WASHINGTON (CNN) - As his first official action after being sworn in, President Barack Obama signed three documents Tuesday, including a proclamation declaring a day of national renewal and reconciliation.
"I'm a lefty. Get used to it," Obama quipped as he signed his name. "I was told not to swipe the pen."
The past three presidents signed similar reconciliation proclamations upon being sworn in.
Also signed by Obama were Cabinet and sub-Cabinet nominations. Those nominations will be presented to the Senate when it meets at 3 p.m. Tuesday,
and are necessary before the full Senate can confirm the nominations, according
to Senate staff members.
From CNN Politics
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I loved his speech, I hope people will understand what he means, and will do. As he said now is time to work, to do, not to sit and wait. Forget racism, embrace peace and creativity, not destructions.
Lovely speech.
Work, work, work...
Happy days are here!
Obama's speech had two major points, one against the past and one for the future. Against the past he repudiated Bush's trampling of the Constitution by saying that we would not trample our ideals for the sake of expediency–in effect a repudiation of torture, Guantanamo, violation of international laws, and so on that were characteristic of an "anything goes" X president; and the second, a forward look that says against the doomers and nay-sayers that Yes, we can do what's necessary. A great speech; and most appropriate at this time in history. He rejected scum like Bush and appealed to our higher selves. Wonderful!
why if we aren't a christian state does the president get sworn in with his hand on the bible?
Greatness is not a gift, it is earned...
The quote
What a great day for America, and for Sec. of State Clinton. Hillary, we're counting on you to keep us out of war and to regain America's standing in the world.
And here shall be the beginning of extraordinary changes like we cannot even imagine. America is back!
Nobody cares about that start signing over some checks and quick
As a Republican, I supported President Bush. As an American, I shall support President Obama.
I wish him the best in every way during these troubled times and will pledge my encouragement and prayers for a successful administration.
God Bless this president and our country.
I'm so happy I can't stop smiling!!!
Born Free? Now what about the Congo???
Lokk at him. Already to work on his historical day. May God bless you President Obama.
Gee I don't hear any comments on the ending of the prayer!
What a wonderful day, the day people of different color ,but one single race of "HUMAN BEING" gathered to show World that we are all one and help other nations to come out of their idealogy of terrorism, killing innocent human beings, greedy people and hanging out with useless belief of selfish religion. God bless Obama and us to fulfill idealogy of our fore-fathers's dream of free and fare society of United States of America.
We live and we let other's to live.
We are and we will be after the terrorism, eliminating the poverty around our Planet.
We will always have our third eye (Lord Shiva) on bad enemies.
We will show as usual that America is always America when comes to Technology for improving the health of human beings and Mother Planet.
THIS IS MOST AWESOME THING IN OUR HISTORY....DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE CELABRATED DR KINGS BIRTHDAY, I THOUGHT IT TO BE A GOOD TIME FOR THE SONG "WE SHALL OVER COME.'..HOWEVER IT WENT FARTHER THAN THAT BECAUSE I REALIZED THAT WE HAVE OVER COME TODAY. I PUT IT TO THE TUNE OF "WHAT A N AWESOME GOD WE SERVE"!
WE HAVE OVER COME , WE HAVE OVER COME TODAY....
DOC-TOR KING ASURED US, HEAVENLY ANGELS, ADORED US,
"WE HAVE OVER COME TODAY"
S H LAS VEGAS
Yes we can
I'm so proud of Barack Obama and so proud of America! Obama gives us a breath of fresh air and miles of hope at a time that we need it most. My prayers and best wishes are with him.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don't blame me for what's about to happen, I voted for McCain.
It would be a nice change of pace if he can get Americans to put America first and leave partisan politics behind. Let's make our representatives work to improve the lives of all Americans!
Holy god calm down people. He's just a man and if past presidents are any indication we are in for a rough future with this guy. Our liberties and rights are being stripped away before your eyes and all you can say is Wow, we have a black president now? 100 bucks says he's just as big of a fascist as the guy who left.
I hope he governs as a lefty too.
oh snap HURRAY FOR LEFTIES!
Fantastic and memorable speech! Congratulations, Mr. President! May the haters stay off your case as you prepare to try and fix the enormous mess ahead of you.
I am speechless as to how this made me feel!!!
We picked the right man for the right job and i believe that our new President will lead us as a nation to a better and brighter tomorrow.
May God Bless this great man and his family.
Proud American – Grover Cleveland's presidency was not consecutive and therefore is counted twice. Besides, I doubt if any cares about such a small blunder with this economy.
