First inauguration of Barack Obama

First inauguration of Barack Obama
Title	First inauguration of Barack Obama
Caption	Barack Obama takes the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Date	January 20, 2009
Location	United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Participants	Barack Obama (President), Joe Biden (Vice President), John Roberts, Aretha Franklin, Elizabeth Alexander
Type	Presidential inauguration

First inauguration of Barack Obama was the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and Joe Biden as the 47th Vice President of the United States. The ceremony, held on January 20, 2009, at the West Front of the Capitol, marked the commencement of Obama's first term. His election was a historic moment, making him the first African American to hold the nation's highest office. The event drew an unprecedented public gathering to the National Mall and was witnessed by millions globally.

Background and election

Barack Obama secured the Democratic Party nomination after a protracted primary contest against Hillary Clinton. He then defeated the Republican nominee, John McCain, and his running mate, Sarah Palin, in the 2008 general election. The campaign unfolded against the backdrop of the Great Recession and ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Key endorsements from figures like Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, as well as the support of former President Bill Clinton, were pivotal. Obama's victory was celebrated as a milestone in American history, resonating with the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.

Preparations and pre-inaugural events

The Joint Congressional Committee, chaired by Senator Dianne Feinstein, oversaw official planning. A massive security operation involved the United States Secret Service, the Pentagon, and the District of Columbia National Guard. Pre-inaugural festivities began on January 17 with a whistle-stop tour from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., retracing part of Abraham Lincoln's 1861 journey. On January 18, a concert was held at the Lincoln Memorial featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Beyoncé. The following day, Obama and Biden participated in a national day of service, honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr..

Inauguration day events

The day began with a morning service at St. John's Episcopal Church. Obama and President George W. Bush then met for coffee at the White House before traveling together to the Capitol. The official ceremony commenced with musical selections by the United States Marine Band and a performance of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" by Aretha Franklin. After Biden was sworn in by Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Obama. A minor flub in the oath's recitation led to a private re-administering the next day at the White House.

Inaugural address

In his approximately 20-minute speech, Obama addressed the severe economic crisis, stating "We are in the midst of crisis." He called for a "new era of responsibility" and emphasized unity, declaring, "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear." The address referenced pivotal moments in American history, including the Revolution and the Battle of the Bulge, while acknowledging challenges from Al-Qaeda to a warming planet. Poet Elizabeth Alexander followed with her composition "Praise Song for the Day," and the Reverend Joseph Lowery delivered the benediction.

Attendance and public reaction

The National Park Service estimated attendance on the National Mall at 1.8 million people, shattering previous records set by the inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson. Dignitaries present included former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with members of the Congress and the Supreme Court. Television viewership in the United States exceeded 37 million, with global broadcasts reaching hundreds of countries. Public sentiment, captured by polls from Gallup and Pew Research Center, showed a significant surge in national optimism following the ceremony.

Cultural impact and legacy

The inauguration was a major media event, with networks like CNN, Fox News, and NBC providing extensive coverage. Memorabilia, from official pins to the gown worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, entered the collections of the Smithsonian Institution. The day is often cited as a high point in American civic life, symbolizing a perceived shift in racial dynamics. It has been analyzed in numerous works, including documentaries by HBO and books like Pete Souza's *The Rise of Barack Obama*. The event set a template for large-scale public engagement that influenced subsequent inaugurations.

Category:United States presidential inaugurations Category:Barack Obama Category:2009 in Washington, D.C. Category:January 2009 events in the United States