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Obama Steps Into History

By Caroline Miller,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2009 12:16 PM CST
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(Newser) – "All are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness," declared the 44th president of the United States in his first inaugural address. Invoking the memories of slaves, soldiers and the generations of Americans who toiled before him, the nation's first black president delivered the most anticipated speech in history in front of 2 million cheering Americans.

For a complete schedule of inauguration events and news, click on the link to the Washington Post.

President Barack Obama, right, and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ballin Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama, right, and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ballin Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ballin Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ballin Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Barack Obama, left, is congratulated by his family, first lady Michelle Obama, second from left, and daughters Malia, second from right, and Sasha following his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama, left, is congratulated by his family, first lady Michelle Obama, second from left, and daughters Malia, second from right, and Sasha following his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol...   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
President Barack Obama delivers his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama delivers his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Barack Obama, left, joined by his wife Michelle, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Barack Obama, left, joined by his wife Michelle, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Aretha Franklin performs at the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Aretha Franklin performs at the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Barack Obama, left, with his wife Michelle at his side, takes the oath of office to become the 44th president of the United States from Chief Justice John Roberts at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Barack Obama, left, with his wife Michelle at his side, takes the oath of office to become the 44th president of the United States from Chief Justice John Roberts at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
The Rev. Rick Warren, of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., gives the invocation as President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, left, bow their heads during swearing-in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
The Rev. Rick Warren, of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., gives the invocation as President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, left, bow their heads during swearing-in ceremonies...   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Barack Obama, joined by his wife Michelle, second from left, and daughters Sasha, third from left, and Malia, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president.
Barack Obama, joined by his wife Michelle, second from left, and daughters Sasha, third from left, and Malia, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Barack Obama arrives for his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Barack Obama arrives for his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
President-elect Barack Obama embraces his daughter Malia as his wife Michelle, and younger daughter Sasha look on as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama embraces his daughter Malia as his wife Michelle, and younger daughter Sasha look on as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The stands are filled at the beginning of the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
The stands are filled at the beginning of the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.   (AP Photo/Scott Andrews, Pool)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, wearing a sparkling gold dress by Isabel Toledo leave the Blair House before going to a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, wearing a sparkling gold dress by Isabel Toledo leave the Blair House before going to a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Vice President Dick Cheney arrives in a wheelchair at the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president in Washington, Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009.
Vice President Dick Cheney arrives in a wheelchair at the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president in Washington, Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Saul Loeb, Pool)
Former President Bill Clinton greets Michelle Obama, wife of President-elect Barack Obama as they arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for Obama's swearing-in ceremony
Former President Bill Clinton greets Michelle Obama, wife of President-elect Barack Obama as they arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for Obama's swearing-in ceremony   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Bundled people pack the National Mall for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Bundled people pack the National Mall for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Michelle Obama, left, and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President-elect Joe Biden, arrive for the inauguration ceremny at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Michelle Obama, left, and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President-elect Joe Biden, arrive for the inauguration ceremny at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
Actors Samuel L. Jackson, right, and Dustin Hoffman greet each other as they arrive for the inauguration ceremonyat the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Actors Samuel L. Jackson, right, and Dustin Hoffman greet each other as they arrive for the inauguration ceremonyat the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
Robin Mitchell of Upper Marlboro, Md., cheers on the National Mall for the in anticipation of the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Robin Mitchell of Upper Marlboro, Md., cheers on the National Mall for the in anticipation of the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Michelle Obama arrives for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Michelle Obama arrives for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Maya Soetoro-Ng, sister of Barack Obama stands behind his daughters, Sasha and Malia as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Maya Soetoro-Ng, sister of Barack Obama stands behind his daughters, Sasha and Malia as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jay-Z and Beyonce try to find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Jay-Z and Beyonce try to find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
