THE BIG MOMENT: Barack Obama is sworn in the 44th President of the U.S. by Chief Justice John Roberts in Washington. Michelle Obama holds the Bible. Their daughters Malia and Sasha are at right.
WASHINGTON: Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, shattering American racial barriers as the first black leader of the nation he promised to free from the grip of its profound economic troubles and steer away from wars in two distant lands.
The 47-year-old Mr. Obama assumed power over a country longing for change after George W. Bush’s eight divisive years in the White House. That era witnessed the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the beginning of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and an economic collapse not seen since the 1930s Great Depression.
Joe Biden was sworn in the 47th Vice-President. He took his oath of office from Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.
Mr. Obama said in his first address to the nation as its new leader: “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.”
Speaking to a massive crowd that spread across the National Mall from the Capitol toward the Lincoln Memorial, Mr. Obama recalled the words of George Washington, America’s first President, enjoining Americans against faint-heartedness “in this winter of our hardship.”
“With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come,” the President said in his 18-plus-minute address. “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.”
Mr. Obama promised the world a new America that listens to all voices. But he vowed to spare nothing to keep America safe, addressing terrorist foes directly.
“We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
He added: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Acknowledging the historic nature of his inauguration as leader of a nation with a deeply troubled racial past, Mr. Obama said: “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
The National Mall was jammed with hundreds of thousands of spectators, perhaps well above one million, who came from across American and the globe to witness the historic transfer of power. Most could only see the new President on giant television screens placed among the huge crowd.
The nation’s 56th inauguration day began for Mr. Obama and his vice-presidential pick Joe Biden with a traditional morning worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, across Lafayette Park from the White House.
After the 45-minute service, the Obama couple were welcomed to the White House for coffee. Mr. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeted them at the North Portico, according to custom.
Mr. Obama’s election electrified millions across the globe with the hope that the new American leader would be more inclusive and open to the needs of people and governments worldwide, more collaborative and more inclined to attack problems with diplomacy than with military power.
Remarkable ascentThe ceremony was the culmination of a remarkable ascent for the Democrat, who moves into the Oval Office as the nation’s fourth youngest President. In less than five years, he rose from a little-known Illinois State lawmaker to the nation’s highest office, persuading Americans that despite his relative inexperience, he could turn around the economy, end the Iraq war and restore U.S. standing in the world.
A gifted, inspirational speaker, he has raised the hopes of millions as he outlined a new course for the U.S. He promised to emphasise diplomacy, seek global solutions to climate change, reject torture and shut down the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Mr. Obama’s presidency puts Democrats firmly in charge of Washington. They will control both chambers of Congress and the White House for the first time since 1994.
Though the new President faces monumental challenges, he should face an extended honeymoon as he takes over from Mr. Bush, who leaves Washington as one of the nation’s most unpopular and divisive Presidents. — AP
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