
Originally Posted by
The BBC's Kevin Connolly at the Capitol
For Barack Obama's security people, today is a nightmare. The worst aspect of it is right now - when the incoming and outgoing administrations are gathered together on the Capitol steps. In order to be prepared for a national catastrophe, a single cabinet member stays away from the proceedings to guarantee continuity come what may. This year, Defence Secretary Robert Gates is watching it all on TV at a military installation "somewhere in the United States".