Guarded against an assassin's bullet

Mr Obama, wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, eight, have been under Secret Service protection since he announced his candidacy last year. However those measures are being stepped up significantly.

The focus for the security services shifts at 12.01pm local time today when special agent Donald White steps away from George Bush and stands behind President Obama as head of his personal protection team.

The 44th President of the United States will make his inaugural address behind bullet-proof glass.

The Obamas will be driven to the White House in the new Cadillac presidential limousine. Nicknamed the Beast, it reportedly has armour eight inches thick, tear-gas cannon and Kevlar-reinforced tyres to resist bomb attacks.

For four years and beyond, Mr Obama will be surrounded by bodyguards drawn from the Secret Service, who are expected to take any measure necessary to protect the Commander-in-Chief including blocking bullets with their body.

As the first African-American president, Mr Obama has received death threats from white supremacists.

At least two assassination plots have been uncovered and he also faces danger from al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations.

Mr Obama will not be permitted to drive himself, go running or play his favourite sport of basketball without at least six agents in close proximity.

He will not be able to mix as freely with the crowds as before. Anybody who wants to get close to him will have to pass through metal detectors and could be forbidden from shaking his hand if they are deemed suspicious.

The protection bubble will fully enclose his family. Their home in Hyde Park, Chicago, is already under armed guard.

Malia and Sasha will be protected on their way to and from school in Washington and family outings will be kept to a minimum.

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