"I'm a lefty. Get used to it,"
Yeah, we know!
He is the 44th President and while 44 different men may not have recited the oath of office, the oath was recited 44 times, so there is no error you Proud yet arrogant American
It was so distateful to see religious invocations and the use of the Bible at so many points in the ceremony inaugurating the new president of a supposedly secular nation.
"Actionsauce January 20th, 2009 1:33 pm ET
And here shall be the beginning of extraordinary changes like we cannot even imagine. America is back!"
The Stock market is down 300 points. Not good change, in my book.
What kind of messiah is this guy?
Oh yeah, that's Bush's fault, right? Great to have a built-in excuse for failure.
Great speech. Well to the point and more about "we," than "I."
Obama looks so presidential.
Bush always looked like an uncomfortable cowboy who felt out of place.
He's a lefty all right!
Obama is an inspiration to me, as a 26 yr old banker, I feel like I can accomplish anything I put may mind to and WORK for... I do believe greatness is earned..... America is heading for greatnes................
Where's my Rainbow and Unicorn???
He's a "lefty" – no kidding, Barry!
Proud American: If he's the 44th president and since he gave his speech AFTER the oath of office, and there haven't been any women presidents, 44 men have given the oath of office. He could have also said 43 men prior to me, but 44 is still correct.
So, to not support Obama would be anti-American? Where were you people when Bush needed your support...when our troops needed your support. Such hypocrites! I'll support Obama because of the office of the presidency. This has nothing to do with his race (half white/half black), though many will say anyone who doesn't support Obama (the American) is racist. I don't support his liberal agenda, his socialist economic plans, or his stand on abortion. Argue all you want, the facts stand that this is the political platform he ran on. And for those of you who believe Obama is God-sent, God is anti-abortion and believes (check your Bible) that the union of 2 people is between a man and a woman.
Obama do not worry lefty is always good, much better than right , you can see what it did to bush being right wing.
CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT. WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.
Me supporting the democratic all the way, was kind of sad to see the Bush's fly off into the sunset.
A "LEFTY" he is alright. We shall soon see how far LEFT he really is now that he is in HIS White House....so he indicated the other day in a brief speech. I thought it was the PEOPLE's White House...oh well..>CHANGE has come....sit back and enjoy...NOW it is time to WALK THE TALK, not just TALK THE TALK.
george
rocheter, ny
Congratulations President & First Lady Obama. Best wishes to you both.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
the stock market is down 300 points and you blame the man WHO HAS NOT EVEN HAD THE ABILITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE ECONOMY. hE HAS NOT MADE ANY OFFICIAL POLICY. You are a complete moron.
I give him 6 months to make things much worse
As white Americans now in our 70's, my wife & I can never remember a day such as this. A dark door has closed & we see the light of hope & promise already as this unique individual, our new President, truly blest by God , opens a lighted window of promise on America's future. We too, are free to dream again as we serve & try to do our part to make this great democracy flourish & bloom. God Bless America! R. Asdell
Art in California January 20th, 2009 3:15 pm ET
It would be a nice change of pace if he can get Americans to put America first and leave partisan politics behind.
___________________________________________________
Not a chance, there will always be partisian politics. Both sides are full of it.
Welcome-to change and Good Vibrations!
Colorado Mom
hey BW-check your Bible. Judge lest ye be judged and treat others as you'd have them treat you. Jesus was always more about love and acceptance. that is what you need to focus on in your Bible.
Anyone who is anti-Obama is NOT un-American or racist. Stop using that as a crutch for-oh look I'm being attacked as someone who doesn't support Obama. If you have a critcism that is well constructed then no one will fault you for that. As for the racism-sadly there were a lot of people who did vote on those terms, hey on both sides of the equation but its' time to put that behind us. Don't be so defensive. If that's what you believe, simply say, hey this is how I feel while I respect what you feel, that's not gonna work for me.
And alot of people supported Bush and the troops-don't go making blanket statements. My family paid the price in blood-first at 9/11 and then in both wars. This is not a time to be negative, oh teh stock market is down (um, yea, they announced a TON of layoffs today-noting Obama can say can rival numbers) and no one is saying, ok it will all be fixed. But to look at the positive, maybe there is change. Maybe we can all stop lookin to the past and look to the future.
mj. I put it in small letters cause your small minded...America's moving forward.
Very inspiring speech, President Obama!
God bless you and your family; God bless the Biden family!
he should sign my check...........
