Tdr012009_09-09_4c

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009

THE DAILY RECORD

9A

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA “There seems to be a marked difference in [the foreign-born faculty’s and students’] confidence and respect in the country. In my 20 years here, it’s the first presidential inauguration that I’ve seen any interest and involvement. There are such high expectations, but from everything I’ve seen he and his administration are up to the challenge. He’s looking for the most informed voice, not who meets his ideological qualifications. On so many levels, there is a greater likelihood of peace in the change in our approach to the global community.”

“I don’t have any expectations other than I think Obama, his lead-up to the inauguration, has been spectacular. He thinks, he plans. I’m really excited. … I actually decided the morning of [the election] who I was going to vote for and I’m very pleased. At 7 o’clock in the morning, I thought ‘we do need change.’ … He’s going to get us back on track, I hope.” Richard Winelander, Baltimore solo practitioner

“I don’t like a tax evader put in charge of the Treasury and the IRS. I don’t like Holder [because of the Marc Rich pardon]. Aside from that, I have hope that [Obama] can do what he seems to want to do, and that is stop the bickering and come up with some solutions. I hope he does well. I voted for him frankly because he selected Joe Biden as his vice president, and frankly it’s the first decision that a nominee for president has to make, and I thought that was a great, great selection.”

“It’s almost like a global movement. It has so many multiple meanings and it comes at a time when our country needs healing. It’s only a second thought that Obama is a man of African ancestry. That’s the kind of uniter we need. … He’s not going to solve all the problems and he’s going to make mistakes, but they’ll be well-meaning mistakes. I’ll be happy if when he leaves office we’re in a much better position economically and we’ve solved the wars on two fronts. I hope we become a kinder nation. Every time I see Michelle Obama, there will be a smile on my face. To think that a black woman is first lady, and such a wonderfully educated and accomplished one at that, is absolutely phenomenal.” Taunya Lovell Banks, Jacob A. France Professor of Equality Jurisprudence, University of Maryland School of Law

“I’m hopeful we’ll have a resolution of the Iraqi conflict and that we’ll be able to address the suffering of people in the United States who have been hurt by the financial crisis. … I do think that he has the vision and the acumen, along with the people that he’s chosen for the Cabinet positions, to really bring some peace and comfort to those in need.” Judge Lynne A. Battaglia, Maryland Court of Appeals

“I hope that the Obama administration can lead the American public and their elected representatives from both parties toward an effective consensus on how to act quickly to address the financial crisis. Perhaps this bipartisan cooperation can then be extended to help move beyond the partisan gamesmanship that has plagued Washington, so that our government can find creative and effective solutions to the other critical issues facing America at home and abroad.” Dennis M. Robinson Jr., Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

“I’m a Democrat; I’m a screaming liberal; I cannot be more excited. We’re seeing somebody who’s so bright and thoughtful. … I’m not naïve. I know honeymoons end, but I’m so excited.” Professor Byron L. Warnken, University of Baltimore School of Law

“We have not comprehensively dealt with immigration issues. We [prosecutors] are forced to deal with it on an ad hoc basis. I am hoping he [Obama] will help us.” John J. McCarthy: Montgomery County State’s Attorney

RICH DENNISON

Jane C. Murphy, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, University of Baltimore School of Law

Members of the crowd to see Barack Obama at the Edgewood MARC train station Saturday strain to get a photo of the President-elect.

M. Albert Figinski, Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos PC