Obama's face is EVERYWHERE!

More from The Herald's Julia Reynolds at the inauguration: Greeting from Obamalandia. Geez, the man’s face is everywhere here! I do mean everywhere. On neckties, beanies, socks, caps, jackets, watches, rings, earrings and probably boxer shorts for all I know. Even the subway tickets have a “special collectors’ edition” inaugural design. It all makes me think I better start collecting Obamabilia fast, before it all runs out. Or wait till Wednesday and see if it’s half price. You know, for the grandkids or something.

Since I arrived Sunday, DC’s been crammed with people and it’s getting more crammed by the minute. Trains are packed full with families wearing Obama pins on every imaginable body surface — or sporting tuxedos and gowns. The energy has begun to rise, with strangers picking up conversations like old friends, random smiles on the street, all assuming the others support their guy with equal fervor. It makes me wonder where all the Republicans are hiding.

The lines outside the congressional office buildings this afternoon were winding in spirals around the block. These are the two hundred thousand or so lucky but hardy souls who are picking up tickets to the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. It’s another unplanned-for-but-should-have-been-expected crowd-jam — and so people waited three hours just to get inside the building. Up inside those hallowed halls, a stream of Central Coasters here for the occasion dropped by to greet Our Man in Washington, Rep. Sam Farr, who held court while his staffers passed out tickets to the anointed.

Poignant sight in the hallway: a pile of furniture outside the office of the Republican (former) head of some committee. “Lot of people gonna be moving this week,” one local cracks with a smile.

Down below, the Metro station agents have been prodding us through the gates like cattle. Unfortunately, the subways here are like BART – you have to insert your ticket to get out. Which means massive, massive, MASSIVE logjams at the exits. We are all wondering just how insane tomorrow will be. I’ve been planning to get there by 8 am but now I’m thinking six. Or five. Or maybe I’ll just stay up all freaking night. With my press credentials, I could always crash a ball or 20.

Sunday night, more than 1,000 California Democrats held their West Coast-casual version of a ball at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Nancy Pelosi dropped by with her entourage, while Sen. Barbara Boxer stood off in a corner looking like just one of the crowd until a few reporters swarmed her.

The big unanswered question of the night was: where in the world is Leon Panetta? Is he here, waiting humbly in the wings for a confirmation hearing? Everyone who should know claims they don’t, but I don’t believe ‘em.