Heard in the Hall

Elvis is in the house!

Err... well, he's in City Hall.

Err... well, it's not actually Elvis, but Michael Nutter.

At this moment, with the new mayor shaking the hands of what feels like thousands of people waiting in line to greet him, City Hall is feeling more love than it has in years. Maybe decades.

The buzz, the aura, the excitment is unmistakable. It must be true: Philadelphians sure like to get to know their mayor.

As of 6 p.m., the line extended halfway around City Hall, from the portal facing South Broad Street, west to Market Street, and then to the portal facing North Broad, up a staircase that hasn't been open to the public in years, and finally, into Conversation Hall.

There, one by one they come to shake Nutter's hand. His personal assistant, Jordan Schwartz, stands behind him to collect whatever it is people give him. Some have brought pictures of Nutter and seek his autograph.

Also standing by as trusty greeters of the public: Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, and City Councilman Jim Kenney.

Then it's down to the City Hall courtyard where a large white tent is pitched. Inside: Tastykakes, pretzels, chocolate chip cookies.

Evening has arrived, but it's still a new day.