Obama: A President In 35 Words

Barack Obama will use the bible held by Abraham Lincoln

Barack Obama is preparing to become the United States' first black president, bringing a message of hope to a nation battered by recession, weary of war and hungry for change.

Only a few men in the annals of American history have ever got to utter the 35 transformative words which take an ordinary citizen to the highest post in the land.
Barack Obama will join their ranks today, swearing the oath which will turn him into the 44th President of the USA.
How fitting that as he does his hand will rest on the very bible used by the 16th President Abraham Lincoln who ultimately gave his life in the battle to end slavery.
That link will add poignancy to what is always a moving occasion says historian Don Ritchie.
"It's a very important day. People really do get very emotional about it. Historians wax eloquent when they write about those moments," he said.

The inaugural events have begun

"They tend to look for a sign. If the sky opens up and a ray of sunshine comes through it is a good omen. If there is a blizzard they see trouble coming in the process," he added.
Barack Obama's famous gift of oratory will be tested like never before today as he delivers a speech which will be viewed by milllions around the world.
He has scrutinised the words of his forebears-including the President who he is so often compared to - John F Kennedy.
The words "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country," which Kennedy delivered in 1961 are still seared into the minds of a generation here.
The speech-writer who helped craft Kennedy's address has high expectations for President Obama. Ted Sorensen says like Kennedy, Obama should return to the themes he established during his campaign.

The inaugural stand in front of the US Capitol in Washington

"I think change, unity and hope will clearly be reflected in this speech. This speech will define his presidency. But it shouldn't read like a laundry list. It should be about broad values," he said.
Sorensen adds that Obama needs to make clear his priorities: "This is a speech to the entire world and by that I don't simply mean the western world. I think he hopes that countries hostile to us will be watching this speech and will gain a better understanding of the new America under new leadership."
In keeping with 200 years of history, after the Inaugural address Obama will then travel the route from the Capitol to the White House, trading formality for celebration.
A vast parade will take place involving 13,000 participants, floats and vehicles. And then in the evening comes the eagerly awaited Inaugural Balls.
There are 10 altogether including for the first time the "Neighbourhood Ball" where free and cheap tickets are available.

It is the moment in the day when every President learns to take a back seat to the First Lady and her gown.
Barry Landau oversaw Ronald reagan's lavish main ball in the 1980s and says these are harder times. The Obamas will need to strike the right balance in a struggling nation.
"We're not going to see the wonderful extravagance of the Reagan years," he said. The President Elect and Mrs Obama want people to think things are going to move forward. They don't want to feel like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette having a multi-million dollar party while the rest of the country is suffering."
He has a point but few here are likely to begrudge them a party after an historic battle which will see power invested in a man who embodies the very best of what the American Constitution demands - equality and freedom for all. The torch really will pass on to a new generation.
Party on tonight Mr President because the hard work begins in the morning.