The Inauguration of Barack Obama | Online NewsHour

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REGION: North America

TOPIC: U.S. Presidency

Online NewsHour

January 20, 2009

Amid Historic Inauguration, Obama Cites Challenges Ahead

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in the inaugural parade; AP

Barack Obama has taken the oath of office as the 44th president, stepping into history as the nation's first black leader as millions watched from the National Mall and around the world.

During his inaugural address, President Obama told an exuberant crowd that the nation must choose "hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord" and called on the country to "begin the work of remaking America."

Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks, along with a panel of historians, assess the day's event and reflect on the task ahead for the Obama administration.



Text and Audio: Obama's Inaugural Address


	EXPLORE NOTABLE INAUGURATION SPEECHES



	1963 to 2009: Reflections on Civil Rights History Two civil rights activists and a political science professor reflect on the road from the landmark 1963 March on Washington to the upcoming inauguration of America's first black president, Barack Obama. Tim Gunn on Inaugural Fashion Tim Gunn, fashion mentor on Bravo's "Project Runway" and Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, discusses inaugural fashion, President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's style, and how the fashion world views Washington. Frontline: Dreams of Obama Frontline reports on who Barack Obama is and what has brought him to this historic moment. Tavis Smiley: Earl Stafford Entrepreneur Earl Stafford describes the outpouring of support for "The People's Inaugural Project" to bring disadvantaged Americans to DC for the presidential swearing-in ceremony. American Experience: The Presidents Watch award-winning biographies on seven of the 20th century's commanders in chief.


	January 23, 2009 One Reaction in the Inaugural Crowd to Obama's Swearing-in Lisa Simmons, of Fort Washington, Md., watches Barack Obama take the oath of office to become the 44th president of the United States. These photos catch Simmons' reactions in real time as she listens. January 21, 2009 Spectators React to Obama's Inaugural Address More than a million people from across the United States and the world gathered on the National Mall to witness President Barack Obama's inauguration. See the crowd's reaction to portions of Mr. Obama's inaugural address. January 21, 2009 Even People Who Didn't Vote for Obama Went to Inauguration Of the hundreds of thousands of people who gathered in Washington, D.C., for President Barack Obama's inauguration, some didn't vote for him, either because he wasn't their first pick, they didn't support him or because they are not U.S. citizens. January 20, 2009 Inaugural Crowds on National Mall Pay Witness to History As many as 2 million people converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Gwen Ifill reports on the record crowds and their reactions to the historic day. January 20, 2009 Thousands of Individual Stories Unfold on National Mall Hundreds of thousands gathered Tuesday to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama. Footage of the National Mall shows a sea of people participating in the day's events. The following are some of their stories. January 20, 2009 Inauguration Draws International Audience to Washington Perhaps one of the most visible spectators at the National Mall for President Barack Obama's swearing in was someone who didn't have the chance to vote for the new U.S. president.
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Analyzing Inaugural Addresses


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