A compilation of inaugural coverage on the Internet.
News Analysis: Justice Roberts screwed up intentionally.
The 50 facts you might not know about the new prez.
Pennsylvania boy offers Labradoodle puppy to Obama family.
Michelle Obama’s Isabel Toledo inaugural dress.
See a slideshow of the Inaugural Ball gowns of previous first ladies.
The longest inaugural speech came in 1841 when William Henry Harrison spoke for two hours, nearly a 9,000-word speech. (U.S. State Department)
George Washington added the phrase “so help me God” to the end of his oath, and almost every president has added it since. Although most presidents use a Bible, some presidents have opted to affirm their oath rather than swear to it. (PBS)
On March 4, 1801, Thomas Jefferson became first president to be inaugurated in D.C. (U.S. Senate)
Ronald Reagan’s 1981 swearing-in was the coldest Inauguration Day on record, with a noon temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit. (U.S. Senate).
Today, I’m taking in the Inauguration of Barack Obama on my couch by watching every network. This is history.
Now it’s time for the pundits.
12:41: Fox is calling the speech eloquent. What? I can’t believe it. “You sense that he gets this.”
Juan Williams is saying that Obama is reaching out to the conservatives.
Michael Gerson, former Bush speech writer, said the speech was quite ordinary. He doesn’t understand how so many raging storms and gathering clouds got in the speech. Of course, Fox would have to say that.
12:48: The honor guard is lining the front steps of the capital. President Obama and former President Bush is leaving. George Bush looks like the kid kicked out of the treehouse. I’d feel sorry for him if my 401(k) didn’t have a negative balance.
Air Force One is being called a special Air Lift Mission — is that like a short bus thing? I wonder what the Bushes are feeling now? Relief? Disappointment?
Safe journey to Texas, Mr. Bush. Bye!
Brit Hume says the embraces of the Bushes and the Obamas says a lot about the Bushes. This is the way the Bushes are, he said. They are gracious and blah, blah, blah. I think it says a lot about both families. How many people wouldn’t have told Bush to get the fuck out?
How many Reagan references can they make today? Goodness!
12:57: Wow, Juan Williams is kind of stupid. Of course the Obamas are on the same level as the Bushes. Barack Obama is the President of The United States. He is Ivy league educated and did it without his daddy’s help.
Williams is getting choked up. Aww. That’s so Academy Award worthy.
1:01: There is a Cindy McCain sighting. Her dress was pretty. Barack Obama just signed nomination papers. His first act as President of The United States.
Fox News just said it’s going to take some getting used to calling Barack Obama president … then they quickly added and not President-elect. (Bullshit)
John McCain is waiting for Obama.
Today, I’m taking in the Inauguration of Barack Obama on my couch by watching every network. This is history.
Fox News doesn’t have much to say, but the speech ain’t over yet!
12:07: President Barack Obama is delivering his first speech as President of The United States and he thanked FORMER president Bush. Today I saw to you the challenges we face are real, but know this America, they will be met!
We have chosen hope over fear, the President said.
It is time to remake America, said the President.
He must not be cold, because he sure is giving a long speech.
Tough talk, you can’t outlast us and we will defeat you.
12:23: Somebody’s cell phone just rang. It’s amazing that it’s millions of people out there and everyone is silent listening to President Barack Obama.
12:26: The speech is over. People are in the crowd crying, hugging and I’m sure some of them have to pee.
12:27: Elizabeth Alexander is reading a poem. “Praise song for the day.”
12:33: The Rev. Joseph Lowery is giving the closing prayer. He’s praying for healing. “Help us to make choices on the side of love and not hate.” Amen! He is 87 years old, the dean of the civil rights movement, says Fox News.
12:38: The singing of the National Anthem. Obama is singing right along.
America, we have an new president. Aren’t you happy?!?
A compilation of inaugural coverage on the Internet.
Obama-fy yourself with this neat-o web app.
