Obama says he was choked with emotion when leaving Chicago

Chicago/Washington, Jan.5 (ANI): A sentimental Barack Obama says he was choked with emotion as he locked up his Chicago home and arrived in Washington D.C. on Sunday night to have himself inaugurated as the United States' 44th President on January 20.

According to the New York Times, Obama flew into the national capital. He became the first president-elect to fly in on one of the Air Force planes normally used to ferry presidents and top government officials. Earlier, it was reported that he would be undertaking a train journey from Chicago to Washington, similar to the one taken by his predecessor Abraham Lincoln in the 1860s.

Obama's wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, flew to Washington from Chicago ahead of him on Saturday so the girls could prepare for their first day at a Washington private school on Monday.

"I've got to say that I choked up a little bit leaving the house today," the NYT quoted Obama as telling reporters in the press cabin before take-off from Chicago.

Aides who boarded the plane in Chicago before Obama's motorcade arrived, including David Axelrod, a senior adviser, and Robert Gibbs, the press secretary, were plainly excited at being aboard one of the presidential planes for the first time. Several said the experience drove home the realization that Obama had won the presidency.

"It's a little clearer now," Mr. Gibbs said. "Nice digs."

The Boeing 757-200, part of the Air Force's Special Air Mission fleet, bore the distinctive blue and white colors and the words United States of America.

After arriving at Andrews Air Force Base at about 7 p.m. Sunday, Obama entered a presidential limousine and was driven to the Hay-Adams Hotel near the White House, which will be the family's home for the next two weeks.

For all of the luxury of the Obamas' temporary home - Hay-Adams suites cost as much as several thousand dollars a night. Obama clearly was not looking forward to the short residency there after nearly two years on the campaign trail.

"Well, living in a hotel for two weeks, I kind of did that for two years," he said. (ANI)