Inauguration Open Post: Hosted by the 44th President of the United States

This is your Open Post for all things Obama inaugural today. The walk/parade begins at 11 am (-ish?) and the Obamas are due at Capitol Hill at 11:30. This should be the order of things – and FYI, I’m leaving out some of the musical acts, so these are just the major points. Senator Chuck Schumer will make the welcoming remarks, then the invocation by Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of the late Medgar Evers. Soon after that, Joe Biden will be sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, then James Taylor will play “America the Beautiful”. Then Chief Justice John Roberts swears in Pres. Obama at 11:55 (if everything goes according to plan). Incidentally, the Chief Justice messed up the oath in 2009, and John Roberts had to come to the White House later that day for an oath mulligan with the president. It’s said that the Chief Justice will have his oath cheat sheet this time around so there will be no mistakes.

After Obama is sworn in (even though he took his constitutionally mandated oath yesterday – video below), he will give his second inaugural address, then Kelly Clarkson will sing “My Country Tis of Thee”, then a poem by Richard Blanco (he’s gay and Cuban!), then Beyonce will sing the National Anthem. Here’s the video of yesterday’s swearing in, which was done privately in the Blue Room of the White House. I like that both of the Obama daughters were basically like “Yay, you didn’t mess up!”

Incidentally, I bet all of what I’ve just discussed will get less ink than whatever Michelle Obama wears for the swearing in, and what she wears for the inaugural balls. I doubt she’ll repeat designers, so probably no Isabel Toledo or Jason Wu (she wore both in 2009), but Michelle will definitely wear American designers, and they’ll probably be fresh and new. Plus, everybody is already talking about her bangs (which I still dislike, even though I love her).

More White House videos:

Photos courtesy of the White House’s Flickr stream.

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144 Responses to “Inauguration Open Post: Hosted by the 44th President of the United States”

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  1. Nev says:

    Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Jean says:

      Spent the greater part of the morning watching the inauguration of President Obama. He has a beautful smile and teeth. His speech though was nothing earth shattering, just that we have to pull together. Gonna be a long four years.

  2. Post-Its says:

    The Obama girls are getting so big!

    • goga says:

      I loved how the youngest daughter seemed soo over it, sweetly yawning and fidgeting with her gloves.

  3. Amelia says:

    I don’t quite know what the etiquette is for inaugurations, so uhhh – congratulations America!
    Watching it on the BBC news channel tucked up in my dressing gown, Sherlock stylee 🙂

    • aquarius64 says:

      As an American, thank you. Although 51% of the country wanted him back for a second term, I hope things will try to work out for the best interest of the country.

    • bluhare says:

      As a Brit living in the US, I watched it in my dressing gown too. (Solidarity and all that.)

    • Snowpea says:

      You Yankees love a bit of pageantry dontcha? You can see how moved everyone is. Beyonce did a good job but that wig was horrid.

      Us Aussies arent so good at that stuff. We’re too busy hurrying up the boring stuff do we can move on to the beers and snags 😉

      • Sal says:

        Lol, so true. Mum was saying to me, “its a bit over the top don’tcha think?” All the dances just for being sworn in. In Australia, the PM is sworn in by an official and its not televised, no one cares. Maybe a 25 second grab on the news, but the swearing in has never been seen as anything of importance nor anything of national interest. Election day is a bigger deal, but after election day, no one cares to see the boring stuff like swearing in. The pomp and circumstance in America for something thats merely paperwork is bemusing to me, but I do like Obama and wish him and America well.

  4. Hubbahun says:

    Hang on…Kaiser…you DON’T like the bangs????

    😛 xxx

      • Suzanne says:

        As a former hairdresser, I can spot wigs, extensions, hair pieces and whatever else you might try to slip by with…and I thought the same thing when I saw her just now at the inauguration. I do NOT think she’s attractive AT ALL nor do I think the bangs did anything to enhance her look. I can’t get past the bull-dog under bite! I would be proud though…of him…as she clearly is. Congratulations to the First Family. God Bless America!

      • c'est la vie says:

        Someone on the news just described them as a handsome couple – believe me she is far from being unnattractive.

