Community | January 20, 2009 | 82 comments

Obama sworn in as 44th president

source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28745226/

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AwesomeJosh
Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday afternoon, banishing forever more than 200 years of history during which the office passed from white hands to white hands and promising a new era of “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

Under the Constitution, Obama became president at noon ET, even though he had not formally been sworn in with the inaugural ceremonies running behind schedule. Using his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, the new president took the oath of office at 12:05 p.m. from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, whose nomination to the court he opposed as the junior Democratic senator from Illinois.

Roberts, who used no notes, stumbled at one point, appearing to forget the opening words. Obama, a former constitutional law professor, made sure to insert the crucial phrase “that I will faithfully execute the office of president to the United States.”

Then, clasping hands with his wife, Michelle, Obama smiled and waved to the crowd of as many as 2 million people who jammed the National Mall.

As the crowd chanted, “Obama, Obama,” the president thanked his predecessor, George W. Bush, and said he was “humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.”

Obama acknowledged that “we are in the midst of crisis.”

“Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred,” he said. “Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”

Saying ”the time has come to set aside childish things,” Obama declared: “Today, I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.

“But know this, America — they will be met.”


Now that's awesome...
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82 comments // Obama sworn in as 44th president

  • mutedmajority
  • AwesomeJosh
  • AwesomeJosh
  • shanklinmike
    • 0
      shanklinmike  

    • How can this article still be so high up after a month? Current?!?!?!?!!??!?!?!?!?! Are you listening to the people? We see right through Obama's Keynesianism and debt slavery just like the past republicans! How can people be excited about going into poverty and destroying the dollar?!?!?!?!? It just blows me away to think that so many people can't realize how the world works, how liberty trumps slavery!

    • 3 years ago
  • shanklinmike
    • 0
      shanklinmike  
    • Image

    • Obama is a fraud just like Bush! How can people actually trust these behind the door politicians that are bought and sold by special interests? It just blows me away!

    • 3 years ago
  • Solar_Wind
  • jimenagamio
  • leepfrogww
    • 0
      leepfrogww  

    • America, did you hear the call to get up off your butts and help the President return this country back into a great country again. Just get out there and help your fellow man!

    • 3 years ago
  • dingerling
  • jan20girl
    • 0
      jan20girl  

    • Today was my birtday.I celebrated it watching our 1st African American president get into office.Made my day and i couldn't imagine a greater bday present.Thanks to Mr President ,Barack H. Obama, to the the American People and thank you God to have made this day possible.
      GOD BLESS!

    • 3 years ago
  • vladbox
  • Ashaobama08
  • robp24
    • 0
      robp24  

    • Just another interesting tid bit... Ever notice something as simple as the wave from our President vs. say a queen, or a dictator? Queens and dictactors seem to show the backs of thier hands with and appear to be waving to themselves as they pull in energy from their people, whereas our Presidents are open handed, palms out, which shows they work for us and are open to us.. Whether they actually end up doing it is another thing, but I thought it an interesting body language.

    • 3 years ago
  • robp24
    • 0
      robp24  

    • The new USA 1 Caddy rocks, even has LED lights to shine on the hood flags at night. I noticed in the parade that even Chrysler and Ford were represented in the form of lesser official cars, love it. Go America!!

    • 3 years ago
  • Nephwrack
  • DeliaTheArtist
  • Mr_Costello
  • Honk
  • toreyray
    • 0
      toreyray  
    • Image

    • I think the best part of his speech was when he talks about the American people choosing Hope Over Fear, which is both amazing and very true.

      Stepping into history, Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of power as America's first black president on Tuesday, saying the nation must choose "hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord" to overcome the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
  • arcticspirit
    • 0
      arcticspirit  

    • I really think his speech started out with beauty, but then when it entered doom and gloom for so long, that was sad.. but it was good when he made the Presidential promise and said "so help me God."

      But after it seemed he made the world a bunch of promises that we may or may not have the ability to keep due to our economic state and the money that all the bailouts have cost. Will the world hold it against us if we don't feed all the nations or do all the rest?

      Beautiful day, lovely ceremony.
      Loved the first part of his speech so much!

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
    • 0
      Lirybka  
    • arcticspirit:

      Do you know to which god was he saying "help me"? Surely not to the one who created the earth and who is the only living one. It is fake, dear arcticspirit, he is gonna be the beast.

