An estimated 250,000 men, women and children from all over the country gathered near the steps of the flag-bedecked Capitol to watch Chief Justice Rehnquist administer the oath of office to President Clinton for the second time. After the formal ceremony and an ear-splitting 21-gun salute, the spirited and chilly crowd sat on blankets and stood on tiptoe as the 42nd President defined his vision of the American journey into the new century.

Loretta Edmiston of Cleveland, OH voiced the spirit of the day: “The weather is great, the people are great, we’re enjoying ourselves!” Indeed, as if on cue, the sun came out during Clinton’s Inaugural Address, easing the chill of the cloud-covered morning.

The action began early in the morning. People had gathered on the Mall by 7:30am when Joe Hood, a Nation Parks guide working crowd control, arrived. He described the mood as mellow. As the noon inaugural time approached, eager watchers edged into fenced-off areas, defying good-natured police who tried to keep people off trees and stone statues.

Many of those gathered on the mall were enthusiastic Clinton supporters.

“I think [the President] is on the right track.” said Wayne Johnson of Lamar, Texas. “That’s why his popularity level is high. He's connected “

The crowd listened intensely as the President talked about continuing the achievements of the 1900’s, the “American Century,” into the 21st Century. In the 22-minute address, he spoke about building stronger families, better educational opportunities, and a cleaner environment.

A general cheer rang out when Clinton talked about “a new government for a new century.” John Long of Wilmington, DE said the message was very upbeat and positive. He praised Clinton for talking about “equality, getting involved, doing things for yourself, and getting the government to give people the tools they need to do things instead of just trying to do it all for them.”

Jean Weaver of Semmes, Alabama also appreciated the view of government articulated by the President. “He has great plans for the world of tomorrow... especially people living and depending on themselves,” she said. As a teacher, Weaver and her class from the Mary G. Montgomery High School were pleased that Clinton chose to focus on education.

The focus on improving American schools’ also pleased Dorothy Marks of Chicago. “I’m pleased the President wants to see our children be ready in the system to go forth in this technological age,” Marks said from her seat on the Mall.

Her daughter, Courtney,was impressed with the mentions of women’s issues and the theme of developing a “family-type culture” in America, but was more cautious in her expectation of the “new government for the new century.”

“I think idealistically that’s what he wants, but I don’t know exactly how that’s going to shape out,” Courtney Marks said.

Although jaded Clinton-watchers inside the Washington DC Beltway have been mocking his “Bridge to the 21st Century” metaphor, the audience responded positively.

“The bridge contains many things, particularly the rainbow aspect of the bridge,” said William Benton of Illinois. Benton believes the bridge imagery means that Clinton “will be focusing on bringing people together as opposed to this petty split and partisanship we’ve seen so much of. We’re tired of it.”

According to Martin Offiah of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, “it is a bridge that includes everyone across it, regardless of race and color.”

Not everyone was thrilled with Clinton’s first term, however. Greg Schultz of Rio Rico, AZ said the President has “gone down a path of deceit.”

“We don’t need a saga going on in the White House,” Schultz said, touting a handwritten “Impeach Clinton” sign. “We need somebody who can focus the nation’s attention on issues instead of attention on his bedroom politics.”

For the most part, the audience that attended the Inauguration left satisfied, if not overly-impressed.

According to Frank Hill of Durham, North Carolina, “It was a good speech... but not awe-inspiring. I’m not sure it captured a Kennedy-esque type of tone.”

“If I were an English teacher, I’d give it a B+,” said Margaret Stran of Shorewood, Illinois.

For many, the Inauguration speech topped a frenzied weekend.

Melissa Andrews, part of a high school group from Citrus Springs, Florida, said the experience was crazy.

“We haven’t even slept for 3 days straight, it’s been great,” Andrews said.