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Presidential Inauguration Live Blog

3rd & 7 37yd

Going Madisonian: Obama to focus on compromise
21 Jan. 10:54 a.m. EST

A portrait of U.S. President James Madison by artist Gilbert Stuart. (AP photo)
by ccarlson 10:50 AM
President Barack Obama will channel James Madison and speak about the centrality of compromise, his staff says.

"He is going to say that our political system does not require us to resolve all of our differences or settle all of our disputes," says his adviser, David Plouffe, "but it is absolutely imperative that our leaders try and seek common ground when it can and should exist. That's going to be a very important part of the speech."

That is the essence of the system Madison and his colleagues designed and enshrined in the Constitution, a complicated scheme of government that Americans have found frustrating at various times in the nation's history.

It is a comment on our age that a re-elected president needs to use a healthy dose of his widely watched speech to make the case for it all over again.

Michael Oreskes, AP senior managing editor for U.S. News

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 3:54:54 PM
Historical context in mind
21 Jan. 10:59 a.m. EST

President Barack Obama will 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,
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
and one by Martin Luther King Jr.

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.

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 3:59:51 PM
How the race was won
21 Jan. 11:00 a.m. EST

Electoral results from the 2012 presidential election.

by Jaime Holguin on Jan 21, 2013 at 10:56 AM

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 4:00:45 PM
President Obama arrives for swearing-in
21 Jan. 11:29 a.m. EST
President Barack Obama arrives for his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 21, 2013 at 11:28 AM

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 4:30:20 PM
Who's absent from the inaugural ceremonies?
21 Jan. 11:32 a.m. EST

by Kellen Henry 11:31 AM
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki will not attend the ceremonies at the Capitol for security reasons. He would be the successor to head the government should catastrophe strike at the Capitol.

The absence of a Cabinet secretary maintained a long-standing tradition that one member not attend the inaugural ceremonies.

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 4:33:20 PM
The moment, and the president, has arrived
21 Jan. 11:35 a.m. EST
President Barack Obama arrives at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
by ccarlson 11:33 AM
President Barack Obama is on the podium, greeting supporters and colleagues, and ready to be
inaugurated for his second term _ or, at least, "inaugurated," since the official ceremony was conducted Sunday indoors. Today's ceremony is the public version.

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 4:36:32 PM
Quotable
21 Jan. 11:42 a.m. EST

by Kellen Henry 11:42 AM

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 4:43:21 PM
Another swearing-in stumble
21 Jan. 1:20 p.m EST

Chief Justice John Roberts got it right this time -- but President Barack Obama appeared to stumble over the word "states" during his ceremonial swearing in.

In front of hundreds of thousands gathered to watch, Obama stammered briefly over "states" as he repeated back the words "the office of president of the United States."

Obama had already been officially sworn in for a second term on Sunday, in accordance with the Constitution, which requires presidential terms to begin on Jan. 20.

In 2009, it was Roberts who famously flubbed Obama's official swearing in. As a result of that mistake, Roberts and Obama repeated the presidential oath in a private ceremony to ensure there were no constitutional issues.
President Barack Obama's family watches during the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
by Kellen Henry on Jan 21, 2013 at 12:00 PM

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 6:21:51 PM
For some, a quick exit
21 Jan. 1:22 p.m. EST

Small streams of people began leaving the National Mall right after President Barack Obama took the oath of office, not staying to hear his inaugural speech. Some were making a quick exit to find a good spot along the parade route, while others wanted to get on Metrorail before the trains got too crowded.

"You make me feel bad," said Twanda Rhodes of Longwood, Fla., when asked why she was leaving. "But it's cold, and we have to catch a train."

