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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

It's President Obama

clipped from abcnews.go.com

Barack Obama stood before a hushed nation, raised his right hand and recited the 39-word oath to make history as the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American to assume the Oval Office.
Photo: Barack Obama, left, joined by his wife Michelle, second from left, and daughters Sasha, third from left, and Malia, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president of the United States

Obama's historic moment -- and one that is a milestone for the nation -- was witnessed by an estimated 1.4 million throng on the National Mall the erupted into cheers and a blizzard of American flags as he uttered the words "so help me God" at the conclusion of the oath. A military band launched into "Hail to the Chief" and tears streaked the faces of many in the delighted crowd.

Obama entered the history books with his hand on a Bible that was held by his wife Michelle and was once used by Abraham Lincoln.
Chief Justice John Roberts screwed up the oath and threw Obama for a second (a constitutional scholar, you assume the president knows it by heart), but otherwise it all went off without a hitch.

Breaks between speakers were punctuated with cheers and chants of "O-ba-ma!" and "Yes we can!" Altogether, a great, great day for America.

Obama used his address to -- once again -- promise change, but also to call the nation to service and responsibility.

Full transcript of the address is available here. Say it with me "President Obama" and "former President Bush."

The last administration is officially gone. While we're at it, check out WhiteHouse.gov's new look.

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