        I personally think she is absolutely beautiful and a fashion maven – love the coat and boots ensemble she has on now.

      • gg says:

        I think she’s attractive, has a killer body and dresses very well. I’ve never noticed her underbite, but I have noticed they’ve raised her brows a little on the inside to combat what was looking like “mean brows”. I think she looks really great and is a wonderful role model. In fact I’d rather she were POTUS instead of FLOTUS!

  5. Riana says:

    Lovely man, lovely family, glad to have him for our 44th and may his 2nd term be one of achievement and improvement for himself and the country.

  6. carrie says:

    the new president of USA looks like so much the last year’s president of USA (bad joke i know but i like it)

  7. snark says:

    Okay, have to say I am not a big fan of Shelly’s coat. Love Thom, love the purple on the girls, but that cut is a bit too twee for the FLOTUS. She is a big girl, and that fabric is stiff and it looks like a tent on her when she moves. Shelly needs more of an V silhouette for her shape.

  8. Naye in VA says:

    Ok then let’s switch it up. Sasha’s dress is absolutely adorable!

  9. soxfan says:

    My 18 year-old daughter is there! She and a friend from college decided to head out last night. They are having a wonderful time.

  10. aims says:

    Yay, us!!! Obama is an amazing man and I’m beyond happy that he gets another term. Love him and his family. Four more years!!

  11. gg says:

    Good for him for winning again, but I don’t understand why we have an inauguration for sitting presidents who get a second term. Seems a colossal waste of funds and resources for nothing more than a symbolic ceremony and party. I see a hell of a lot of waste when we just don’t have it to spare.

    • Kiki says:

      But isn’t all of this paid for by private funds? Also, is today a holiday for United Statatians?

    • Esmom says:

      gg, you might see it as a waste but I think the event is a good and important reminder for people of all political persuasions of how this country’s government should look and work….united and proud to serve.

      How refreshing that in these partisan times people can set aside their differences and support our POTUS, if only for a few moments.

      • gg says:

        I don’t have a huge problem with the ceremony itself; as a rule, I appreciate ceremonies. I just think the expenses could’ve been honed down a bit because it seems like it’s just another thing that is turning Hollywood and I’d like it to be more about the regular folk like us. I’m obviously in the minority here though.

      • Issa says:

        Totally agree. Its a demonstration of a democratically elected President. Switching over to new leadership under peace, parades, balls, and speeches. Not guns, bullets, and protest. Its for us the public to see a peace turnover of power.

    • lucy2 says:

      I kind of feel the same whenever someone is re-elected, but I guess it’s all part of tradition. I’ve read this is much more scaled down than 08, but it’s still a lot of work. I have a bunch of friends who work in the DC area and it sounds like a traffic nightmare.
      Probably good business for hotels & restaurants and stuff though, I guess.

      • gg says:

        If it is in fact scaled down I think that’s a good idea.

      • Willynilly says:

        I have been thinking about this since I first saw you post this morning. As an American, I am siding with you. A second term is awesome, but I don’t think it needs the fanfare of getting in on the first term. Or maybe the whole event is a little…much.

  12. lisa2 says:

    I feel so proud today. WISH I could be there.

    I think he is such a good man. I’m a girl who had a father that was a good man. Those are simple words but they mean a lot in this day and age.

    We the people of the United States have a GOOD MAN in office leading our Nation. I be not everyone can say the same.

    • gg says:

      Jimmy Carter was a good man too.

      • lisa2 says:

        YES he was and is.. my comment I think was regarding other nations trying to establish a more Democratic and FAIR government.

        We have had some amazing Presidents. And yes many of them GOOD MEN

      • gg says:

        I should’ve said “is” a good man.

      • gg says:

        Good luck to most of the other nations you speak of – I don’t know if some of them will ever be democracies. China is freaking me out lately, for example.

      • lisa2 says:

        Well we never do we. Some never thought we would see a Black man as President. Not once but twice.

        Sometimes we get surprised in the most amazing ways.

        China could surprise us one day. I hope in my lifetime.