Obama is going to be a terrible president, and he will certainly reduce the USA to a 3rd world country. So get out the popcorn and watch the disaster begin – it should be hilarious!
The pettiness being written here isn't admirable, cute, funny, or valuable in the slightest. There were days before the war when antiwar folks had their lives threatened just for speaking up, but there's no plan to turn around and treat people so badly now that we have a new president and a vibrant sense of real relief. Those were frightening days, almost hard to recognize our country (the days of Freedom Fries and such), but this is a fresh beginning, and the small-minded comments being left here only reflect poorly on the people posting them. I hope it's just one miserable person posting under many aliases.
a few sad, sour people but they are rapidly fading into the past ... all noise and nothing constructive to say ...and soon forgotten ... the rest of America is moving on to the future.
as for those who ask "Where were you people when Bush needed your support…when our troops needed your support.?"
America was there: check Bush approval ratings at first ... then came the lies, ignoring BinForgotten and Afghanistan, invasion of Iraq for a whole list of ever changing reasons ... when America asked Bush what we could do ... Bush told us to "go shopping."
Supporting our troops? Always: The American public didn't send them to war ill-equipped for the war they were fighting: Americans were horrified to learn our military has to scrounge for parts to reinforce their hummers ... and appalled as we learned about Walter Reed and how veterans were and are treated.
Questioning the war is not questioning our troops: only the 24% Bush supporters think so ... better times for soldiers and vets are coming.
Hey anne marie lets see did jesus approve of abortions?
How about do something to get the stock market to turn around?
The OBAMA BUMP -300 POINTS ON THE DOW.
Wow Steve at 4:07,
Since you are in the same boat with everyone else, you may want to pray that your proclamation does not come true, Genius.
BW...you're quoting the old testament....which condones genocide, incest, slavery, etc.
To all the hateful commentators here I will simply quote our new President: "What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. "
wow~ something bama and I have in common- were both lefties, so I guess he can't be all bad! LOL – ok for President Obama
I hope he does well, and that in four years I can say the same about him as he has bush " I like the man" I just dont agree with him on politics.
May God bless him.
Thank-You President Bush and God Bless you and yours as well.
To steve and those who think like him, i would say u need to renew the way u think as an individual. First of all we have no world called 3rd world we are all on PLANET EARTH fortunately. what we have is the so called "developed and developing" As of today the developed countries have hit a plateau while the developing continue to develop!!!!! where was China a few decades ago? where is it now? You need to think like an educated fellow not like a literate fellow. To Obama and the USA i say BRAVO for the far u have come, people like steve though America will remain stagnant in segregation, racism and arrogance. America has shown once more its moving forward in the right direction. I suppose some fear that this administration will try to revenge for what was done to those of African decent, I THINK IT IS UNLIKELY since president Obama has continued to press the idea of togetherness. Cheer up and take your responsibility as a person for the days you have on the PLANET EARTH. REMEMBER WE ALL BREATH THE SAME AIR EVEN IF WE ARE IN "1ST OR 3RD WORLD".
Watching President Obama become our nation's 44th President filled my heart with joy and has given me so much hope for our future as a nation and as a people. "E pluribus unum" is how I would phrase this historical day. The multitude of people in Washington & around the world reflect just that!
America is a Christian nation that practices tolerance and acceptance towards all faiths. If Barak were Muslim and wanted to take his oath on a Quaran, he would be allowed. If he were atheist and wanted to take the oath on a Washington Post sports section, he would be allowed. Get over the religious aspects. i don't think he's a miracle worker, but not giving him a reasonable chance isn't going to help. I am hopeing he does a good job, not for him, but for all Americans that need it most.
Thank you, President Obama. Our long, eight-year-old, national nightmare is over.
Onward, America!
Dang, Obama ripped my retirement account today! Thanks alot!!! Really, nice one guy!
After such a day as this, following the past eight years, it is difficult to imagine how some people hate Obama. Such people either have the IQ of a mongoose or they haven't watched events unfold during the Bush administration. To these people I say, please give him a chance! The rest of us put up with Bush for 8 years as he destroyed our profitable economy, our standing in the world and the unabashed and further degradation of our planet. Won't you now give peace a chance?
Let me make one correction: America is SUPPOSED to practice religious tolerance. It doesn't always seem to work out that way.
Feeling very optimistic after this amazing historical event!
Bir,
Buddy our nation was founded on christian principals. Get a grip. The way this world has turned we could use more prayer. But our constitution protects all from having those principals shoved down their throats. I suggest that you go to your place of worship and pray where ever it maybe. Even if you are an atheist find a house of basic principalities and meditate.