    • 3 years ago
  • feleciaflair
    • 0
      feleciaflair  

    • Wondering why I can't find out any information about the women that was hit by the train while we were on the platform waiting for the train to take us into DC for the inauguration. You would think one of the news channels would cover something. I'll never forget her scream

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
  • iammyfathersson
  • feleciaflair
    • 0
      feleciaflair  

    • Wondering why I can't find out any information about the women that was hit by the train while we were on the platform waiting for the train to take us into DC for the inauguration. You would think one of the news channels would cover something. I'll never forget her scream

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
  • charfman
    • 0
      charfman  

    • Trulely an historic moment...
      I'm glad I was at home watching it rather freezing my ass...
      But I'm also glad so many people showed up...
      I hear they're going to name a state after Baracks brother AL.... Al Obama... (just a little giddy humor)

    • 3 years ago
  • MornRail
    • 0
      MornRail  
    • Image

    • So proud in a way that I never thought I could be!

      I wish I was there to see the inauguration but I know I already had my part in history. Check the link to see pictures of a few lowly folks making a difference. That's really what it's all about. It's time for all of us to go forth and be the change. He'll fix it but we gotta help. Time for us to be more involved in our communities, our people, and ourselves. Let the world change you... and you can change the world.

    • 3 years ago
  • petarro
  • petarro
    • 0
      petarro  

    • Did he talk about God at any point, did he say it? Give me the pleasure!!!

      Anyway, a Pastor spoke before so I'm happy. :)

    • 3 years ago
  • m4l1c3
  • Sani
  • arcticspirit
  • AreOh
    • 0
      AreOh  

    • Such cynicism on a historic day in America. Typical. Any significant change begins with yourself. I challenge all the naysayers, complainers, cynics, etc to use this opportunity to unite with like minded people in getting our country back on track. It is effortless to sit back and offer useless, empty commentary. Back your words with the substance of positive action and give your opinions the weight of earned experience.

    • 3 years ago
  • Nephwrack
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  

    • The words spoken will have merit if all of the millions who attended his campaign rallies and this inauguration don't walk away today to go back to their lives thinking he will now take care of it all for them. That mentality will get us nowhere now.

    • 3 years ago
  • huntre
    • 0
      huntre  

    • Breathtaking.
      My favorite moment was The Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery's benediction prayer at the closing.
      Rick Warren could learn a thing or two (or three) from him.

    • 3 years ago
  • iameam
  • banditalamode
    • 0
      banditalamode  

    • To those of you griping about the cost of the "inauguration party", it is a tradition for there to be an inaugural ball and it was specified as being low key and more solemn than usual.

      The high price of the inauguration comes from the security for all the people that came, those people would have come to the public event no matter what, and they had to make sure it went smoothly.

      When looking at the massive amount of waste that has gone on the past 8 year, bitching about the cost of the inauguration just shows you just don't get it. We have been over billed by contractors for many many times that much and gotten nothing for it.

    • 3 years ago
  • DouginLA
  • Lirybka
  • Neghie
  • lukewarmenthusiasm
  • drewsuf721
    • 0
      drewsuf721  

    • Amazing speech. Those who are willing to work for their prosperity please step forward. The enabler of my generation has set a milestone for our country, let us succeed beyond all wildest expectations.

    • 3 years ago
  • titvol
  • lifestudentno83
  • dgreene
    • 0
      dgreene  

    • Obama is the political leader that I've dreamed about but never experienced. He truly believes that we are stronger in unity than divisiveness, that America is great because of it represents to the world and its own citizens that every person--no matter his or her background--can achieve his dreams. We now have a leader with the courage, depth, and sophistication to bring people together on common ground to face the real problems of today's changing world. Recognizing that concessions will have to be made to find common ground, I believe that we are in for a momentous time in America's history.

    • 3 years ago
  • DouginLA
  • drewsuf721
    • 0
      drewsuf721  
    • dgreene:

      I believe in our country as well. Idealists would have said a black man could be President within 100 years less than 60 years ago. We are our strength, together we can slough off the negativity.

    • 3 years ago
  • quixotic12
  • Lirybka
  • jawnybnsc
  • mattbrawn
    • 0
      mattbrawn  

    • Here's my take on Obama' Inauguration!

      Why not fire up your webcams and let us know your thoughts on the ceremony, your thoughts on his speech, or what you think he'll be having for his dinner...

    • 3 years ago
  • reynolds2063
  • bishopobispo
    • 0
      bishopobispo  

    • Barackstars unite!

      I watched the inauguration on CNN and Wolf Blitzer made a comment that Barack's speech will be the most watched event in the history of television.

      I'll believe it.