_ Richard Lardner, AP reporter covering foreign affairs and defense on Capitol Hill
A crowd fills up the National Mall before at the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
by ccarlson on Jan 21, 2013 at 1:17 PM

by kmahabir edited by Jaime Holguin 1/21/2013 6:23:12 PM
The 2nd time, a more intimate affair
21 Jan. 1:24 p.m. EST
The U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day. AP Photo/Caleb Jones
by ccarlson on Jan 21, 2013 at 12:07 PM
It was altogether a more intimate affair than four years ago. Just a party of untold hundred thousands, chilling in the nation's backyard.

No match for the staggering masses and adrenaline-pumping energy of his first turn as president on the West Front of the Capitol. But a lively second act.

Sharon Davis of Suitland, Md., retired after 22 years in the Air Force, said it all made her proud beyond words. "There's a lot of energy here today," she said. "But it doesn't compare to last time, when it was just off the charts."

_ Calvin Woodward, AP political reporter

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 6:25:13 PM
What's in the words?
21 Jan. 1:26 p.m. EST
President Barack Obama's second inaugural address was so broad that in 2,114 words, he repeated only three words more than a dozen times and those words themselves weren't exactly telling but geared toward future collective action.
The word Obama used most, except for common articles:
• will – 21 times
• us – 20 times
• must – 16 times
• people – 11 times
• time – 10 times
• America – 8 times
• together – 7 times
• country – 7 times
• make – 7 times.
Obama was slightly less verbose than four years ago when his speech had 2,385 words, but he emphasized the same words in both addresses. He said "us" 23 times, "will" 17 times, "nation" 12 times, "new" 11 times and "America" nine times.
Here's a look at some of the common keywords and themes that run through U.S. inaugural addresses since 1900:
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 17, 2013 at 2:30 PM

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 6:32:01 PM
Americans weigh in on Obama's 2nd term
21 Jan. 1:35 p.m. EST

“I think that because of the reluctance of both parties to bring about bipartisan action toward the economy _ certainly everybody is affected by the economy _ I look forward to him bringing the Republicans and Democrats together. ... I look forward to him bringing about compromising.”
– Beniam Fantu, 34, of Dallas.

"There are no coincidences. I don't believe there are. This was exactly what was intended, to show how far we have come in our civil freedoms and in our civil rights."
– Alenda Young, 39, of Chicago, on the inauguration ceremony occurring on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Young is president of the Monarch Awards Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Xi NU Omega chapter.

"I think he's a great man. He's trying his best. He did a lot his last period as I think he's going to do a lot more in his next four years."
– Karen Espinoza, 24, was working at a Hispanic market in Little Rock, Ark., as Obama addressed the nation Monday. She didn't hear the president's speech, but said she was impressed by Obama's efforts on immigration reform.

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 6:35:35 PM
Miss America bundles up, doesn't bail on inauguration
21 Jan. 1:37 p.m. EST

Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan arrives at the OurTime.org Inaugural Youth Ball Generation Now Party on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Washington. (Photo by Nick Wass/Invision/AP)
by ccarlson on Jan 21, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Miss America Mallory Hagan says she made it to the inauguration despite the chilly weather.

In an interview Saturday, Hagan had said she wasn't sure if she would attend President Barack Obama's public swearing-in ceremony Monday even though she had a ticket because "it's going to be freezing."

But on Monday she tweeted a photo of herself from the inauguration wrapped in a blue scarf with the words "bundled up!" She later tweeted that she was "proud to be an American."

Hagan, a 23-year-old Alabama native who lives in New York, won the Miss America title earlier this month.

_ Mesfin Fekadu, AP entertainment reporter

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 6:38:10 PM
First on the agenda: Nominate cabinet
21 Jan. 2:07 p.m.

Minutes after his inauguration speech Monday, President Barack Obama signed documents officially submitting top administration nominations to the Senate.

Obama affirmed the nominations of:
- John Brennan to be CIA director
- former Sen. Chuck Hagel for defense secretary
- Sen. John Kerry to be secretary of state
- Jack Lew for treasury secretary
Obama also signed a proclamation to commemorate the inauguration. The proclamation is entitled "National Day of Hope and Resolve, 2013."

