Obama inauguration again draws big crowds, but not like 4 years ago

WASHINGTON (AP) - Even though President Barack Obama's second inaugural again drew huge crowds to the National Mall, people who were there for both events say this one doesn't quite compare.

Sharon Davis of Maryland says there was "a lot of energy" today -- but that last time "it was just off the charts."

Today's festive crowd of flag-wavers filled the Mall to overflowing, and cheered Obama's swearing-in and his 18-minute inaugural address. Four years ago, Obama spoke for 52 minutes.

Skies today were overcast with a breeze, and the temperature was 40 degrees at noon -- sparing the crowd the biting cold morning of four years ago.

Metro officials said subway trains through downtown Washington this morning were no more crowded than they would be on a typical workday. The government is closed for the Martin Luther King holiday -- so the usual commuters were replaced by crowds headed to the inauguration.

One couple from South Carolina took a leisurely ride from their downtown hotel to Union Station. Four years ago, they had to walk across a bridge over the Potomac River. Terry Alexander says, "It was crazy. This is calm."

More coverage on President Obama's inauguration:

• LIVE COVERAGE: Presidential Inauguration
• Obama, Biden sworn in for second term
• Inaugural festivities draw early crowds
• Obama says he loves First Lady's bangs
• The Obama girls grow up
• Nation to honor MLK Jr. as Obama is inaugurated
• Obama looks to avoid "second term curse"
• Obama girls rock out with military kids at concert
• Vice President Biden takes public oath of office
• TEXT: President Obama's inaugural address