      • gg says:

        I dunno, I can’t hold my breath for China. They treat their citizens like expendable trash, don’t care about government regulations, they steamrolled the Dalai Lama trying to destroy Tibet, now I read they’re eating tortured cats, for real. What next.

  13. mel2 says:

    I wish the Obamas well and hope Congress will work together for the good of ALL the people in America!

  14. jc126 says:

    Yayyyy!!!!!!!!!!! So glad President Obama was re-elected!

  15. lisa2 says:

    I love all the pomp and celebration. We don’t get to see this a lot. Nice to see him leaving and being driven to the ceremony. The limos and the military guards saluting. Getting that picture of the White House entrance. That beautiful drive down the driveway. Very nice. Really beautiful if you are watching.

    awww I cried when they showed the military men/women standing on the route saluting the President as he drove by in the car. Very moving..

  16. Rachel says:

    Personally, I’m over it. Not that I don’t love James Taylor (he’s got a friend in me), but with the financial crisis this country is in, I think there are better uses for the millions upon millions of dollars being spent for all this pomp & circumstance. Usher? Katy Perry? Lady Gaga? Really??? The inauguration has gone from being an auspicious event to a circus.

    • lady X says:

      PLEASE!!!!!! They have had an inauguration every 4 years even when we have had the worst economic times… why is is now an issue….???? There is a lot of money being wasted elsewhere too … this is not a waste …

      • Mich says:

        Take a deep breath lady X. It seems some people are so eager to find fault that they will begrudge even the most symbolic events of our enduring democracy.

        p.s. That said, please feel free to have a go at a poster below. I think you will quickly suss out who I mean 😉

      • Rachel says:

        I’m a registered democrat. Thanks. My comment had nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the circus that this “most symbolic event of our enduring democracy” has become. Sorry. I didn’t realize people considered Katy Perry and Usher symbols of our enduring democracy…

      • gg says:

        what Rachel said ^. Why in hell is dippy, boobie-squeezing Katy Perry anywhere near the inauguration?

      • Mich says:

        Hollywood-ized inaugural gala concerts go back generations. Truman’s line-up included Edgar Bergen. Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford put together Kennedy’s. James Brown was one of the performers at Nixon’s. Reagan had the Beach Boys. Clinton had Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. The list goes on (and on).

        http://www.grammy.com/news/stars-align-on-capitol-hill

      • Leen says:

        Mich, you are mentioning very talented artists and musicians. I find it a bit insulting that Katy Perry has joined the league of Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross.

      • Mich says:

        @ Leen

        I’ll take Franklin and Sinatra over Perry any day of the week, but that really isn’t the point. People are complaining about the Hollywood nature of the celebrations around the event as if it is something new. It isn’t.

        At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if I find Perry beneath my tastes. Lots of people love her, she was definitely a huge Obama supporter and she was hardly the only one performing (i.e. Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, Usher, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Marc Anthony and the…um…cast of Glee!).

        And its not like we, the tax payers, had to foot the bill for the event anyway.

    • Lori M. says:

      Rachel – I tend to agree with you.

    • irishserra says:

      Agreed.

  17. Lol says:

    I believe Lupe Fiasco strted an anti obama rant during his slot and got kicked off the stage

    • bluhare says:

      That was at a concert the other night.

    • Leen says:

      It wasn’t an anti-obama rant, he was apparently repeating a song lyric from his song words I never said which included ‘Gaza was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit’. Which is to be fair completely true, but again Obama wasn’t the siting president during that time.

  18. Magz says:

    Michelle’s dress/coat is beautiful!

  19. lisa2 says:

    awww Hillary and Bill. Glad she is doing so much better. Boy Rosaline Carter still looks the same.

    I know the 2 Bushes are not going to attend. Is something wrong with the younger George W Bush. He has not been seen in ages.

    • Esmom says:

      George H.W. has been very sick. I assume his son wants to be by his side.

      • Jayna says:

        I love President George H.W. Bush. I voted the first term for him (the only time I vote for a Rep. President), but not on re-election, voting for President Clinton the next term. George H.W. served his country for his whole adult life and has been a great humanitarian. I loved seeing him and Clinton working together. I was glad to see him get out of the hospital, but his health is failing steadily.

