved in purchasing again and again the tide. As long as you look accurate, it is cheaper to buy a variety of favorite long can the good goods. can be concentrated in such raids without reckoning wanton procurement, but also easy to lose, so their reduced to "junk woman".
shopping, celebrities have always charge the former, experience is particularly rich . The stars of the shopping in Hong Kong after discount on large numbers of summer vacation in Hong Kong were more strongly into China. But the star, after all, not a fashion designer, was at a higher level, the reason gold, this issue also invite more place the most active designers and fashion people, personally surgeon, to help you sort out the change of the fashion pulse of new and old, peeling silkworm spinning, out of season rush to buy discount focus and dedication from their losses and gains experience.
Cecilia
raids Location: Times Square, Causeway Bay shopping
focus: the rebate, is cost-effective to buy cosmetics. In addition, Times Square, selling all kinds of girls clothing all year round, it is suitable for Cecilia’s style.
link Beijing: China Friendship Department Store < br> bag bargains key: even if a discount, the top big things, or very expensive. Therefore, learning to Cecilia, a down to meet their own tastes, purchasing power of local girls shopping for their installed it.
Vision Xuan
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com
raids Location: Pacific Place shopping
focus: Jessica, said: "buying things, the mood is most important, a discount is still followed. discount when the mind to keep the wrong reason will not buy a shirt. "seasonal, the Pacific Place and other brands such as D & G will hit 5 discount, shoppers are crazy. Jessica shopping frenzy does not belong to the girl, she likes to enjoy a leisurely way to try on clothes in the environment.
Link Beijing: Palace Hotel
bag bargains focus: a world-class brand of seasonal goods, but also enjoy five-star shopping environment. discount store dressing room to be some period of long lines, very annoying.
Carina Lau
mop Location: Central, The Landmark
shopping points: famous discount, the Carina is often the first time in the Landmark in Central to buy some clothes. waiting there almost every day, paparazzi photographed celebrities visiting the shop shapes and sizes. If there were paparazzi be exposed Shu Qi in the Landmark bought the former boyfriend Dawn LV purse.
link Beijing: International Trade
bag bargains focus: mature women have the economic strength of the F1 layer of the LV,cheap jordan shoes, Max & Mara and other big discount, absolutely immense interest.
Shirley
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com
raids Location: City Plaza shopping
points: Shirley admitted that discount when buying more for the family, prefer the design of flu in some famous small jewelry, see the chic, will be more to buy some souvenirs. Shirley that time to the mid-range priced discount shopping, more affordable, cost-effective.
link Beijing: Oriental Plaza
bag bargains focus :louis vuitton handbags There are many new jewelry store in particular is worth watching.nike shoes
Tsang
raids Location: Causeway Bay shopping Crawford
key: Do not look to see Eric Tsang, in fact, but his authentic "human fashion . "discount in August each year seven seasons, Crawford boutique often as low as 6 fold, Eric Tsang usually discounted selection of men’s time,replica IWC, including attending events to wear suits, usually wear casual clothes when shopping and so on.
Link Beijing: Lufthansa
bag bargains focus: Lufthansa Men do not fancy, but definitely has the quality of content, clothing brands such as BOSS, Xenia class brand, should be the successful man not to be missed Taobao focus.
Anthony Wong
raids Location: Causeway Bay SOGO SOGO shopping
focus: shopping is clearly not just a small girl’s patent, even if it rough as Anthony Wong’s "character man" is also keen to Shopping, I once SOGO SOGO Department Store in Causeway Bay and saw Anthony Wong, accompanied by the Assistant buy clothes. He admitted that from time to time the discount SOGO activities is to attract one of the reasons he went. Anthony Wong preference with punk-style clothing, hand-painted T-shirts and with nail jeans will let Anthony Wong put it down.
link Beijing: SOGO, Parkson
bag bargains key: do not discount timing activities,mbt shoes give you a lot of value for money windfall.
Ekin Cheng
mop Location: Sai Yee Street, (Shoes Street)
shopping focus: not so in love with actress and cosmetics to buy pretty dresses everywhere, like the movement of Ekin Cheng usually buy more emphasis on sports and leisure shoes, so Sneaker Street in Mong Kok he must be free to visit the place. Shoes Street stores selling NIKE, ADIDAS and so on of the newest sports and leisure shoes are usually sold at prices of seven Bazhe it off for the birth does not know how frugal is Ekin Cheng It is a very economical choice, so he does not shoot as long as it will go to buy a few pairs of sneakers Street favorite shoes home.
link Beijing: SOGO Oriental Plaza Sports 100
bag bargains Focus: Sports class clothing. Movement like you, discount,mbt shoes be sure to buy some more.
She Poetry Man
raids Location: Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui shopping
points: Poetry Man She always busy filming, not so ordinary girl visit this store a lot of time, so she likes to Harbour City, you can also see the works of famous fashion designers and international famous brand stores, discount focus when, against a lot of things to be able to Amoy.
Link Beijing: World all Stores
bag bargains focus: people who do not have much time, the best brands on all of this high place,replica Rolex, one will be able to scrape together almost.
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com

Posted by: sneakercn, Jun 29, 2011 04:40:14 AM

The CDC needs to get a life and join hands with Mr. Obama and help him bring about the change this nation needs. Stop worrying about your power and assist the new President. To God be the glory!!!!!!!FnhO

Posted by: Yaa Asantewaa,II, Jan 10, 2009 02:27:46 PM

Great article--very interesting to see how people think DC will evolve. I hope an influx of arts appreciation/promotion is actually in the works, the country needs it.

And PQer, try reading an article before you open your trap. It’s a good way to refrain from making a blatant fool of yourself.

Posted by: Jackson, Dec 11, 2008 11:43:18 AM

I live on U Street and love jazz, but thank you for inquiring.

Posted by: Matt, Dec 11, 2008 10:05:36 AM

Hey PQer, see those pictures on the right margin? Yeah, so those are the people that made the comments. Am I going too fast for you?

So why don’t you send a whiney e-mail to Sharon Clark or Neil Kerwin’s offices?

Posted by: Veronica, Dec 11, 2008 09:21:27 AM

Oh please -- stop perpetuating the myth that offical Washington has anything to do with real Washington. DC as a city was not full of Country Western music because of Bush. It has always been a jazz loving, go-go town. Do you really live in DC Mr. Carr or do you live in the ’burbs. Stay here in the evening and you will learn how multi-cultural and diverse and interesting this town really is and always will be.

Posted by: PQer, Dec 11, 2008 08:52:18 AM