President Bush, right, walks out with President-elect Barack Obama, left, on the North Portico of the White House before sharing the Presidential limousine enroute to Capitol Hill for the inauguration of the President-elect in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Bush, right, walks out with President-elect Barack Obama, left, on the North Portico of the White House before sharing the Presidential limousine enroute to Capitol Hill for the inauguration...   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife, Rosalynn, arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife, Rosalynn, arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are welcomed by Rev. Luis Leon as they arrive for church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are welcomed by Rev. Luis Leon as they arrive for church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan....   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Former Vice President Al Gore, right, and his wife Tipper, arrive at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Former Vice President Al Gore, right, and his wife Tipper, arrive at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Vice President Dick Cheney arrives in a wheelchair at the Capitol for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president in Washington, Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009.
Vice President Dick Cheney arrives in a wheelchair at the Capitol for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president in Washington, Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Saul Loeb, Pool)
President Bush walks out with President-elect Barack Obama, left, on the North Portico of the White House before sharing the Presidential limousine en route to Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Bush walks out with President-elect Barack Obama, left, on the North Portico of the White House before sharing the Presidential limousine en route to Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
An attendee holds up his sign as he waits for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
An attendee holds up his sign as he waits for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Oprah Winfrey, center, is joined by companion Steadman Graham, left, as she arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Oprah Winfrey, center, is joined by companion Steadman Graham, left, as she arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Two unidentified attendees stay warm as they wait for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Two unidentified attendees stay warm as they wait for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Bundled people pack the National Mall for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Bundled people pack the National Mall for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama walk out of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama walk out of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Inauguration day spectators gather on the National Mall Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington as they await the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama.
Inauguration day spectators gather on the National Mall Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington as they await the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
President Bush, right, and first lady Laura Bush, left, welcome President-elect Barack Obama, center left, and his wife Michelle Obama, center right, on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Bush, right, and first lady Laura Bush, left, welcome President-elect Barack Obama, center left, and his wife Michelle Obama, center right, on the North Portico of the White House in Washington,...   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama's daughters Malia Obama, 10, and Sasha Obama, 7, take their seats before We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Barack Obama's daughters Malia Obama, 10, and Sasha Obama, 7, take their seats before "We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Members the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus sing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 before the start of the swearing-in ceremony for Barack Obama.
Members the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus sing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 before the start of the swearing-in ceremony for Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Boxing promoter Don King arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Boxing promoter Don King arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Attendees wait for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden on a stand behind the podium at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Attendees wait for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden on a stand behind the podium at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The sun rises on the already crowded National Mall on Inauguration Day as people continue to gather in anticipation of the swearing-in of President Barack Obama today in Washington.
The sun rises on the already crowded National Mall on Inauguration Day as people continue to gather in anticipation of the swearing-in of President Barack Obama today in Washington.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
People camp out at the Washington Monument on the National Mall in anticipation of the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
People camp out at the Washington Monument on the National Mall in anticipation of the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
People keep warm near a steam vent on the National Mall for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington early Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
People keep warm near a steam vent on the National Mall for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington early Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A record two million people are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony today in Washington. They began arriving before dawn.
A record two million people are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony today in Washington. They began arriving before dawn.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Singer Beyonce performs at the Lincoln Memorial during President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural concert in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
Singer Beyonce performs at the Lincoln Memorial during President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural concert in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his wife Anna find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his wife Anna find their seats as they arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., finds his seat as he arrives for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., finds his seat as he arrives for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
Jenna Bush Hager, left, and her sister, Barbara Bush, daughters of President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
Jenna Bush Hager, left, and her sister, Barbara Bush, daughters of President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, for the swearing-in...   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Jan 19, 2009 2:59 AM CST
Did you mean Papilloma_king? (A small wartlike growth, typically benign.)
Guest
Jan 19, 2009 1:15 AM CST
In before Carona_King!
Guest
Jan 18, 2009 4:28 AM CST
And thus ends our long national nightmare. (And next time may all the Stupid-Americans who voted for Bush get a freakin' clue BEFORE they elect a moron instead of AFTER.)
Politics • US

 
Barack Obama • Joe Biden • presidency • inauguration • President Obama

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