      • lisa2 says:

        Bill and George working together was one of the greatest things. Just so wonderful and again showed the possibilities. They were freaking COOL.. That bromance was epic.

      • bluhare says:

        He’s been released from the hospital. There’s no reason why W couldn’t have taken the morning to attend.

        Lisa2: So agree!!

      • Kim says:

        W was just spotted in Crawford,Tx His dad is in Houston according to Jenna

  20. Apsutter says:

    I’m so happy that he was re-elected and big business received a clear message that they couldn’t buy the presidency. Also they just introduced Bill and Hillary and I love them. Glad Hil is better and out of the hospital now.

  21. Mich says:

    Hooray! Watching from Cape Town!

  22. Boxy Lady says:

    I like the First Lady’s new haircut a lot. I think it makes her look younger (not that she looked old before, mind you). And SoS Clinton looks happy and well rested.

  23. Jayna says:

    I got tears in my eyes when I saw Hill and Bill. 2016.

  24. Mila says:

    I love Obama. Congrats USA!

  25. lady X says:

    LOL He was sworn in yesterday dear …. You fact check !!! LOL The constitution says he must be sworn in on Jan 20th by non … that was yesterday (sunday)

  26. megan says:

    Not an Obama fan. Where are all the people who screamed during Bush’s administration about our civil liberties being taken away? Why are they silent now? I guess it only matter which party is in power, not the actual principle.

    I don’t blame Bush for not going, why would you want to attend a celebration for the person who’s been blaming all his failures on you for the last 4 years and getting away with it?

    Hopefully the scales will fall from our eyes sooner rather than later.

    • jensational says:

      @ Megan you are right on except for the Bush part! He did his share of legislating by executive orders AND violating our Bill of Rights! Bush and Obama together have done a number on us but Congress is mostly to blame as they are the ones that are supposed to keep presidents from abusing their power and to uphold the Constitution. The day the 114th congress took their oath was the world record for the most lies told in a single day. 😉

      • annaloo. says:

        THIS!

        So true.

        “It only matter which party is in power, not the actual principle.” Not a single REpublican put their foot down when things like the privacy violating Patriot Act was passed, and where were the reluctant-to-$pend Republicans when a war we couldn’t pay for was waged. EVERYONE is guilty of defending and supporting BS their party proposes bc the US is still not color blind (meaning red vs blue)!!

    • cr says:

      If you’d visit actual progressive sites they’ve been on him for this since the beginning.

      • Mich says:

        @ Megan

        You started by asking where all the people blah blah blah were. You were told that if you looked outside the Faux News bubble you would have no problem finding them. Your response is that you prefer to stay inside your bubble. So why ask the stupid question in the first place? You clearly didn’t want an answer, just a fight.

    • aims says:

      Bush jr was a horrible president! Yes I said it, I’m fully prepared for the backlash. Jr, was a bully, liar ,corrupt, arrogant, and ignorant president. He gave us two wars, put us into debt, tarnished our reputation with other countries. So no, I don’t want him on the same stage as Obama, he doesn’t deserve to be there. Jr started his presidency in a shady way and it got even more shady as time went on. Im now prepared to take the sh** storm that is going to come my way for posting this, lol.

    • bluhare says:

      You don’t have to be an Obama fan to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of an inauguration, and it’s pretty sad you let dislike of one person ruin it for you.

      I watched W’s inaugurations, even though I can’t stand him, and enjoyed them.

      You might try looking at something without prejudice.

  27. lady X says:

    I AM SOOO HAPPY …. As an African American to be watching a black President be sworn in a second term on the exact day we chose to honor our hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr … is such a blessing … We are watching that dream come to pass … so glad …
    We have a great President and great Fist lady … and he is truly doing the best for the country as a whole … not just a small group of people

    • aims says:

      Agreed! What an important man on a important day.

    • RN says:

      Yes, my kids and I had the same thought. It is a beautiful day.

    • bluhare says:

      Agree Lady X. I am an immigrant (huddled masses and all that) and I never thought I’d see an African American president in my lifetime. I thought we’d see a woman first (sorry, Hillary!!) So glad he was re elected.

