President Barack Obamalshakes hands with Chief Justice John Roberts after taking the oath of office with First Lady Michelle Obama at his side. (AP photo by Elise Amendola)
By Mark Silva
President Barack Obama, calling on Americans to embrace "a new era of responsibility,'' delivered an inaugural address sober in its recognition of crises that Americans confront at home and abroad yet soaring in its assignment.
Obama, sworn in today as 44th president of the United States outside the Capitol before a crowd filling the National Mall from end to end, focused on not only the economic crisis that the nation confronts, but also a crisis of confidence that he says can only be overcome with a renewed national resolve for greatness.
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility,'' Obama said, "a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
"This is the price and the promise of citizenship,'' the newly inaugurated president said under sunny skies and a wintry day that drew hundreds of thousands of people to see a historic event - with a celebrant crowd apparently open to his call to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work.''
"On this day,'' Obama said, "we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.''
Barack Hussein Obama, born of a mother from Kansas and father from Kenya who had their only son in Hawaii, is unique in American history: The first African-American president of a nation once riven by slavery and racially segregated by law for decades.
Obama swore to the oath of office on Abraham Lincoln's Bible before an audience jamming and spanning a two-mile length of the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
At 47, Obama is not be the nation's youngest chief executive -- Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy and William Jefferson Clinton were younger at their inaugurations. But the Democrat from Chicago, a lawmaker, constitutional lawyer and onetime community activist, has united young and old with his call for "a new declaration of independence'' from divisiveness.
"Every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,'' Obama said in his inaugural address. "At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because 'we the people' have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
"So it has been,'' Obama said. "So it must be with this generation of Americans.''
Obama enters office at one of the most challenging junctures in modern history: In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and with the nation at war on two fronts.
"We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth,'' Obama said. "Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished...
"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.''
The new president will ask the Congress to approve, within his first month in office, a nearly $1-trillion economic stimulus that promises more than 3 million new jobs in the next few years. At the same time, it will compound an annual national debt which already surpasses $1 trillion before he enters office.
"He is going to be counting on the American people to come together," said retired Army Gen. Colin Powell, who served as secretary of state for former President George W. Bush and supported Obama's election. "We all have to do something to help the country move forward under the leadership of this new president."
"Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred,'' Obama 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...
"Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights,'' he said. "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...''
Among the many who packed the National Mall on this day: Gloria Washington-Lewis Randall, an African-American from Alabama who spent two and a half weeks in jail after participating in a civil rights demonstration in 1963. Now, at 62, she was joined by her friends waiting to watch the swearing-in on a Jumbotron in the cold. "I'm totally ecstatic,'' she said. "You don't really notice the cold out here. It's a warmness that's coming up. Because no more will we be called black or white. We'll be called Americans."
"Today is about victory,'' said House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) "This is a victory for democracy, for all Americans who see their hopes and dreams in Barack Obama, who now feel that they have a voice, and a person with the vision to sail this ship through the rough waters all of us are experiencing.''
Obama enters office with a pledge for an "orderly'' and "responsible'' withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq after nearly six years of war that has claimed more than 4,000 American lives. At the same time, he supports an escalation of U.S. military force in Afghanistan, which he considers "the real front in the war against terrorism.''
A Harvard-bred attorney who served less than one term in the Senate, the former Illinois state lawmaker will assume office as the culmination of a dream which he himself has billed as "audacious:'' A candidate with a "funny name'' who was unknown to much of the nation just five years ago.
Obama shed his anonymity with the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in the summer of 2004.
"I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible,'' Obama said at that convention in Boston.
The upstart Democrat remained a long-shot for the nation's highest office when he announced his candidacy in front of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., on Feb. 10, 2007.
"I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness - a certain audacity - to this announcement,'' Obama told a crowd filling the square on a frigid winter day. "I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change. ''
He entered a crowded contest for the Democratic Party's nomination, with much of the party's conventional wisdom pointed toward the nomination of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, a former first lady. In the end, after outrunning Clinton in a long-fought primary race, he has named her secretary of state.
