From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Most of them want to do it. Presidents during the inaugural parade often like to be outside the confines of their bulletproof, bomb proof, everything-proof limousine the Secret Service lovingly calls "The Beast."
It gives them a chance to get closer to the people, who in many cases, have traveled far and endured a certain amount of hardship for the slight chance they'll get to see the President, up close and personal.
Jimmy Carter was the first to do this in 1977.
When the nation's new first couple exited the car yesterday, people began screaming and cheering along the parade route. It was like Elvis had suddenly appeared in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue.
And while the Obamas appeared relaxed and enjoyed the interaction with the crowd, don't kid yourself. For the Secret Service, it was a very tense time. When he's exposed like that, they can't guarantee his safety.
You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief when our new President decided to return to the safety of the presidential limousine.
Barack Obama lives inside the Presidential bubble now, and he doesn't have the freedom he enjoyed prior to noon yesterday when he became the leader of the free world.
Here’s my question to you: Was it brave or foolish for President Obama to leave the limo and walk several blocks during the inaugural parade?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Janice from Aberdeen, South Carolina writes:
It was brave and wonderful. I can't say I wasn't concerned for him, but he couldn't very well give a speech about the need for us to grow up and be brave to face the challenges that are ahead and stay inside the car.
Greg from Cabot, Arkansas writes:
Neither, nothing like a cheering crowd, a brisk walk and a breath of cold morning air to pump up the adrenalin for the job he was getting ready to start.
Gail from Centre, Alabama writes:
He is taking too much for granted. In his mind everyone is elated about him being the new President, which is not so. It was a very foolish thing for him to do.
Dave from Brooklyn, New York writes:
It was both, but necessary. He had to show courage, which often is indistinguishable from stupidity as we have seen. Yet it would have been the greatest tragedy in our history if something had happened.
Donald from Canton, North Carolina writes:
The DC bubble crippled George Bush. It was not foolish, if anyone penetrated that security barrier yesterday it would have been a miracle. Everything was well under control or the Secret Service wouldn't have allowed it.
Mertis from Atlanta, Georgia writes:
Jack, I think it was brave even though they chose one of the most secure areas along the route to take their walk.
Whether we want to admit it or not, his biggest threat isn't from people in other countries. His biggest threat is from some nut case right here in the U.S. Hence the beefed up Secret Service from day one of his campaign and the new armored tank in Cadillac clothing.
John from Vermont writes:
I don't think brave or foolish enters into it at all. I think it was the right thing to do.