Morning:
8°c
Millions witness the dawn of Barack Obama
Joe Murphy in Washington20 Jan 2009
- Read the full text of Barack Obama's inaugural speech
- Obama's in-tray
- Michael Elliott: We wish you luck, Mr President: you'll certainly need it
- Who's who in president's inner circle
- Poll: Are you happy to see Obama become President?
- Brown must wait his turn to meet the new President
- Guarded against an assassin's bullet
BARACK OBAMA held the gaze and hopes of the world this afternoon.
Some of those watching shed tears of joy as the first black President of the United States took the oath of office.
Living up to his nickname of No-Drama Obama, the 47-year-old assumed the pomp and power of leadership with a relaxed but determined air.
Summoning Americans to duty at a time of economic and military crisis, he called for a new era of responsibility.
Promising better times ahead, he demanded that Americans pay the price of citizenship.
Mr Obama is tonight in the White House giving orders to turn his message of change into reality, with moves to withdraw troops from Iraq and close Guantanamo Bay expected.
Click here to see a gallery of images from Barack Obama's big day
A crowd of up to two million people packed the two-mile long National Mall to hear him speak from the Capitol on a day where temperatures plunged six below zero.
Many waited from before dawn to bear witness to the historic moment of an African-American being rapturously cheered into the highest office.
Among the honoured guests were veterans of the struggle for black civil rights, including the former students who bravely enrolled in Little Rock high school in 1957 to confront segregation.
The worldwide television audience was over a billion — some experts reckoned it would be the most watched event in history, beating the 2.5 billion who saw the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Mr Obama faces the gravest problems of any recent incumbent including the worst economy since the Great Depression and discord over the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said in his inaugural speech: “My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.
“Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbears, and true to our founding documents.
“So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. 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.
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
“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.
“What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
“Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous.
“With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
Reader views (45)
I was never a fan of politics and much less of America, but this man who has made millions of people come together on a freezing day in washington must definitely have something exceptional within him. However he has the weight of world problems on his shoulders and is only human, but I have no doubt that this humble and genuine person will try his best at his job like millions of us do everyday and God be with him.
- Kalpana, London,UK, 21/01/2009 23:35
Report abuse
Yes he is a great orator, so is Tony Blair. Let us hope that he is not the same as TB because the US will be like Great Britain in five years time, too much government and regulation, political correctness gone mad and lots of disillusioned electors opting out of the political process. Watch this space.
Nick
- Nick L, Didcot, 21/01/2009 10:02
Report abuse
I think that we have a reason to celebrate - the end of the Bush era and now it's time to move on. Give Obama a chance, he certainly deserves it. I watched the news last night and was envious of the party going on in the US .... I wish we had a reason to celebrate here! All we've got is the same old same old.... Brown, Cameron and someone whose name doesn't even come to mind!!!!
- Sharon, London, 21/01/2009 09:33
Report abuse
I personally am relieved that Obama is in power. He gives off a sense of calm, of someone who knows what he is doing, someone who has integrity, which is something Bush, Blair and Brown certainly do not have. Good Luck to Barrack Obama and the USA. I for one feel the world will now improve.
- E Sullivan, London, 21/01/2009 09:21
Report abuse
A "new dawn" ushered in by a load of earnest pop stars (i.e. Bono et al) the day before. That says quite a lot to me, not least that a lot of the Obama's appeal is superficial in the extreme.
- Helen, London, UK, 21/01/2009 08:29
Report abuse
I didn't vote for Obama but know he brings hope and inspiration to us. He is the head "cheerleader" and that's we we need most -- someone to help us restore our confidence and "stop being fearful of the future ...." I would vote for him the next time.
- Roger, Los Angeles, USA, 21/01/2009 07:42
Report abuse
To "Ruth from Hampton". Yes, it was a grand affair and spectacular. You mention that you have a vote, which they can call when they choose, (kinda biased) and there is no fanfare and the person moves in and out in one day. Does that count for your Royal Family who rules your country and NEVER leaves? Your comment sounds kinda silly now doesn't it?!
While I did not vote for Obama, I have hope for our country's future. I think it was a proud day for ALL Americans. And yes, when the color of a man's skin is not mentioned is when we will truly know we have overcome racism from all sides.