In Republican Sen. John McCain, the GOP's early-settled presidential nominee, Obama faced a much older, more seasoned senator with a military hero's story to boot. At first, the war in Iraq stood as a defining difference. Yet, as the campaign progressed, the protracted war was eclipsed by economic calamity.
By Election Day, Obama had amassed support in enough states - including some that had long voted Republican, such as Virginia and Indiana - for an Electoral College landslide.
"It's been a long time coming,,'' Obama told tens of thousands filling Chicago's Grant Park on election night, "But tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.''
On Tuesday, "I, Barack Hussein Obama'' raised his right hand and swore to preserve the office of the presidency and the U.S. Constitution.
"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come,'' Obama said in his address. "Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter, and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.''
mdsilva@tribune.com
Comments
God Bless America. God Bless President Obama.
Posted by: Lou | January 20, 2009 12:27 PM
"On this day,'' Obama said, "we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.''
Just thought this worth repeating!
Posted by: bill r. | January 20, 2009 12:40 PM
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
CHORUS:
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand some day
CHORUS
We shall all be free
We shall all be free
We shall all be free some day
CHORUS
We are not afraid
We are not afraid
We are not afraid some day
CHORUS
We are not alone
We are not alone
We are not alone some day
CHORUS
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around some day
CHORUS
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
CHORUS
Posted by: A big step toward that day. | January 20, 2009 12:50 PM
Hope over fear? What a joke. What will you have to say when our country is hit again? Should we be vigilant or just "hope" they leave us alone? Ridiculous.
Posted by: Scott W. | January 20, 2009 1:00 PM
Didn't see it and wouldn't want to see it. I will watch when a qualified and competent black man is elected to the greatest position in the free world. I'll pass for today. Just hope he doesn't screw up too badly for the sake of my children and theirs.
Posted by: Jo | January 20, 2009 1:05 PM
Posted by: Jo | January 20, 2009 1:05 PM
It really is sad that there are Americans who have so much hate in their heart, and so much fear in their soul, that they cannot come together with their fellow americans for the good of this nation.
Posted by: Liz | January 20, 2009 1:24 PM
It seems as though the scum has risen to the top in the swamp. Remember....these were the same who claimed to be "great" Americans. Should we return the favor they used to bestow on us? Move....unpatriotic defeatist traitor? Your words of patriotism and 25 cents will get you a phone call.
Posted by: bill r. | January 20, 2009 1:24 PM
Let's see what policies are enacted before we judge. He does not seem all that different from Clinton, but let's hope he doesn't come to resemble Carter. Because of a lack of personal accomplishment, he is tabula rasa.
Posted by: Guy Thompto | January 20, 2009 1:26 PM
"Hope over fear? What a joke. What will you have to say when our country is hit again? Should we be vigilant or just "hope" they leave us alone?"
Rather than pick one word and twist the meaning, why not follow on to your - no, our - responsibility:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility,'' Obama said, "a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
Posted by: Hank | January 20, 2009 1:30 PM
It's great to see the Democrats making history today and the pathetic pugs here are showing once again why they will remain the political minority for at least a generation to come. Keep posting - Jo, Scott, Inky, and others, your fear, uneducation, beliefs, and pug *values* show.
Posted by: Xcellentform | January 20, 2009 1:38 PM
Posted by: Scott W. | January 20, 2009 1:00 PM
The terrorist have sure succeded with this guy. They have completely filled him with terror, to the point that he is willing to surrender everything America has stood for. The have filled him so completely with fear, that he is willing to turn his hate on his fellow americans for standing up for a noble concept like hope. Al Qaeda has fulfilled all their ambitions with this guy.
Posted by: Lou | January 20, 2009 1:39 PM
I think his speech was great and it gave everyone a breathe of fresh air. It gave us hope and calmness that he is now one who looks out for all not like others that separated instead of brought together. He said we have a long journey and that we should all be united to help rebuild what America was once.
So please do not hate because he said eye opener statements and because he spoke with his heart and his mind very eloquently.
May God bless him always!!!
Posted by: Angeleyez | January 20, 2009 1:43 PM
There are some really scary people in this blog--not to mention a few who are grossly misinformed. To those who talk about Obama screwing up, do they even remember the last eight years? How can anyone do a worse job than the previous administration?
