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Obama inauguration: Live video, photos, blog, updates from 57th presidential inauguration
Get live coverage of President Barack Obama's inauguration.
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Inaugural enthusiasm high, but ...
The mood of this 57th inauguration will be tempered by the:- weak economy
- high unemployment
- aftermath of the Connecticut elementary school shooting
- war in Afghanistan - expected to require U.S. combat forces through the end of next year
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Patriotic love letters to America
Thomas Jefferson, co-author of the declaration of independence and third president of the United States, 1801 to 1809.by Jaime Holguin on Jan 14, 2013 at 4:11 PMSecond inaugurals are often a kind of victory lap speech in a lot of ways, that would go back to Thomas Jefferson in 1805. Presidents are often reflecting on accomplishments of the administration and the challenges that will continue into the second term.
- Presidential historian Leo Ribuffo of George Washington University -
THIS NEEDS TO BE EDITED AND AND GIVEN A LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO BY LEE POWELL
For a circular seal of white, gold and blue, Inauguration Day in Washington is a day to shine.
The presidential seal will be hanging just in front of Barack Obama for all the world to see.
But the symbol made of epoxy resin and fiberglass actually gets a workout from a life on the road. When new seals need to be born or come in for a touch up, it happens inside a nondescript building on Fort Belvoir, just outside Washington, D.C.
Here, the seals are hand-painted to exacting details. They come in five sizes, ranging from 5 inches to 25 inches.
Their creator and caretaker is the Army's Institute of Heraldry, an out-of-the-way government agency that keeps up appearances for an array of departments, developing everything from coats of arms to military insignia to medals. -
President Barack Obama chose to place his left hand on two Bibles while taking the oath of office - one owned by Abraham Lincoln, which he used while taking the oath four years ago,Historical context in mindand one by Martin Luther King Jr.
President Barack Obama rests his hand on President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible while taking the oath during his first inauguration.by Jaime Holguin on Jan 14, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Their selection is especially symbolic because Obama's second inauguration comes on the federal holiday marking King's birthday and in a milestone anniversary year involving both men.
It was 150 years ago when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery, and 50 years ago when King delivered his "I Had a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - a monument that will be straight ahead in Obama's sight as he speaks to his country.
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Presidential strut is iconic inaugural momentPennsylvania Avenue becomes America's red carpet on inauguration day, and the president and first lady are the only celebrities on it. It's a tradition that dates to President Jimmy Carter. Ronald Reagan is the only modern president to skip the walk. Reagan and his wife, Nancy, stuck their heads out of their limo's sun roof during part of the drive in 1981, and the parade for his second inauguration was canceled because of cold weather. Here's a slideshow of newly sworn in presidents making the stroll:
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File, Pool)by kmahabiron Jan 15, 2013 at 3:33 PM
President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter on Jan. 20, 1977. (AP Photo, File)by kmahabiron Jan 15, 2013 at 3:22 PM
President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton on January 20, 1993. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)by kmahabiron Jan 15, 2013 at 3:29 PM
President George Bush and first lady Laura Bush on Jan. 20, 2001. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)by kmahabiron Jan 15, 2013 at 5:50 PM
ReorderPresident George H. W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush on Jan. 20, 1989. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)by kmahabiron Jan 15, 2013 at 5:47 PMPreviousNext1 of 5
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Just two inaugural balls for Obama this year, but they'll be big
Obama has cut the number of inauguration night balls lower than any modern president to just two due to a struggling economy. But the celebrations will be elaborate: Around 40,000 revelers are expected to pack the pair of parties. In 2009, Obama had 10 official inaugural balls. -
Behind the scenes: Who's in charge?
- The Presidential Inaugural Committee, chosen by the president-elect, handles the parade, official inaugural balls and planning for the crowds on the National Mall.
- The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for the swearing-in ceremony and the traditional inaugural luncheon that follows.
- The Joint Task Force National Capital Region coordinates the military's participation in inaugural activities. This year, that includes about 5,000 service members.
