Bay Area locals in Washington as inauguration ramps up
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Donald Trump will be inaugurated as President of the United States Friday. History is just around the corner.
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While in Washington, we met two Bay Area locals who have never been to an inaugural ball before.
"We knew that there were a lot of supporters in California, but there's a lot of silent majority and so, everyone's like out of the closet here, so it's nice to be around other people who are out of the closet," said Juan Hernandez of Santa Clara.
When asked what he would say to people of different ethnic backgrounds or sexual preferences that feel Donald Trump's presidency threatens them in some way Corrin Ranklin of Redwood City said, "Donald Trump's presence doesn't threaten anyone. They may feel that way, but I think that's because of the mainstream media or the large cable network media," she told ABC7 News. "And I would encourage them to actually listen to Donald Trump, because he asked Americans to give him a chance. he wants to be the President of all Americans."
We went to perhaps the biggest event of the night, the Campaign Donor's Dinner. President-elect Trump reminisced about his election night victory and thanked those who help him win. He told the crowd that he outworked anybody who ever ran for office.
Then, he praised his nominees for his cabinet. "We have a cabinet I believe the likes of which has never been appointed. There's never been a cabinet like this," Trump said. "I will say the other side is going absolutely crazy. They're going crazy, but we have a group of people that I just felt we just had to go."
It was a busy day for the President-elect. Earlier, he had a somber moment with Vice President-elect Mike Pence. They placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Thursday evening he spoke to hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the inaugural concert. The two-hour public event included a big fireworks show. He told the crowd he was elected because people want real change and he's confident he can unify the country. Not everyone is convinced.
"I'm here as a protest, obviously," said San Francisco blogger Stuart Schuffman. "I'm dressed like a billionaire because I don't see why anybody
who isn't a billionaire would vote for him because the only people he is going to be taking care of is people like him. He doesn't even know working people.
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When asked if he was absolutely convinced of that Stuart replied, "Absolutely. The guy started off with $14 million. That's not working hard. That's starting up at the top, you know."
PHOTOS: Tump inauguration concert at Lincoln memorial