Has he turned water into wine yet?
"Obama raises hand, lifts America" What??! He is NOT Jesus, stop trying to portray him as such. He has not achieved anything in his life. The media is pathetic.
Elizabbeth @ 4:09
"I hope it's just one miserable person posting under many aliases."
It would seem so. Those aliases all seem to make the same grammatical mistakes over and over.
Timber and the rest f you who are hating on Obama guest what he is the president of the USA so you can get over it it aint nothing that you can do to change that.
We do NOT NEED RELIGION in our government. If we did, whose religion would we choose? Talk about starting a holy war.
I can't believe all the negative comments! This is our country at work here, our democracy that has voted him in. I don't know why people think he's the magic pill that is going to make the country suddenly better, or on the other hand, oh no the world is now coming to an end. How foolish! No I didn't vote for him, but he's now my president and has my full support and in my daily prayers. I just pray that he also supports his statements of freedom to believe as I do as a fundamental christian and be allowed to worship without fear of severe pursecution as in other countries. And to be allowed to pursue the hobbies that I do in spite of most people around me not liking them. I just think how unpatriotic of people to try to bash our new leader. God bless you Obama and family!
I did not vote for Obama, but will support him as the president. I have a bi-racial grandson, and I'm glad that perhaps he too will be judged by the content of his character, and not the color of his skin.
I can see by the regular lefty commentators, there is no new day , just the same old partisan rehash of mangled facts put out by George Soros and the unions.
I loved President Obama speech today.It was a rejection of the past and a new begining where we hold true to the constituation and ideals of the founding fathers.
The low level of some blog comments is disappointing. Socially and politically, I do not believe I will see a greater day.
His speech today was uninpiring. The crowd got more worked up during the good reverends prayer when he chastised whites.
Just another president.. who cares
I want your presidency to be a success, best of luck Mr. President, but we don't want your socialism.
you anti-Obama really make me laugh. You HATE that you lost, you HATE that the stranglehold of the right wing is completely gone. And you are actually AFFRAID of the downfall of our country. You weren't angry or affraid when your country, pay check, and freedom were taken from you for the cause of "gettin the evildoers". If you seriously see no problems with the last 8 years, you might seriously consider therapy.
Dorothy Takashina:
Yes we will. Tomorrow will be even greater that today, and the day after that greater. We all need to take personal responsibility and keep this country moving forward. Together we can pull ourselves up as one America.
Are some of you really so foolish that you think the market drop today is Obama's fault? Where have you been? What are you smoking? And let's see. I'm pretty sure Jesus would provide universal health care, particularly to poor children. McCain's plan? Not so much. Jesus probably wouldn't have approved of McCain's multitude of homes, either (remember the Parable of the Rich Fool?). Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians dead in Iraq. Thousands of dead American soldiers for a war Bush was unable to justify. Not sure Jesus would like that, either. Before you Christians go pointing fingers at Obama, remember what else the Bible says: blessed are the PEACEMAKERS. I'm really not sure why there has to be so much hate and hypocrisy in this country, but I sure am tired of it. God bless President Obama!
Obama is a completely unknown quantity. Those who expect great things from him might be very disappointed four years from now when they realize that he isn't The Great Messiah that he and his followers make him out to be. I didn't vote for him because of what he campaigned on. Interestingly, he's already sounding and acting like Bush in many respects, especially on terrorism and national security. The more things "change", the more they stay the same.
When th party is over, I HOPE THE HELL he gets it right. The hard working citizens have had enough. Like I said, I hope he gets it right,
THE FIRST TIME. Not thru trial an error.
First hint, just do the OPPOSITE of what Bush did. That backward maze will be easy enough to follow!
WHAT i don't get is that I here alot of people says he done such a great job. To all those people go and see what he has done in the senate, nothing. Lets see what he does in 2 years and then we will know what he will be capable of. He's no different than anyone else that walks in this world except for the name of president.
"why if we aren't a christian state does the president get sworn in with his hand on the bible?"
Because that is HIS religion and we can respect HIS religion – but not impose it or its doctrines on other people.
Welcome to what America really is.
Listen to his words, what they mean, how he presents them, and in what context they are presented. All of these attributes add up to a man who know more than most. He can extrapulate what is necessary to know and put it to good solid use. This all indicates what kind of character he has. His honesty is evident, he does not hide behind anyone or anything he just says what we need to hear whether we like it or not, its the truth. You can tell a lot of a person by the way they present themselves and the words they use. Barack Obama is quality and always references what inpires him – we the people! Reguardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, or any other diversity.