Along similar lines, of all the people who have ripped Obama in the last couple months since the election, I have yet to hear a single fact that demonstrates their idea of WHY he could be a poor leader. Truth be told, he's the most intelligent, honest politician I've seen in a long time.
Best of luck to him; he's inspired a nation!
Posted by: CJ | January 20, 2009 1:44 PM
Congratulation Obama and USA.
Habib, France for life, Algeria for origine.
Posted by: cfs | January 20, 2009 1:46 PM
To Scott W and others with like sentiments: While I feel jubilant today, I deeply empathize with you. I too experienced these same thoughts and feelings eight years ago on January 20, 2001. Once again our great democracy demonstrates the power of the people. God Bless America and God Bless President Obama.
Posted by: Emann | January 20, 2009 1:51 PM
" I have yet to hear a single fact that demonstrates their idea of WHY he could be a poor leader. Truth be told, he's the most intelligent, honest politician I've seen in a long time."
How about the sealing, from the public, his university transcripts.
As long as the transcripts remain hidden he will continue to be a liar and a dishonest person. There is no way you can prove that the lying empty suit is either intelligent or honest.
This is how dirty backroom deals are done.
Posted by: senator dirksen | January 20, 2009 1:55 PM
Nice racist Ministor at the end. What is up with "Brown should stick around, yellow is mellow, ...white needs to get it right."...yep, lets all join.
At least we do not have to listen to Olberman, Rachel carpet muncher, and others liberal media pounding Bush for 8 years of Bush bashing.
And the market is already down. Good job Obama, already causing problems.
Posted by: Colen's Powell | January 20, 2009 2:00 PM
To the comment of Washington-Lewis Randall: I truly hope so, however, reality is there are some African-Americans who will not allow themselves to be called just Americans. I worry for the anger in their hearts that will blind them.
Posted by: AnnieK | January 20, 2009 2:08 PM
This is a historic day in America. I thank God for choosing Barac Obama for our 44th President. I believe he will do a outstanding Job as the "First Black President." I am so proud of Him and Michelle. No on in America will ever forget this day. May God Bless America.
Posted by: GENEVA FULLER | January 20, 2009 2:18 PM
I can understand why some may want to reprise the "We shall overcome" thing. But you need to get a new theme song. This is not 1960.
Scott W, Bill R and Jo, you sound like rednecks. Just sign your next post as Cletus, so I get a heads up to skip your uneducated nonsense next time.
Posted by: BC | January 20, 2009 2:29 PM
Lou, Lou, Lou, you Jo, Inky and the others need to open your ears and minds. I'm GOP, a veteran and even I know the last eight years were screwed up by this fear mongering administration. Bush wouldn’t listen to Generals who repeatedly said we're stretched too far. Torture is a violation of the Geneva Convention. He never did find Bin Laden, but got us neck deep into two wars with countries where war is a way of life. We would fight to defend our country if someone invaded it, so are you surprised they are? I don’t know why you think President Obama is weak? What were you all doing when he warned those who might think of attacking us that we would fight and we would win? Face it, Bush doesn’t know diplomacy, our allies have abandoned us, but hey, he freed those two border guards who planted evidence on the unarmed guy they shot in the back. Still have people like you defend his actions. I hope it never happens to anyone, but do us all a favor, put yourself in the shoes of innocent people who’ve been framed or attacked with this false evidence. Bush didn’t defend the Constitution, he and Cheney altered it. Oh and let’s not get started on the profits for Cheney’s old employer Halliburton and all of their oil buddies. You just keep living in your little dream world.
Posted by: GOP for Obama | January 20, 2009 2:30 PM
Posted by: Colen's Powell | January 20, 2009 2:00 PM
Dear Colon......it is unthinkable that a minister would make a poor white boy like you to have to endure those 3 seconds of discomfort when the blacks have only suffered for hundreds of years.
Posted by: bill r. | January 20, 2009 2:34 PM
Hope over fear? What a joke. What will you have to say when our country is hit again? Should we be vigilant or just "hope" they leave us alone? Ridiculous.