- Grayeyes05, Cincinnati, Ohio USA, 21/01/2009 03:21
Report abuse
Wow you Brits are cynical! Give the man a chance, at least a day or two. Like it or not our countries futures are linked. Let's see what the man does before you rip him to shreds! What did your parents do to you people?
- Bill, Texas, USA, 21/01/2009 02:54
Report abuse
As an educator in the states--I feel that, "just now" I can look my students in the eye, and tell them that one day they too can become President of the United States.
Many of you are right that the problems of the world are derivative of the problems we face in the US. With Obama comes a great sense of relief, a proactive and positive outlook on the future, and acceptance of all among the "traditional" view of what an American is.
Also, from what I have read, a few seem to be bewildered with the race issue. To be confused by this shows that you are not placing yourself within the world view of those who are a minorities, poor, socio-economically disadvantaged, and child of single-parent households. Obama represents the struggle, of many, many people.
My own child, and most all the students I teach are Hispanic, Mexican, Mexican-American, Black American, and of mixed race; hopefully, within our 44th President, they can find a connection, role-model, and ideal with which they can identify. This is something that is definitely a far cry from the traditional President ("old white male"), who seemed vastly disconnected and nothing representative of the world that "I knew."
Like many I know, we feel that we are on the verge of something great, positive, proactive, and anew.
To end this,
When you are happy, I am happy for you; so I ask of you to be happy for us.
Thank you.
- Irene, Bakersfield, US, 21/01/2009 01:45
Report abuse
Sorry I don't get it, he's half black and the leader of a bankrupt country whose only claim to fame is that it is constantly meddling in affairs that it has no idea of. Why are we getting so excited? This smacks of the euphoria of London winning the olympic games, a massive amount of excitement followed by a realisation that it was going to set us back 20 years financially.
- Casper Slides, France at the moment, 20/01/2009 23:42
Report abuse
I watched Obama sworn in, out of curiosity more than anything. But when he started speaking, I was absorbed. There were no flowery speeches, just said it how it is. It was fantastically refreshing. We need to sit back and keep our opinions to ourselves and then this man do his job. Given the mess he has been left with from the previous admininstration he won't be able to fix everything in a day! America has hope and optimism, don't let's sit here and be bitter and cynical about it. Let's wish them luck and hope Obama makes some positive change. Whether we like it or not, if the US thrives then so do we. Go Obama !!!
- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex, 20/01/2009 22:30
Report abuse
What some people don't seem to get, is that America is
all about optimism. Even many people who didn't vote for him
are inspired, and want to move forward to tackle the challenges that we face. Obama has put a renewed vigor and intellect out there to inspire us all. The USA is more united now, and we are ready to try to make thing better for all. I am so glad that I live in a country that dares to dream. Thanks for the kind words from so many across the globe.
- Gary, New Hampshire, USA, 20/01/2009 22:14
Report abuse
"What an amazing orator Obama is. If his term of office is as successful as his inauguration speech then he will certainly be a president no one will forget. Good luck to him - I was mesmerised.
- Wooram, Mid Suffolk"
Being a good orator does not make you a good president, Hitler was a good orator and people were mesmerised by him.
- Pat, Essex, 20/01/2009 21:50
Report abuse
"Yahboo - you old cynics. I for one say let's enjoy one of the greatest moments in history.
- Sara, Richmond"
Its early days yet.
- Pat, Essex, 20/01/2009 21:48
Report abuse
Obama is very qualified to lead the nation as he was a graduate of Harvard and was a U.S senator. And to all those who don't understand what a wonderful thing this is needs to look up the history of African-Americans. Just 40 years ago African-Americans were being lynched and segregated. Not only is Obama's election important to African Americans but it is important to all Americans because our country is based of equality and now we are getting closer to perfecting our country.
- Rachel, Maryland, USA, 20/01/2009 18:15
Report abuse
What an amazing orator Obama is. If his term of office is as successful as his inauguration speech then he will certainly be a president no one will forget. Good luck to him - I was mesmerised.