Where's the check for my mortgage and gas Obama promised?
god bless obama biden with the pepole of the USA
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! i didn't vote for this leftist and I don't support his agenda. As the liberal's said during the Bush administration, "He's not my president!". And I'll give obongo the same kind of (dis)respect they gave President Bush. Can't wait till this socialist is out of office. He's going to ruin our country.
This was a great day for this country and the world! We go forward.
Great speech, great day. Somehow, if everything goes well, I even less care if Bush/Rumsfeld/Cheney end up in prison or not. After all, their guilt is shared by many who voted for them and supported their crimes.
More importantly is for Obama administration to succeed in making our country stronger by elevating science, education and hard work over money-bags and 'celebs'.
Dan,
Bush and Obama are the same?
You obviously have been in a coma for the last 8 years if you really believe that.
Our nation has just been gifted with the opportunity to change the direction in which this country has been heading for the past eight years. Obama is not a savior; he is not all knowing, in fact far from it; He is just a man, mortal and far from infallible and he cannot turn the country around on his own. In order for changes to be made in our great nation the full force of the American people is needed. it is time for us all to take action.
The tough online bigots are just pure weak and brainless just like their parents
@reality
Reality? That must just be a concept for you.
America bought AIG, CITICORP, GM and Chrysler all under the administration of Bush a REPUBLICAN so, you need to google socialism for a definition..
we have socialism in America as brought to us by the Republican party. NOT Obama.
Erin:
Half of those people out there today do not belive you. They belive he is the Savior. Sorry but there is not a Government official that is any of that to me...
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..
Let's undo every sorry thing Bush has done. Please.
I can't wait to start picking apart all of Obama's decisions. It is going to be fun being on the other side for a change....giving the bashing and name calling.
why is it that "God" should bless america and not the world. i also think having a religious ceremonies at state events such as the inauguration is bias. if the president is so religious he should practice such thing in his private time. he is the president of the US which is full of people from all form, religion, color, and beliefs. this completely violates the constitution because it does not separate religion and state! i personally feel neglected during the opening prayer!
on all other issues!
Good Luck Mr. President.
we believ that you will make this country a better place!
Though too much to hope for, I wish all could just celebrate the historical significance of today. The election of our 44th president shows just how far our country has come. None of us will ever be in total agreement with the politics espoused by our elected officials, but we can be thankful we have the right to vote our beliefs, without being angry and disrespectful.
I personally wish former President Bush and his wife a good life, and will support our new President as he tries to overcome the many problems our country is facing.
Hey Steve @ 4:07
Bush already sunk this ship.
hi obama your my best presedent anyone can have im african amarican and im arabic bye i hope you send me some thing back ok bye ???????????
ALL I HAVE TO SAY TO ALL WHO HATES OR DISAGREES WITH THIS NEW PRESIDENT IS EITHER YOU ARE AN AMERICAN OR NOT AND IF YOU CALL YOURSELF AN AMERICAN THEN BARACK OBAMA IS YOUR PRESIDENT PERIOD END OF SENTENCE AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT MOVE SOME PLACE ELSE.
Awesome Day! My favorite part of the day were the preachers. Warren and Lowery delivered. In those moments of silence where their singular voice was heard, America felt united. I was praying with the tv. And Mr. Lowery, you are the jewel of GA. I just love your presence.
I am so inspired as so many others are with this new President. The world is sooo happy. We have finally embraced ALL Americans of all races, religions, ethnicities, etc. I love the Democratic party for this bold and great move that they took this past election. And my fellow Americans for voting President Obama in.
God bless this President and his family!!! God bless America!
Yes, we did!!!
If Obama were a Jew, he would place his hand on a Torah. If he were Islamic, he would have used the Koran and so on and so on. Come on, People, what is the sense of quibbling over what should go without saying.
I'm not a Christian, but I would be surprised if he called on the Great Spirit instead of his Bible. Come on, get real! What business of anyone how he sees the Creator... way too personal, People! Your Jesus said, go into your closet and pray.... and inner place within your heart!
For everyone hoping Pres. Obama does a great job, that he changes things for us. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT HE"S SAYING!!!
IT"S UP TO US TO MAKE THE CHANGE. WE THE PEOPLE.....He can't do it alone. It's WE not HIM
So what are you going to do to make a change? Are you going to get more involved in Govt., your childs school, the community?
Get up Get Out and get to work changing this country.