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Second time around: The inaugural speech
President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address to a worldwide audience from the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Meneguin, Department of Defense/US Air Force)by kmahabir on Jan 11, 2013 at 1:41 PM- 600,000 to 800,000: The number of people officials estimate will crowd onto the National Mall for the oath-taking ceremony (In 2009, a record 1.8 million people filled the nation's capital)
- 16: The number of presidents before Obama who have given a second inaugural address
- 135: Number of words in George Washington's second inaugural speech
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CBS News announces that former Secy of State Condoleezza Rice will serve as a CBS News Contributor, effective today.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 3:45:17 PM -
CBS News press release says Rice will "use her insight and vast experience to explore issues facing America at home and abroad."by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 3:46:46 PM
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Robert Gibbs on CJ Roberts and the oath: "Given health care, I don’t care if he speaks in tongues” http://nyti.ms/WP60qfby Adam Liptak via twitter 1/20/2013 3:47:40 PM -
In two and a half hours, John Roberts will administer the oath that kicks off the 2016 Iowa caucuses.by Dave Weigel via twitter 1/20/2013 3:48:32 PM -
With just 2 hours left to Pres Obama's first term, I emptied my numbers vault about the 1st 4 yrs of his presidency: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57564818/obamas-first-term-by-the-numbers/by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 3:51:48 PM
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Vice President Biden has been officially sworn in for his second term by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. #inaug2013 pbs.twimg.com/media/BBD_FXnCAAA-IsZ.jpg
by Obama Inauguration via twitter 1/20/2013 3:53:13 PM -
Just arrived Arlington Cemetery. Grandkids asleep. Bus lot full on this inauguration wknd. Have to drop off @ some distance. Walking begins.by Maudlyne Ihejirika via twitter 1/20/2013 3:56:17 PM -
Pres. Obama and family back at the White House to prepare for swearing in at 11:55AM in the Blue Room.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 3:57:37 PM
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Public swearing-in/inaugural will come tomorrow, with ceremony/festivities starting around 11:30 amby Roll Call via twitter 1/20/2013 4:03:48 PM -
What Biden actually said after Sotomayor administered oath of office http://wapo.st/UHQz5gby Washington Post via twitter 1/20/2013 4:16:52 PM -
The 10 best inaugural speeches as ranked by the Fix posse. http://ow.ly/gYb22by Chris.Cillizza via twitter 1/20/2013 4:25:05 PM -
Heading up special #msnbc cvge of POTUS' official swearing-in at noon today. joined by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tom Cole, Karen Finney & JMartby Chuck Todd via twitter 1/20/2013 4:32:15 PM -
Edith, the fired up and ready to go woman, takes the stage at the Obama conference.by Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:33:34 PM -
Blue Room of the WH, site of today's swearing-in, best known as venue for the large White House Christmas Tree each year.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:37:58 PM
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RT @joshledermanAP: Silence and anticipation in Blue Room now, less than 10 mins out from Obama swearing-in. #inaug2013by Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:46:58 PM
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Carolyn Sue Smith, 59, Chatham, 1 of several veterans on bus, retired Lt Col., 32 yrs service. "I just want to salute my fellow veyerans."by Maudlyne Ihejirika via twitter 1/20/2013 4:52:12 PM
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Members of the Obama family taking their places in the Blue Room to witness Chief Justice Roberts administer the oath to Pres Obama.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:52:17 PM
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Family of Obama and first lady await their arrival for swearing-in. #inaug2013 pbs.twimg.com/media/BBEU5SfCIAAAHly.jpg
by Josh Lederman via twitter 1/20/2013 4:53:00 PM -
Pres Obama will take the oath using the First Lady's Robinson Family bible. Tomorrow he'll use two: a Lincoln bible and one from MLK, JR.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:53:44 PM
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Obama and Roberts are in the blue roomby Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:55:29 PM
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Obama has been sworn inby Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:55:57 PM
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Obama right now being sworn into second termby Lynn Sweet via twitter 1/20/2013 4:56:16 PM -
Obama to Sasha: "I did it"by Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:56:21 PM
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President Barack Obama has taken the oath of office for a second timeby Roll Call via twitter 1/20/2013 4:57:06 PM
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President @barackobama is sworn in for second term. 1/20/2012 11:55 am #inaug2013 pbs.twimg.com/media/BBEV9piCUAQt-fJ.jpg
by Josh Lederman via twitter 1/20/2013 4:57:40 PM -
Obama was sworn in in the Blue Room of WH by SCOTUS Chief Justice John Robertsby Roll Call via twitter 1/20/2013 4:57:42 PM
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TV anchors who live by the teleprompter shouldn't be criticizing a Chief Justice for using notes.by Larry Sabato via twitter 1/20/2013 4:58:06 PM -
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Obama used FLOTUS family bible – the bible was gift frm FLOTUS' father to his mother, LaVaughn Delores Robinson, on Mother's Day 1958 per WHby Roll Call via twitter 1/20/2013 4:59:19 PM
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Without any stumble, though he'll do it again tomorrow, Chief Justice John Roberts administers Oath of Office to Pres Obama at 1155am.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 4:59:55 PM
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"Congratulations, Mr. President," says the Chief Justice. "Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice, thank you so much," the pres. responds.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 5:01:19 PM
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President Obama has taken the oath of officeby natasha korecki via twitter 1/20/2013 5:01:26 PM -
Barack Obama Takes Oath Of Office For Second Term http://www.buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/barack-obama-takes-oath-of-office-for-second-term via @ZekeJMillerby Zeke Miller via twitter 1/20/2013 5:01:47 PM
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Following masses toward tomb of unkown soldier. Lionel Jackson, public safety aide here 7 yrs, says Obama & Biden visited tomb this morning.by Maudlyne Ihejirika via twitter 1/20/2013 5:02:40 PM
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"Congratulations," says the First Lady giving the pres a kiss and a hug. "Thank you, sweetie," he replies.by Mark Knoller via twitter 1/20/2013 5:03:06 PM