- Wooram, Mid Suffolk, 20/01/2009 17:57
Report abuse
I am a little surprised at some of the comments on here, but I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Personally, I think he has a lot of 'talk'. That could be a good thing though, Bush had a lot of 'talk' too, he just sounded like a moron doing it. At least we have a president with an above average IQ in our office now. I don't know, I feel optimistic, but anything is an improvment from Bush, so whatever.
- Spendlove, Cincinnati, USA, 20/01/2009 17:49
Report abuse
Its 4.30am here. I just watched the most wonderful speech I have ever heard and am full of hope. God bless you Barack Obama.
- Irene, sydney, AU, 20/01/2009 17:35
Report abuse
Well said, David from London. It's not surprising that "Yes, we can" has been adopted as a corporate slogan the world over. Nice and empty.
- Chris, London, 20/01/2009 17:23
Report abuse
All you internet conspiracy theorists need to get a life - maybe when President Obama talks of a 'common purpose' he just means a return to values and empathy - man caring for his fellow man. Good luck to him and America.
- Jim, London, 20/01/2009 17:20
Report abuse
Karli, the new phrase is "Ask not what your bankers can do for you, but what you can do for your bankers."
- Bruce Robertson, Brighton, UK, 20/01/2009 16:49
Report abuse
Wake up people! This obsession with Obama's ethnicity is at best a distraction, at worst a form of inverted racism. And his first few chosen words are chilling! Don't believe it? Look up the words 'Common Purpose' on the net. This guy is a good-looking sinister front for world Socialism.
- James Murphy, Petersfield, hampshire, 20/01/2009 16:07
Report abuse
It is not his colour that will make him a great President, but those who advise him.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy, 20/01/2009 15:31
Report abuse
Change will only truly have happened when no-one even mentions the colour of the president's skin. Those who keep harping on about it are only re-igniting the fire that has fuelled the race divide for hundreds of years.
As for the immensely tedious and sometimes odious blanket news coverage, far from being negative, things like this make me proud to be British. One candidate loses and moves out the same day, the other wins, moves in and gets on with the job. A bit of a celebration may ensue but certainly not a gaudy, self congratulatory circus on a scale as grand as this.
- Ruth, Hampton, 20/01/2009 15:04
Report abuse
I wish Mr Obama every success. The hopes of the whole world rest on his shoulders, and it would be churlish to be anything other than supportive at this stage. I agree the media saturation grates a bit sometimes, but we must not underestimate the potential for real change here. Let's give him a chance.
- Shirley, London, 20/01/2009 14:58
Report abuse
How mean spirited can you be! Obama is not just a politician, he is the leader of the only remaining Superpower - and America is a country now full of optimism, with a viable plan to restore its fortunes. How I wish I could say the same of the UK, mired in the dust with a useless leader and debts for decades to come. Obama is revitalizing the US economy - what is Gordon doing? Paying employers to take workers on, and paying people to buy cars.
- Liz, London,UK, 20/01/2009 14:50
Report abuse
Well said Carley!
No Sue, America isn't the only country in the world, but it is almost certainly where all of our problems begin....
Today is not just a momentous day for the US, it is for the rest of the world. There is an incredible sense of optimism in the US at the moment - compare that to the morale of this country. It is yet to be seen whether Obama can deliver on his promises, but why not give him a chance before putting him down - go on people, you can do it! To be taking the helm after it has been left in such a state coupled with the expectation that is weighted on his shoulders, is truly admirable and hopefully testimony to his integrity and strength...
Good Luck Obama!
Oh, and he is quite cute....
- Madge Fan, London, 20/01/2009 13:37
Report abuse
Oh, let's all just have a big moan!
For goodness', sake, WE elect politicians, it's THE PEOPLE who have decided parliamentary democracy is the best system. About time we start taking COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY for the state we find ourselves in. In this respect, Obama is quite revolutionary, and the sentiment is subtly - but importantly - different from JFK's, "Ask not what your country can do for you..." rhetoric.
- Karli, Tottenham, London, 20/01/2009 13:15
Report abuse
Yahboo - you old cynics. I for one say let's enjoy one of the greatest moments in history.