    • Leen says:

      I don’t know, even though I like Obama (dislike his foreign policy though), I still think the comparisons to Martin Luther King are unwarranted. Martin Luther King was a great man and he really did stand up for justice all over the world, Obama has his issues to sort out and he doesn’t have a clean record on civil liberties (Guantanomo, Patriot Act). He also bounced a lot from his previous positions and his foreign policy obviously is obscenely in favor of discrimination and apartheid.

      • lady X says:

        I did not make a comparison … I was speaking about the prophetic vision “dream” that Dr King had .. and that I was happy to be alive to see it with my own eyes…. A Black President sworn in for a second term on the day we as African Americans fought sooo hard for to have honored as a National Holiday ….
        I never compare people period… everyone has their own journey to carve out in live… But I am a spiritual person and I see the blessing in God allowing his vision to come to pass …

      • Leen says:

        Sorry, this was just a general comment about what I’ve been seeing on the internet and some articles.

        But to be honest, he is mixed raced, half white. Meaning he is as much as a white man as a black man (I am mixed raced too and it is my pet-peeve when people don’t recognize that people are not this or that or the other, you are either black or white or asian, you can’t be black AND white apparently). I’m still waiting for a day when a black man is elected president, I think it would not that be easy even with Obama as a previous president.

      • Lotus says:

        @Leen – President Obama identifies as a black man so we refer to him as a black man. Whether or not his mother was white makes no difference, since I doubt anyone who looked at him as a stranger on the street thought, “Oh, he’s only half black so I’ll just be half-racist.” He had to work very hard to win the Presidency and I’m not sure it’s fair to say that since he had a white parent he didn’t have to work as hard as someone who has two black parents. I can assure you that the people in this country who despise him because of the color of his skin only see the black man. Otherwise we wouldn’t have birthers and most of the tea party.

      • Leen says:

        @ Lotus – You are missing the point. THe last thing I remember Obama has said he identifies as many things (he has frequently spoken about how he spent his youth in Indonesia and has half-Indonesian half-sister). He has spoken of himself and his family as a multi-cultural colorful family. As for the comment on the ‘oh he’s only half black so I’ll just be half-racist’, again you are missing the point. People are not solely racists to black people, that’s not what a racist means (it can mean from preferring one race to another to passing judgment on someone SOLELY on their race). Again color is a very hazy issue which I will not expand in this post because it is irrelevant (I’m thinking more along the lines of how they classify some people with dark skin color, darker than Obama’s, as Hispanics). It’s the same hullabaloo that occured during Apartheid where people whose skin color were dark were classified as colored despite the fact that their parents are white and after much campaigning they reverted to classification based on heritage. It is also the reason why you can come across dark-skinned people classified racially as White/Caucasian although they are not anglo-white.

        As for the people who despise him because of his skin color. You see, that’s the point. The ‘one drop’ rule. Just because his father was African (in addition, a Muslim and was largely absent from his life) apparently the rest of his heritage is void because he has been ‘tainted’.

  28. Remember The 80s says:

    I love that Sasha said “Good job dad.” So cute. Love this family and so proud of this man. Intellectually curious. Empathetic. Ethical. Four more good years coming up.

  29. Blannie says:

    I am SO proud to be an American today. Watching the choir sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic has me weeping. I am not one for pomp and ceremony, but watching Barack and his beautiful family makes me proud. With Republicans and Democrats in attendance, this is a moving example of the democracy we enjoy.

  30. Jayna says:

    Morning Joe (Republican Joe Scarborough) was fantastic this morning. He really covered a lot of ground regarding the Republican Party having their heads in the sand. Seventeen percent approval rating of Boehner. Nine percent for Tea Party. He and other Republicans talked about how the far right has taken hold of their party as far as influencing who is nominated but that the party is not electable and that even Reagan couldn’t be elected by his own party these days they are so far right. He and others don’t understand how there isn’t self-reflection within the party going on with such low approval ratings, instead of just the rhetoric of talk radio (Rush), and to stand up against what has hurt their party. It was nice, all the Republicans on the show were covering the inauguration in such a respectful manner.