Posted by: Scott W. | January 20, 2009 1:00 PM
Is that all you live for, Scott? Is that the only way you can see unity happening in this country?
Pitiable and pathetic.
Posted by: DD | January 20, 2009 2:44 PM
Scott W, Bill R and Jo, you sound like rednecks.
Posted by: BC | January 20, 2009 2:29 PM
BC....Heck...son...rednecks don't really care for color. If that "we shall overcome" bothers you.....you must be a redneck. What scares you republicans more? Muslims or Blacks?
Posted by: bill r. | January 20, 2009 2:47 PM
: I truly hope so, however, reality is there are some African-Americans who will not allow themselves to be called just Americans. I worry for the anger in their hearts that will blind them.
Posted by: AnnieK | January 20, 2009 2:08 PM
Please stop playing the "poor white victims of the hateful racist blacks" game. Are there hate filled blacks? Surely there are, but to pretend that racism is primarily turned by blacks on whites is utter nonsense. Worry about the anger in your own heart first, it's obvious and not very appealing.
Posted by: Mel | January 20, 2009 2:52 PM
This speech wasn't even good Obama. He's done much better.
Posted by: Dem Against Obama | January 20, 2009 2:58 PM
This is for the 'redneck' group. I agree with the other blogger who said they knew exactly how you feel. Just like we felt with G.W.B. I have promised to never say his name again. I'm sorry for you that you can't wrap your heart and minds around our President, our country, and our people. Shame on you.
Posted by: linda mcdonald | January 20, 2009 3:24 PM
Did not watch, will not even turn on the radio or TV. He means nothing to me and never will. Let's see how he reacts when you are attacked again on his watch. Bush handled it correctly. Obama did nothing for the State of Illinois so he will probably do nothing for the majority of the country!
Posted by: She | January 20, 2009 3:32 PM
"Nice racist Ministor at the end."
Sure. I think we know who the racist is, and it's not Joseph Lowery. You might at least try to quote him accurately, KKK boy.
Posted by: rupert | January 20, 2009 3:44 PM
"Hope over fear? What a joke. What will you have to say when our country is hit again? Should we be vigilant or just "hope" they leave us alone? Ridiculous."
Posted by: Scott W. | January 20, 2009 1:00 PM
"Didn't see it and wouldn't want to see it. I will watch when a qualified and competent black man is elected to the greatest position in the free world. I'll pass for today. Just hope he doesn't screw up too badly for the sake of my children and theirs."
Posted by: Jo | January 20, 2009 1:05 PM
Sorry, Scott - Sorry, Jo. President Obama knows and understands shortsighted people like you. As he said to us this morning:
"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply."
Posted by: Humanist | January 20, 2009 3:46 PM
Never have expectations been higher on an incoming president. He has promised so many things to so many people that he can't help but disappoint regardless of what he does.
Posted by: John | January 20, 2009 3:53 PM
The next thing Obama says that has any substance, will be the first.
Posted by: Homer | January 20, 2009 3:58 PM
More Rhetoric.
What are those "duties" we Americans must endeavor to resolve?
When I hear these types of speeches, ""Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America'', I scratch my head and ask "What then is the "work of remaking America?"
Accomplishments overcrowd and eventually choke out rhetoric.
Posted by: springfield | January 20, 2009 4:04 PM
The endless speechmaking and bloviating is over. Let's see what Barry can do. Unfortunately, I think it is - not much!
Posted by: Den C | January 20, 2009 4:21 PM
Greatest speeches so far:
Oct. 2002, against the Iraq War, Daley Plaza , Chicago.
July 2004, Keynote address, Democratic National Convention.
2005, Senate speech against confirmation of Janice Rogers Brown.
Jan 2007, Original State Capitol, Springfield, IL, announcement of candidacy.
August, 2008, Mile High Speech, Democratic National Convention.
Jan. 20, 2009, Address.
Posted by: ornery | January 20, 2009 11:21 PM
Ornery, a lot of folks would include the Jan. 2008 Iowa victory speech; it certainly opened a lot of eyes of people who were still undecided who to support. Good list.
Posted by: mort | January 21, 2009 8:36 AM