    • 3 years ago
  • Conniepae
  • Lirybka
  • derk
    • 0
      derk  

    • "We will extend a hand if you choose to unclench your fist ... " Classic! Thank the Gods he won and we have peace to look forward to!!

    • 3 years ago
  • jawnybnsc
  • iamfree
    • 0
      iamfree  

    • i love change now lets hope obama doesn't let us down.Even though i'm pretty sure he will!Cuz they are all basically corrupt...if you believes that the american government truly gives 2 shits about you please step out of denial.now make my weed legal please!

    • 3 years ago
  • PajamaDan
    • 0
      PajamaDan  

    • It is uplifting to see DC full of people who see hope in this man. We desperately needed something,... and Obama has become that symbol of hope & change. I hope the next 8 years offer solutions to our problems. Maybe change is imminent.
      Bu$h is out,... and so may be our cowboy attitudes. Maybe one day,... enough time will pass,... and enough reconstruction will occur and we will forget about him.
      Godspeed Barack!

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
    • 0
      Lirybka  
    • PajamaDan:

      Bush was only the predecessor making all his best for leading the world into a disaster so that Obama can be welcome as the repairer. Behind the scene there is a very bad goal of Obama, sad to see that everybody is so happy and at the same moment blind. I am aware of what I'm saying I just want to stop you, people, and make you admit that not everything looking good won't turn into the worst..

    • 3 years ago
  • PajamaDan
    • 0
      PajamaDan  
    • PajamaDan:

      Liry - we're already at the worst point (hopefully). SOME people are just looking for any glimpse of hope. Obama can do no worse. Unless you were using sarcasm. It's hard to tell,... your comment wasn't very coherent.

    • 3 years ago
  • Lirybka
    • 0
      Lirybka  
    • PajamaDan:

      PajamaDan, Obama can't do no worse? And my comment was not coherent? Are you kidding? I don't think at all that as a becoming world leader he won't do the utmost for the ultimate goal of his mission.

    • 3 years ago
  • DouginLA
    • 0
      DouginLA  

    • Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some,

      Like throwing a 100+ million $ inauguration party?

      This is an EPIC FAIL!!

      Same garbage shiny new package.

    • 3 years ago
  • dgahr
    • 0
      dgahr  
    • DouginLA:

      By saying that Obama is the "same garbage," you have clearly missed the point of his election and the tremendous potential of this moment. It is US, the people, who have demanded this change and it is US who will chart the new path of this country through hard work, sacrifice and a collective dedication to rising above our differences for a common goal. Having an articulate, compassionate and incredibly intelligent leader at the helm is just the catalyst for change. He alone is not the answer and i would hope that we all will heed his call to service.

      I understand that recent political history does not lead to much faith in our government (especially the last eight years), but I believe that this administration can salvage and rebuild our standing in the world. I hope for all of our sake, that most people don't share your cynicism. It is unproductive and diminishes the gravity of this historic moment.

    • 3 years ago
  • quixotic12
  • DouginLA
    • 0
      DouginLA  
    • DouginLA:

      @ dahgr,
      Sorry, but I am not referring to just recent history, I am referring to the man himself. He is just another politician, but more eloquent than most. Everything about the man is a lie and America will soon find this out the hard way. If he was truly about change his cabinet would not be full of Clinton retreads. I would really love to believe in Obama, but no matter how you polish him he is still a turd.

    • 3 years ago
  • DouginLA
    • 0
      DouginLA  
    • DouginLA:

      @ quixotic,

      Fitting name if you truly believe that drivel. So lining the pockets of Bruce Springsteen, Bono et al... is justified because a few people in the DC area make money? No! That is completely ridiculous. I am very unhappy that my tax money was used to throw a huge party when the country is in the middle of it's worst recession since the 1930's.

    • 3 years ago
  • maasanova
  • keithponder
  • justright
    • 0
      justright  

    • That was a well worded speech, Obama addressed the pasts problems and Americas future aspirations well. I think the US and the world have something to look forward to in this presidency.

    • 3 years ago
  • pstoddard
  • rosettastar
    • 0
      rosettastar  

    • is this odd feeling... patriotism? I didnt know i had it in me...

      I'm just praying he'll walk what he just talked.. as long as he does i'm behind him 100%.

      hell yea!

    • 3 years ago
  • infinity9
  • Beta_Boy
    • 0
      Beta_Boy  

    • After he stuttered over the swearing in, I was concerned but the crowd hung on his every word. He really could read the MacDonalds menu and make people feel inspired.

    • 3 years ago
  • jonbrooks
  • JcX
  • mikeatworld
  • joshuaheller
  • richjm
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