Official Presidential Portrait of Barack Obama - photo by Pete Souza
Digital News Report- Just after noon ET Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Though he and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts stumbled during the Oath of Office, in which they used Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural bible, his Inaugural Address was eloquent, emotional and memorable. He stated, “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.” He added, “but know this, America: They will be met,” which was met with cheers and applause from the hundreds of thousands in the crowd.
A sea of American flags waived as he proclaimed, “we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” Tears streamed from the eyes of many as he spoke. President Obama’s older daughter, Malia, snapped pictures of him with a digital camera as he spoke.
He concluded his address by saying, “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.”
After the speech, President Obama, Vice-President Biden, and their families escorted the Bushes and Cheney’s to their respective vehicles. Former President George W Bush and his wife left in a helicopter, which circled over the White House before heading to Andrew’s Air Force Base. Dick Cheney and his wife left by limo.
President Obama and Vice-President Biden then proceeded to the President’s Room to sign the documents affirming the cabinet appointments. They then went to the Statuary Hall where President Obama was greeted with Hail to the Chief for the first time.
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