Barney Frank Talks: The Inauguration, the Economy, and LGBT Issues

On the day before Obama's inauguration, we were able to visit Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) in his Capitol Hill apartment. Because I was having some problems with the video, I wasn't able to upload it until now.

The video is in three parts. Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

In the first clip, Corey Johnson talks to Frank about the present and past inaugurations. Says Frank of Obama and the Democrats: "I think people are very discouraged by the Bush administration and the cavalry has arrived to rescue us."

In the second, they discuss the economy. Says Frank: "There's never in my experience been a sharper divide between the political and economic opinions of the average citizen in this country and those of the small number of people at the top of the pyramid. And the people at the top of the pyramid better understand that the great bulk of Americans are no longer licensing them to go and do what they think is necessary to provide assistance to these top institutions."

In the third clip, Frank discusses LGBT issues and the bills related to them: Says Frank: "I believe by the end of this Congress, two years from now, we will have repealed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', we will have passed a fully-inclusive hate crimes bill, and we will very probably have passed a fully-inclusive ENDA, and we will also begin...starting the process of getting recognition of ... partner benefits for federal employees. That's probably as far as we're going to be able to go politically right now in the marriage area." He also talks about media exposure and his public persona.

Watch the clips, AFTER THE JUMP...

Inauguration: Faces in the Crowd

A few people have forwarded me the link to this amazing, zoomable panoramic photo of Obama's inauguration and asked if I could find myself in the crowd. I did.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #418

FLIGHT 1549: New footage released late yesterday shows final moments before plane hits river, passengers getting out on wing, ferry rescue.

THE WEST WING: An update.

DIANE SAWYER: Was certainly enjoying herself at the inauguration.

GAY FOR PAY: Tyra Banks talks to a straight porn actor who does it with the guys.

Inauguration Extras:Towleroad interview with New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler

On the first night we were in Washington, DC for the inauguration, we had a few moments at the DNC Party with New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler, whose constituency falls along the west side of Manhattan and portions of Brooklyn.

Nadler is the chief author of the Uniting American Families Act, which seeks to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Corey Johnson talked to Nadler about whether the changes in Congressional leadership would mean the UAFA would be going to committee and then possibly to a vote.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #417

LESBIAN AND GAY BAND ASSOCIATION: In case you missed it, here's their appearance in the inaugural parade. Here's our interview with a few of its members.

GENE ROBINSON: The Washington Blade interviews the Episcopal Bishop. Corey and I pursued Robinson throughout inauguration weekend, but always seemed to be two events behind him.

SWEARING IN: At the swearing in of senior White House staff, Biden jokes about Justice Roberts' oath gaffe and Obama doesn't appear to be amused.

CAROLINE KENNEDY: She withdraws from Senate consideration "for personal reasons." NY Post: Paterson decided against her.

Inauguration Extras:Towleroad Talks to Rufus Wainwright

Towleroad stopped by the 'Out for Equality' Ball on Tuesday night at the Mayflower Hotel (where former Governor Eliot Spitzer had his affairs in Room 871) and we were able to sit down for a few brief moments with Rufus Wainwright, following his performance, to get his thoughts on the new administration.

The ball was sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, GLAAD, the Service Members Legal Defense Network, and nearly two dozen other organizations. Megan Carpentier has a report at The Daily Beast.

At right, a video of Cyndi Lauper, Wainwright, Thelma Houston, and Catie Curtis, who gathered on stage following Lauper's performance to join her in a rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" which turned into an impromptu celebration of the new president and first lady. Below, a photo I shot during that moment.

Watch Corey Johnson's chat with Rufus, in which he talks about visits to various inaugurations, his strapping German boyfriend, and what he's working on, AFTER THE JUMP...