    I love that show because it brings on Democrats and Republicans for healthy debate. I really hope both sides can come together better than they did for the first term. The good of the country should be more important than political gains. Compromise.

    • Apsutter says:

      I’m a hard core democrat and I love Morning Joe. His show is very refreshing because it fosters healthy debate between both parties and he is incredibly well spoken. It’s refreshing to watch pragmatic Joe with all the the other crazy right morons slinging mud constantly. I got turned onto his show by one of my high school history/government teachers who is an old school republican. Mr D worked to instill that we all need to have respect for all the parties and especially respect for the office of the president.

      • Jayna says:

        I agree. I am a Democrat and love that show. I actually turned it on the morning after Obama was reelected and was so pleased to see Joe’s congratulation on air to the president for reelection, calling him a good man even if their ideologies were different on a lot of issues, and not being gloom and doom, that out country is now socialist, blah, blah. I flipped to Faux News right after Obama won and they were frightening, and the next day started the absolute hate-mongering.

        I will never understand one person fighting the ban on assault weapons and high magazine clips. It boggles the mind, and to see Joe change his stance afterward publically made me have more respect for him. It was a very thoughtful speech. Though, I don’t get how anyone would be against it, except the GOP is in the NRA’s pocket. I don’t agree with Joe’s stance on many issues, but I do like the debate and respect shown on the show, which is healthy for our country.

    • Blannie says:

      I love Morning Joe too and wish there was more exchange between thoughtful Dems and Republicans like on that show. We need our two parties to get together to accomplish big things, not just sit and fight like children.

      • bluhare says:

        Can’t say enough “amens” to your post!

      • Gracielove says:

        “Both sides” are not involved. The GOP and the Tea Party are obstructing anything and everything that goes on in the government. It’s the GOP/TP that voted against the funds for Sandy relief. It was the GOP/TP that wanted to shut down the government.

        This whole “it’s both sides” is a big fat lie. Get your facts straight.

      • Seagulls says:

        +1 to Gracielove.

        This is not the Democrats threatening to steal everyone’s toys from the sandbox and go home. This is the Tea Party.

    • Lotus says:

      Morning Joe is great until Joe Scarborough starts snapping his fingers at Mika and interrupting her when she tries to make a point that differs from his own. I’ve seen him fly off the handle a number of times, though he always comes back and apologizes. He’s just as prone to irrational behavior as most ideologues.

  31. Winnie says:

    Geez. Came to read the comments to see what people thought of Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce and you all are talking about politics.

    • bluhare says:

      I was underwhelmed.

      I was overwhelmed by Medgar Evers’ widow and the poet whose name I’ve forgotten already.

      • Apsutter says:

        Richard Blanco. He’s the youngest inaugural poet and he’s also gay and Cuban! I think that Bey did a fantastic job. She didnt over sing it and she looked beautiful and humbled.

      • bluhare says:

        Thank you apsutter. I didn’t know he’s gay as well as Cuban. I loved his poem.

        Though I don’t think Beyonce has had a humble moment in the last ten years. Sorry!!

    • Boxy Lady says:

      Okay Winnie here ya go: I loved how Kelly Clarkson was completely down to earth. She came out, did this nervous little two-handed wave; belted out her song, doing an incredible job with it; and then tried to scurry away before she turned back and did her nervous little two-handed wave again. I thought she was just adorable with that. On the other side of the spectrum, Beyonce came out totally looking like a diva (the hair!!!) , albeit a nervous one. I noticed that her face went from all smiley to completely serious, as though she was looking out on the crowd and realizing how monumental the occasion was. Then she went back to diva-mode right after she finished (her arm in the air). Poor Joe Biden got no love from Beyonce and you can tell he was disappointed 🙂 Beyonce did a great job though and I noticed, just like a poster below did, that she was cribbing from Whitney Houston’s version of the anthem. I thought it was cute when she went back to her seat and Jay-Z put his arm around her like,” Good job, honey!” In that moment, Beyonce did not look like a diva, she just looked like a relieved woman with a supportive husband.

    • annaloo. says:

      Ok– I’ll comment: “I AM SICK OF BEYONCE!!”