Ahead of Inauguration, Jenna and Barbara Give Tips to Sasha and Malia.
Ikea built a mock Oval Office in Washington.
Beyonce to sing Etta James’ classic ‘At Last’ at inaugural ball.
MTV to broadcast Obama’s ‘Youth Inaugural Ball’
Today, I’m taking in the Inaugration of Barack Obama on my couch by watching every network. This is history.
ABC:
11:46: Dianne Feinstein needs to cut her speech short.
11:48 Rick Warren is about to do the invoccation and I hope he doesn’t pray long.
The Lord is one.
I’ve never heard people cheer during a prayer. There is a first time for everything.
ABC just showed a shot in Selma, Alabama. That was powerful.
11:53: Aretha Franklin is about to sing, she sounds way better than Beyonce!
11:55: Obama will be president in five minutes and I didn’t know My Country Tis of The was this long of a song! Joe Biden is about to get sworn in as vice president.
Here it comes, Barack Obama is about to take the oath of office and in two minutes, he will be the President of The United States of America!
12:00 Obama is president. He hasn’t taken the oath yet, because there is some odd musical performance going on right now. But by law, he’s president.
12:04: It’s time for the presidential oath of office. The website has changed and Obama is recognized as the President of the United States. And he did use his middle name. He forgot part of the oath. I can’t wait to see what Fox News has to say.
More news that’s unrelated to Barack:
The Charlotte Observer says it’s snowing. Thanks for the newsflash.
News on the Gaza conflict on NPR.
BofA stock plummets … again.
I gave up on standing in line. Being smushed in a mob was hurting my back.
And someone has some major cleaning up to do. This photo taken near the judiciary square metro station. (more…)
Today, I’m taking in the Inauguration of Barack Obama on my couch by watching every network. This is history.
Still watching CNN. I think Dick Cheney is the reason this thing is running behind schedule.
11:29: Anderson Cooper really talks too much. The crowd is chanting Obama. Malia is taking pictures and here comes Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.
Bush looks very somber as he walks down the Capitol steps. Is he sorry that he jacked up this country. And in an hour, he is OUTTA here! Pick up your hat and coat and aleave , Bush. Man, I hope Obama doesn’t screw up.
11:33: If I can correct the folk on CNN, South Africa had a black president sooner than we did after they ended Apartiethed. It only took America a 150 years to get one. Here comes Joe Biden as Bush and Cheney make their way to their seats.
That’s the last time “Hail to the Chief” will be played for Bush, said Anderson Cooper. Best thing he’s said all day.
11:37: Wolf Blitzer said the first Bush is in no pain and he’s been walking with a cane since his back surgery 500 years ago. The crowd is going wild for Obama. Barack Obama isn’t smiling. That’s a first. And by the way, it’s still snowing in Charlotte.
Joe Biden is smiling, though. The crowd is waving their flags and it looks like America should. With everyone proud of the red, white and blue. Did you know Obama is the fifth youngest president ever elected. Thanks CNN, I didn’t know that either.
In 19 minutes, Obama will be President of the United States of America.
11:42: Here comes Barack Obama. I thought he was going to use his middle name. He was announced as Barack H. Obama.
CL editor Kim Lawson is in D.C. covering the inauguration proceedings live. Check out her first post of the day:
I’m stuck three blocks away from the gates to get on to the Mall, locked in a mob of ticket-holders. No one has moved for the last hour except to let ambulances or police cars through.
My toes are numb. My face is numb. I’ve been way too intimate with too many people around me. We all get pushed together to the point where I can’t even lift my arms away from my body. You’d think all this body heat would be warmer, but it’s not.
I don’t know what to do at this point. It’s 10:30 a.m. I’ve been in line for hours and I may not make it into the Mall in time to see the swearing-in ceremony. The latest I heard is that the gates were closed for a bomb sweep. Someone else said the gates are open, but that it may take three hours to get through.
Brrrr….
