Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and More Inauguration Highlights
From President Obama’s climate-change challenge to Beyoncé’s booming rendition of the national anthem, watch the best moments from the inauguration.
George Stephanopoulos Confuses Bill Russell for Morgan Freeman
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day. That happened.
Biden’s Inauguration
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic person to administer a presidential or vice-presidential oath of office Monday, guiding Vice President Joe Biden through the ceremony. She was the also fourth woman to ever administer an oath.
James Taylor Sings ‘America the Beautiful’
The big Obama bundler was mulling a run at John Kerry’s empty Senate seat, but James Taylor is sticking to music for now. His rendition of “America the Beautiful” suggests that that’s good news.
Obama Gets Sworn In!
Braving the cold, President Obama took the oath of office for the second and last time, placing his hand over two bibles: one used by Martin Luther King Jr. and another that belonged to President Abraham Lincoln. Chief Justice John Roberts got the oath right this time around, and both President Obama and Chief Justice Roberts inscribed the King bible, at the request of the Kings.
Obama: ‘Our Journey Is Not Complete’
In his inauguration address, President Obama laid out the framework for his second term. On the docket: women’s equality, gay marriage, the DREAM Act, and voting rights. Looks like it’ll be a busy four years.
Obama’s Climate-Change Challenge
“We will respond to the threat of climate change,” President Obama said determinedly during his address. “Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms.” Boom.
Obama to Congress: Get to Work
“Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time,” President Obama said toward the end of his address. “But it does require us to act in our time.” Congress, were you listening?
Kelly Clarkson’s Awesome Performance
One American Idol performed for another Monday, as Kelly Clarkson nailed “America (My Country ’Tis of Thee).” Simon must have been proud.
Obama’s Last Look
The heavily programmed inauguration ceremony ended with a genuine, unscripted moment Monday, as President Obama stopped to take one last look over the crowded Mall. “I want to take a look one more time,” he said. “I’m not going to see this again.”
Obama's First Term In 120 Seconds
Have you been living under a rock for the past four years? Well, if you have, here is everything you missed during President Obama's first term. In 120 seconds.
FAQ
Historic
25 Fun Facts From Inaugurations Past
Botched oaths, a lassoing cowboy, $4 inaugural-ball tickets, and more iconic inaugural moments.
Speech
Presidential Address
The Second Inaugural Curse
As the nation watches, Barack Obama has a chance to use his Inaugural Address to set the narrative for his second term, writes John Avlon.
Big Money
FLOTUS
MOBAMA
Are You Watching?
Send Us Your Inauguration Photos!
Email us your pictures from the Mall on Monday—or just from your setup at the office or at home.
Bipartisan
The Daily Beast's Brunch
Inaugural Brunch’s Bipartisan Spirit
Howard Kurtz sets the scene at a brunch that drew everyone from Harvey Weinstein to Grover Norquist, David Axelrod to Eva Longoria. The Daily Beast’s bipartisan brunch, in partnership with Credit Suisse at Georgetown’s Cafe Milano, was co-hosted by editor in chief Tina Brown, Credit Suisse’s Pamela Thomas-Graham, Mark McKinnon, Longoria, and Weinstein.
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