Calling on Americans to reject the old cynicism and embrace a renewed “unity of purpose,” Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American to serve as the nation’s commander in chief.
“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things,” Obama said in his inaugural address from the steps of the Capitol. “The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
(Related: Full text of Obama speech)
The new president confronts the stark realities of an economic recession, two grinding wars and the pressure of realizing his own ambitious agenda. But Tuesday was a day for the nation’s oldest and more revered democratic traditions, the peaceable transfer of power.
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real,” Obama said. “They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.”
Obama assumes the presidency on the heels of a deeply unpopular predecessor. His historic election has created a fever of expectation that America can recover its lost prosperity and resume a strong, moral leadership of the world.
In his speech, Obama reminded Americans that freedom and democracy are difficult work, but well worth the struggle and sacrifice.
“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given, it must be earned,” Obama said. “Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.”
He invoked the aspirations of the nation’s founders and knit those to the last century’s civil rights movement. Calling down a “new era of responsibility,” Obama urged Americans, “with eyes fixed on the horizon,” to pass the gift of freedom to future generations.
The new president’s day began with a private service at St. John’s Episcopal Church across Lafayette Square from the White House.
Obama’s wife, Michelle, Vice President Joseph Biden Jr. and their families were joined by 200 guests in the historic church. Bishop T.D. Jakes, a Dallas minister, read the lesson.
“The problems are mighty and the solutions are not simple,” Jakes told Obama, “and everywhere you turn there will be a critic waiting to attack every decision that you make. But you are all fired up, sir, and you are ready to go. And this nation goes with you. God goes with you.”
While hundreds of thousands waited in line and massed on the Mall to await his historic passage into power, Obama headed to the White House for another inaugural tradition: coffee with the departing President Bush.
“I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition,” Obama said in his inaugural address.
Despite their comity, Obama’s address made repeated allusions to Bush’s perceived failures, promising not to compromise democratic ideals for safety, and to once again restore America’s good standing in the world.
Inauguration Day dawned sunny, bright and cold, defying dire predictions of wet, freezing snow. Over his dark suit with a white shirt and red tie, Obama wore a dark wool overcoat.
Michelle Obama wore a green and gold dress and coat. Both Obamas waved and smiled at the cameras, looking serious, confident and serene.