    • Seagulls says:

      It was an Inauguration! Politics is appropriate!

  32. RN says:

    Well, that was fairly restrained for Beyonce. I kept waiting for her to break into “All the Single Ladies” for some reason.

    Overall, a very beautiful ceremony. I teared up. I would love so very much to see the US progress forward towards peace and harmonious living for all people and creatures.

  33. c'est la vie says:

    I’m so glad and proud that Obama is a two term president today…

    I just knew he’d be re-elected. Knew it!

  34. eb says:

    Wow – Beyonce seemed to totally copy the Whitney Houston Style (the most watched one on youtube) of singing the National Anthem. Only once she seemed to deviate probably from lack of range. (Whitney went up; she went down.) And one trill. It sounded like her. Am I the only one who noticed this? It must have been deliberate. It was well done, but referencing the best done version of the National Anthem was a bold and dangerous step, because it can only point out where she falls short of Whitney. But overall, not bad. She did a great job. Very respectful.

    • lisa2 says:

      I got the Whitney vibe too. My Mom called me and said the exact thing.

      Kelly did a great job. Her song was very emotional.

      They both did a good job overall.

  35. Janet says:

    Love the First Lady’s coat, but I just can’t with those bangs. They don’t do anything for her.

    • bluhare says:

      I wish they were a bit featherier. But then that probably would have required layering the sides a bit and maybe she didn’t want that. I see a grow-out in the near future.

      • Janet says:

        They should be feathered more; they’re too heavy. I’d better get off this topic because my DIL just gave me holy hell for criticizing the First Lady’s bangs.

  36. squirrelbait says:

    good for him for referencing stonewall

  37. redd says:

    I’m all for the inauguration ceremonies- but not for paying and paying the ridiculous money you know the paid for B’s big ass. She can sing, true, but just don’t go thinking she did this out of the goodness of her heart.

    • Apsutter says:

      I’m sure that Beyonce wasn’t paid for that performance. She is always talking about POTUS and FLOTUS and jay and bey have been invited to many events at the White House. I highly doubt they pay performers to sing at the inauguration since it would be seen as a huge honor to be asked to sing.

  38. Janet says:

    I wonder if Orly Taitz is in mourning today?
    😆

  39. KellyinSeattle says:

    God bless the USA

  40. bea says:

    A great day to America!

    I know those bangs have been talked about ad nauseum……but I just gotta say – they look great in some pics and horrible in some of the others. I hope she grows them into some layers soon.

    Still, they make a stunning couple!

  41. Garvels says:

    I am not a fan of the presidents fiscal policies but he certainly has a beautiful family. I love Michelle’s bangs and his daughters are precious.

  42. Agnes says:

    on a shallow note, FLOTUS looked stunning! her outfit was absolutely perfect. 🙂

  43. Janet says:

    Holy shit, did anybody catch that side-eye Michelle threw at Boehner? Priceless! You can see it here:

    http://gawker.com/5977763?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_twitter&utm_source=gawker_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

  44. Janet says:

    Click for cute shot of presidential smooch. Then scroll down for funny gif of Malia ruining Sasha’s photo of presidential smooch.

    http://gawker.com/5977812/barack-and-michelle-obama-sneak-a-smooch-in-adorable-inauguration-parade-photo?popular=true

  45. dorothy says:

    God help us.

  46. Schnauzers!!! says:

    Eh, don’t get the Obama hype. He has done nothing for our country other than make us the laughing stock of the world. Hope we still have our freedoms in 4 more years…

    • Leen says:

      Actually, Obama has boosted the image of the US in the last 4 years. I cannot begin to tell you how despised GWB over the world.

      Believe me, George W Bush was the butt of jokes everywhere. From Europe to the Middle East to Asia.

  47. Ranunculus says:

    Maybe Hillary will be the next POTUS and after that Michelle will move from former FLOTUS to POTUS. Although I could really get with the idea of Joe Biden being POTUS and Michelle being Vice Prez. Either way I like all of them.

  48. Janet says:

    Love the FLOTUS’s dress but DAMN, Jennifer Husdon looks FABULOUS!