- Sara, Richmond, 20/01/2009 13:10
Report abuse
Let's just wait and see how he fairs, but I just hope that every time I turn on the tv I'm not confronted with Obama, Obama, Obama. After all, he's not our President and I don't think I can stand any more sickly God Bless America, and all that loud mouthed drivil. Even if they don't realise it themselves, America isn't the only country in the world.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent, 20/01/2009 12:37
Report abuse
I can't believe how negative people on here are. The reason the UK press are so interested in the US elections is because the fortunes of America make a difference all over the world, the Iraq War, the Global Recession, it is starts with the USA and if we like it or not we are linked with them. Nobody could do a worse job than Bush, his complete disregard for anything that falls outside his need to make war with the Middle East has lead us to where we are now and is everybody forgetting what a historical day this is, who would have thought this time last year, with it's history, that America would have the guts to elect a black president. Today is a day for change and maybe we should take some hints from our neighbours across the pond and make some changes in our own govenment.
- Carley, London, Uk, 20/01/2009 12:33
Report abuse
Let us not forget that Obama is just a politician.
- Sandy, London, 20/01/2009 12:21
Report abuse
wishes the best to US with Obama.
- Sharda, PETERBOROUGH UK, 20/01/2009 12:16
Report abuse
And below this post you will see a perfect example of why Britain is in decline - uncontained cyncism.
Why are the British so negative about everything? Enjoy life and appreciate what you have - and at least show a bit of positivity about what is a momentous occasion, regardless of the politics involved.
- Liberal And Proud, London, UK, 20/01/2009 12:14
Report abuse
"Common purpose" equals "New World Order". It means, eg, the end of liberty and the creation of a global fascist state, a "new world order". Stand by for martial law.
- Neil, london uk,, 20/01/2009 12:01
Report abuse
Barrack Obama's words cast his presidency as an historic mission for unity and social responsibility. Obama will speak before everyone including our Kenyans who have been flooding into Washington for days to witness the historic moment of an African-American.
- Nino Nzai, Mombasa - Kenya, 20/01/2009 11:59
Report abuse
Whatever we say or think this is a historic momemnt for the world and America. A time for a new beginining and of hope for the coming generations- both white, black, latino etc. It will usher in a new era of peace for the world. I am extremely delighted for America and we should all pray and hope that he is successful. Barak Obama is a man with great qualities and I do not believe that all is 'sound bites' I think he means what he says and I wish him all the best.
- Julius Nuga, Abbots Langley UK, 20/01/2009 11:47
Report abuse
Perhaps more are happy that Bush is leaving, rather than Obama is coming.
- Avinash Machado, Los Angeles, USA, 20/01/2009 11:41
Report abuse
Obama "talks the talk", but can he "walk the walk".....
and why is the UK Press so overly interested in US presidents and what goes on over there?!
- Tim, Addlestone, UK, 20/01/2009 11:40
Report abuse
The phrase, Snake and Lipstick come to mind as in, putting lipstick on a snake .... and it's still a snake. I won't trust him as a far as I could throw him! To much spin, and showbiz razzmatazz and no experience! God help the US, don't they ever learn?
- Max, London, UK, 20/01/2009 11:24
Report abuse
Barack Obama is facing his toughest challenge today. He has the choice of either becoming the 1st Black President of the USA or giving up his Blackberry.
So far no decision has been made but everyone expects him to decline the top job and hang on to the Blackberry.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 20/01/2009 10:41
Report abuse
I am surprised Americans buy his cheap sound bites, ear candy and media packages.
His slogans are pathetic and an insult to human intelligence
- David, London UK, 20/01/2009 10:39
Report abuse
Good luck to the guy. He certainly could not be worse than the last idiot who lived in the White House. He has a hell of a job on his hands mending Bush's legacy and will need all the support and patience of the American people
- Trevn, Abu Dhabi, 20/01/2009 10:25
Report abuse
The expectation on Obama upholds this U.S belief, there can only be disappointment. It's going to take more than a couple of great speeches to turn things around. It needs a radical re-think and nothing that I have seen thus far, the messages that have been sent from the incoming administration makes me believe that have anymore real idea beyond the outgoing administration other than some amendment tweaking which every new president does within the first few months of office.
- Sandy, London, 20/01/2009 10:16
Report abuse
Here we go,we're going to have all week of this rubbish.Is there no escape?
- Steve, London, 20/01/2009 10:11
Report abuse