"I'm proclaiming peace on Earth and goodwill towards men," Obama quipped as he signed the document.

_ Stephen Ohlemacher, AP reporter in Washington

Nominations for Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. to be named Secretary of State, left, and for White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew to be named Treasury Secretary, right, bear President Barack Obama's signature after the president signed them on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, following the president's ceremonial swearing-in during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Jonathan Ernst, Pool)
by ccarlson on Jan 21, 2013 at 1:55 PM
by kmahabir 1/21/2013 7:08:50 PM
Presidential inaugurations: 1789-1893
Jan. 21 2:12 p.m. EST
APRIL 30, 1789: This Currier and Ives print is a reproduction of the scene at Old City Hall in New York as George Washington took oath of office. Left to Right : in foreground, Alexander Hamilton; Chancellor Livingston who administered the oath; Roger Sherman; secretary Otis of the Senate; Washington; John Adams; Baron Stueben; and General Knox. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:31 PM
MARCH 4, 1829: This artist's rendition shows the crush of people after President Andrew Jackson's inaugural ceremony, held on the East Portico of the Capitol building for the first time, in Washington, D.C.. Following the inaugural proceedings, more than 20,000 well-wishers came to the White House to meet President Jackson. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM
MARCH 4, 1841: This is an artist's impression of President William Henry Harrison's inauguration in Washington, D.C. Harrison declined the offer of a closed carriage and rode on horseback to the Capitol, braving cold temperatures and a northeast wind. After speaking for more than an hour, he returned to the White House on horseback, catching a chill that eventually turned to pneumonia. He died a month later. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:35 PM
MARCH 4, 1857: President James Buchanan delivers his address after being sworn in as the 15th president of the United States in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:39 PM
MARCH 4, 1861: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln stands under cover at center of the Capitol steps during his inauguration in Washington, D.C.. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:41 PM
MARCH 4, 1865: Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration is depicted in this painting as he takes the oath of office as the 16th president of the United States in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The oath is administered by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:43 PM
MARCH 4, 1869: Ulysses S. Grant takes the oath of office as the 18th President of the United States. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:44 PM
MARCH 5, 1877: The public inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes takes place in front of the U.S. Capitol on the East Portico in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:46 PM
MARCH 4, 1881: President James A. Garfield takes the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Justice Noah H. Swayne. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:47 PM
MARCH 4, 1889: Benjamin Harrison is sworn in as the 23rd president of the United States as he takes the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller on the east portico of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM
MARCH 4, 1893: President Grover Cleveland reads his inaugural address from the steps of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. President Cleveland was sworn in as the 24th president of the United States in a ceremony administered by Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller. (AP Photo)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 7, 2013 at 4:09 PM
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by kmahabir edited by Jaime Holguin 1/21/2013 7:14:06 PM
AP PHOTOS: Presidential shades of gray
21 Jan. 2:23 p.m. EST
How much does four years in the Oval Office age the follicles? Here's a look at shifting shades of the three most recent presidents:
President Barack Obama at the beginning (left) and end (right) of his first term
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 18, 2013 at 6:19 PM
President George W. Bush in the first term (left) and second term (right)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 18, 2013 at 6:19 PM
President Bill Clinton in the first term (left) and second term (right)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 18, 2013 at 6:20 PM
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by kmahabir edited by Jaime Holguin 1/21/2013 7:24:15 PM
Today's event: Real, pseudo or something else?
21 Jan. 2:28 p.m.
President Barack Obama speaks at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 21, 2013 at 11:50 AM

Ted Anthony, AP's editor-at-large and frequent writer about American culture, looks at the meaning of today's inauguration.

A half-century ago, Daniel J. Boorstin, one of the country's most famous historians, coined the term "pseudo-event" — an event that happens for the sole purpose of being watched. "The celebration is held, photographs are taken, the occasion is widely reported," he wrote.

