Obama's inauguration

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I am in Washington, and saw the Inauguration on the Mall, along with the other 2 million or so people.  It was all very inspiring, to say the least.  It feels like we have the *real* United States back again, and I couldn't be happier. 

--Bruce

Lucky you! I was glued to CNN-Facebook all day, reacting in real time to everything that happened with several friends all over the world. Even virtually, it was an unforgettable experience.

Beautiful.

Seconded.

[DavidRoss]

Beautiful.

Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).  I'm a bit envious of you (not for the first time) for joining the throng on the Mall.  The sense of momentous occasion allied with joyful optimism must have been quite intoxicating.  I cannot think of anything in my experience that might compare.   And though I'm disturbed by the man's voting record on many key issues, I, too, am optimistic about his Presidency, more because of how he handled his only previous executive experience at HLR and for the qualities of character and temperament apparent in his interactions with his family.  I've long suspected that he has what it takes to rise to greatness, to transcend politics and become a true statesman.  I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!

[karlhenning]

Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).

[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]

[DavidRoss]

[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]

As is yours, no doubt!  Truly, I've missed both of you, as well as some others around here who know the difference between having character and being a character!

[Bulldog]

I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!

Yes, my concern is that Pelosi and other Democrats will turn a deaf ear to Obama's call for "inclusion".

[zamyrabyrd]

[Just a note that his character is every bit as agreeable in person.]

You met him in person? Lucky...

ZB

[zamyrabyrd]

Don't put it all on Obama; the Chief Justice also messed up.

That was so real and unpretentious, the tone of practically the whole event, including Michele's outfits.

ZB

[karlhenning]

You met him in person? Lucky...

Yes, Bruce and I have met on at least two occasions.

[greg]

Next time, Bruce for president!

[flyingdutchman]

Glad you think so, Bruce...not surprising, given your fair-minded and even-tempered nature (as least as revealed on the Web!).  I'm a bit envious of you (not for the first time) for joining the throng on the Mall.  The sense of momentous occasion allied with joyful optimism must have been quite intoxicating.  I cannot think of anything in my experience that might compare.   And though I'm disturbed by the man's voting record on many key issues, I, too, am optimistic about his Presidency, more because of how he handled his only previous executive experience at HLR and for the qualities of character and temperament apparent in his interactions with his family.  I've long suspected that he has what it takes to rise to greatness, to transcend politics and become a true statesman.  I only hope he's given the opportunity to feel at home in the office before getting tested by the first unexpected challenge...which might well come from Pelosi and her gang rather than from the Middle East, Korea, Wall Street, or the Senate Republicans!

Hogwash.  You never supported him.

[Herman]

I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed. 

This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?

[flyingdutchman]

This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?

Exactly.

[DavidRoss]

Hogwash.  You never supported him.

I see you are still confusing hate-filled bigotry for rational discourse.  And insofar as the question of support for Obama is concerned, you are wrong again--as usual.  (Are you sure that you and jbuck are not one and the same?)  See my post here for a statement praising Obama's character predating last year's Iowa caucus.  And whether I supported Obama in the past or not is scarcely relevant to the current discussion.  At issue is whether we, regardless of how we voted, support him now that he is our President and the figurative father of our nation. 

This is indeed the rightwing directive: sound reasonable and interested in cooperation with the White House, but start blaming the Dems ("Pelosi and her gang") already. BTW weren't you the guy who was a firm believer in the Palin magic? So why are you pretending to be an admirer of Obama now?

I see that Herman has been allowed to return again, older but apparently no wiser, still striving to sow enmity rather than to enlighten.

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! 

[Herman]

No comments about Michelle's plug ugly gloves holding the Lincoln Bible?

[Anne]

Hi Dave,

Nice to see you here again.  I hope bygones are bygones.

The Chief Justice administered the oath of office to Obama for a second time tonight.  If we want to get picky, where does that put the items Obama signed yesterday after taking the first oath of office?  Are they now in limbo?  I am not serious but I'm curious to see what some of his enemies are going to say.

[Opus106]

Okay, here are some BIG pictures from the inauguration.

I have a question about the inauguration. What if an atheist or a person of a different religion becomes the President (however unlikely that may be) - does (s)he still have take the oath with one hand on The Bible?

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Nice pics! Thanks for the link.

[bhodges]

Ditto, fantastic pictures.  Two in particular made me chuckle: the one from Iraq with the guys and hookahs, and the women at an electronics store at the Mall of America in Minnesota, sitting in chairs surrounded by dozens of TVs. 

--Bruce

[Opus106]

You're welcome. No. 23 is my favourite of the lot.

[Renfield]

the women at an electronics store at the Mall of America in Minnesota, sitting in chairs surrounded by dozens of TVs. 

That one also gave me a laugh.

Thanks for the pictures, opus67!