Diary Prequel Package — page 192

the main deck. The speeches brought tears to peoples eyes recounting the war-time heroism of Bush 41. Four FA18 jets did a fly-by right in front of us as did a reconstructed "Avenger" fighter/bomber that Bush flew when he was shot down. The aircraft carrier was immense and awe-inspiring.. Ships's Captain was Capt. Kevin E. O'Flaherty. Chris and I drove home glowing and talking about the almost "surrealistic" experience. On the evening of Saturday (Jan 10 -- now raining in DC) we attend a party at Jamie Gorelick and Rick Waldron's home. Party theme was "A New Year, A New Day". It was mainly focused on the excitement over the upcoming Obama Administration. Great party with many Obama people there such as Larry Summers, Lisa Brown (WH Staff Secretary), Susan Rice (Ambassador to UN), and others. I spoke to Lisa and Susan about ny vision for "Test and Treat" to eliminate HIV and how this would fit nicely into the Pres-elect's mandate for Health Care Reform. I reiterated when they asked that I was not interested in leaving NIAID or being NIH Director, but I wanted to be active in the administration in the areas where I am expert such as Global Health, AIDS, etc. Susan Rice was particularly interested in my discussion of "Health Diplomacy". Hopefully these discussions will lead to my working with the Obama Adm in my current position as NIAID Director to accomplish some of these goals. Also at the party and people that I spoke to were Walter Isaacson, David Ignatius (Washington Post), E.J. Dionne (Post), Chris Matthews (NBC) and Kathleen Matthews, Nina Totenberg (NPR), Linda Douglas (ABC), Judy Woodruff (NPR) among others. Very enjoyable night. Jan 19 -- 20, 2009 -- Extraordinary excitement for the Inauguration of President Obama. Jenny and Endrea came down from NYC ; also Megan took a day off from Columbia and came down. Freezing cold weather for the weekend before and the Monday (Jan. 19 -- Martin Luther King Birthday) and Tuesday (Jan. 20 -- Inauguration day). On Jan. 19, Chris and I attended a terrific brunch hosted by General Electric and NBC. I was invited because of my many years dealing with NBC (Meet the Press, NBC Network, etc.) Brunch was at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on 12" Street and New York Avenue, NW. Many friends from the media there -- Chris and Kathleen Matthews, David Gregory, Tom Brokaw, Andrea Mitchell, Kelly O'Connell, etc. Festive time and excitement about the Inaug. That afternoon Chris and the girls went to a concert on the Mall featuring every important rock star and Hollywood star -- Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Usher, Wil-I-Am, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, etc. The city was invaded by people on Jan. 20 -- over 1 million people descended on the Mall on a freezing (7 F in the AM and teens during the day) crisp, clear day. Chris and the girls and Jo Oliver (former Nanny) went down to the Mall at around 7:00 AM for a ceremony that started at 12:00 noon. I decided to drive them as far downtown as possible and they walked the rest of the way. Most roads closed and 3 hour waits at Metro stations. Most people ever on the Mall. I watched on TV (too cold and too maw . Obama gave a