That was today's presidential inauguration — right down to the letter.

So much of politics is a scripted affair already. Much of what is done by politicians and those who govern is designed to be "on message," to "play to the base" or "stick to the talking points." Speeches are written by five, 10, 20 people and then emerge from the mouth of one. It's hard to determine precisely what is accomplished and what is, for lack of a better term, "accomplished."

Even in the realm of scripted affairs, though, this was noteworthy: It was the scripted version of a scripted version. A pseudo-pseudo-event. The actual inauguration took place Sunday in the relative privacy of the White House because the actual Inauguration Day fell on a Sunday. Today's public version contained thousands of people, lots of dressed-up dignitaries on stage, Supreme Court justices — and an oath of office that, from a legal standpoint, meant nothing.

When it comes to the American identity, of course, we need and savor these events. They invoke national themes and foster pride. They tell us: Continuity exists, the nation goes on. They give the president an opportunity to deliver a real message amid all the careful calibration.

But as Americans consider this day, it's worth considering how very American, too, is the scripted event that took place in front of their capitol and on their television, video and smartphone screens. And you might ask: In the end, which one was the real event?

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 7:28:21 PM
Presidential parade under way
21 Jan. 3:46 p.m. EST

The inaugural parade is under way, with strains of American composer John Philip Sousa and `Yankee Doodle'. The motorcade is proceeding down Washington's wide boulevards as spectators line the streets and cheer. Many are straining to see inside the presidential limousine for a glimpse of the president and first lady.

Secret Service agents are striding alongside the slow-moving motorcade, which is rolling along the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue just blocks from the White House. The wide boulevards, cleared of all traffic and spectators, feel even more imposing and grand without their usual gridlock and stop-start
traffic.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama ride in the presidential limousine during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 21, 2013 at 3:45 PM

by kmahabir edited by Jaime Holguin 1/21/2013 8:39:41 PM
Many TV networks pause for inauguration, MTV opts for "Catfish"
21 Jan. 3:43 p.m. EST

Richard Smith watches President Barack Obama deliver his inaugural address during the ceremonial swearing-in, on a television at a Best Buy department store in Springfield, Ill., Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
by ccarlson on Jan 21, 2013 at 3:09 PM

ABC, CBS, NBC and the cable news networks cast aside regular programming Monday to carry the ceremonial swearing-in and Obama's inaugural address. It didn't carry the same attention Obama's first inaugural did. In 2009, even ESPN and MTV covered the swearing-in. This year, ESPN stuck to talk about the upcoming Super Bowl and MTV aired "Catfish: The TV Show."

Obama's inaugural address lasted about 18 minutes, only slightly longer than the inaugural poem, but shorter than the evaluations of on-air pundits.

_ David Bauder, AP Television Writer

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 8:44:36 PM
Presidential strut is iconic inaugural moment
21 Jan. 3:47 p.m. EST

Pennsylvania 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 walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
by Kellen Henry on Jan 21, 2013 at 4:05 PM
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
President 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 PM
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by kmahabir 1/21/2013 8:47:51 PM
Also on parade, the Obama 'brand'
21 Jan. 3:52 p.m. EST
Luci Brown of South Bend, Ind., looks at the floats prepared for the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 in Washington. Thousands are planning to march in the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama on Monday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
by Jaime Holguin on Jan 21, 2013 at 3:50 PM

The Barack Obama "brand" was on full display along the parade route as fans waited for the president to travel from Capitol Hill to the White House.

Many wore Obama T-shirts, ski caps, hoodies and buttons.

One woman wrapped herself in an Obama beach towel for extra warmth. A popular item was the canvas tote bag with pictures of the Obama family on the front and back. Some waved small flags with Obama's likeness on them.

_ Sam Hananel and Darlene Superville, AP reporters in Washington, D.C.

by kmahabir 1/21/2013 8:53:29 PM