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Subscribe to RSSPresident Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down a portion of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., during Monday's inaugural parade.
President Barack Obama walked the walk Monday, hopping out of his limousine to hoof it down Pennsylvania Ave. with the first lady during the inaugural parade, to the delight of crowds who waited hours in the cold for a chance to see history in the remaking.
His second-in-command stole at least part of the show, though.
The Obamas didn’t press much flesh, waving and smiling from a presidential distance. But Vice President Joe Biden worked the crowd like he was stopping by the county fair, racing from one side of the road to the other to shake hands and hug kids.
When NBC’s Al Roker shouted out a question, asking Obama how the day was going, he got an answer: “It’s going great!” Biden did him one better, dashing over to pump Roker’s hand.
The voluble veep gesticulated wildly at spectators, whipping them into even more of a frenzy – quite a feat considering the ear-splitting cheers that followed the president and Michelle Obama as they made their way from the Capitol to the White House.
They began the journey – one that presidents have made since Thomas Jefferson – in a black Cadillac that left from the foot of the Capitol.
Cries of “O-bama! O-bama!” swept down the avenue in waves as the limo made its slow crawl along the street, its flags fluttering in the wind, Secret Service agents walking briskly on the flanks.
Crowds were substantially smaller than four years ago; no official estimate was given out, but half a million people used the Metro to get to the route.
Still, they stood five-deep or more, bundled against the 40-degree weather, holding cameras over barricades for a picture of the first couple looking out the limo’s tinted windows.
“It was beautiful,” Tara Lucas, 38, an administrative assistant from Pearland, Texas, told the Associated Press. “All I saw was a face in a window and it was remarkable.”
“You felt the love,” added her friend, Connie Griffin, 41.
About halfway down the route, the presidential vehicle stopped, the doors opened and the Obamas got out. Hand in hand, they walked for more than a block, following the blue line that is painted on the asphalt every four years.
Then they got back in the limo, only to emerge again closer to the White House. Michelle Obama blew kisses at the stands. Her husband, a smile plastered across his face, gave his constituents the thumbs up, every gesture greeted with more applause.
People in Obama hats and buttons – and at least one woman in an Obama beach blanket -- yelled to them from the sidelines. Wide-eyed children danced and flung their hands out, hoping for a chance to touch the newly sworn commander-in-chief.
People had flocked to the route before sunrise to ensure a good view of the president and the pageantry -- from a red-coated fife-and-drum marching, to kids on 6-foot unicycles who joined floats from across the country, to NASA’s famous mohawk-topped flight controller Bobak Ferdowski on a float with a model of the Mars Curiosity rover.
Some were showing their support for Obama, others just enjoying the spectacle and symbolism.
Vicki Lyons, 51, of Lakewood, Colo., told the AP she was "mostly Republican," but attending the inauguration was "like standing in the middle of history."
"No matter who the president is, everybody needs to do this at least once," she said.
Moments after speaking with President Obama, NBC's Al Roker gets an impromptu handshake from Vice President Biden along the inaugural parade route.
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Obama takes ceremonial oath, tells nation 'our journey is not complete'
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Michelle Obama goes sparkling, sophisticated for inauguration
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I didn't vote for Bush Sr. but was working in DC at the time and went to his parade. As Vicki Lyons said above "attending the inauguration was "like standing in the middle of history". It is great to see our Government in process, and that no matter our differences we can have peaceful transitions of power. No matter what party you support, a cheer for our great Republic!!
"walk the walk" they drove about 2/3 then walked and got out of the car around a cnn reporter and he was giddy as a school girl. "this is historic" WTH is he talking about, this is his 2nd term !
cnn also was talking to the people in the crowd and they said they were bused in and got free tickets ?
they estimated the crowd about 800k a million people drop from 2009 and they had to give away tickets and free rides to get this !
and the luncheon speeches looked like the price is right with all the giveaways that were passed out !
Bush didn't get out of his car, so at least President Obama did. And there are no tickets to stand on the sidewalks.
Is it historic or a place in history? yes.
Mike, you come off like a big spoiled baby. First off, Compare the crowds during G.W.s two Inaugurations. At Bush's 1st Inauguration there were only about 300,000 Americans interested enough to go to all the trouble it takes to be there. At Obama's first there were over 2 million! And at Bushs' 2nd there were somewhere around 150,000. So in each case the numbers the second time around were cut in half which makes your point completely moot. If I wre you I'd think about why it is that Bush actually lost the first election and then was installed by the courts. Gore was the one the American people wanted for their president. That's a proven fact. The fact that so few Americans showed up at his Inauguration gives us another insight into how the people were feeling about having this jerk crammed down our throats against our will.
Aren't all Republicans and Tea Bags, big spoiled, me, me, me, babies. If not, you could have fooled me. LOL
jeese Mike, read what you just said. You sound like a spoiled child. I understand there are a few in this country like you but truthfully, even normal republicans understand this is a special day celebrating our democracy. This crap has got to change.
Mike, I feel your pain.
And your pain is delicious.
Leftist RACISM & BIGOTRY at it's best..............
Now there's a new talking point for the RWNJ talking heads at Fox Noise. "Obama buses in 800,000 supporters to view inauguration." "DNC pays for gifts and bus fares;to be reimbursed by Obama after Debt Ceiling is raised."
"Biden STEALS the show".......he didn't say anything stupid.
It's just so hard for a 'winger to say anything nice about Obama. This must have been a very bad day for many of the rightist persuasion; Obama's inauguration on MLK's birthday. What a PETTY PARTY!
Remember Bush's first Inauguration parade? All the patriots throwing eggs at his limo!!! It was an awesome day for America and democracy. The majority upset because he stole the electoral vote. Knowing what we know now they should have been throwing gernades at the Bush's. The Republicans will work hard to twist/steal the electoral college and defy the will of the majority to get political power. They are evil!
Mike - Are you trying to say no one wanted to be there? I know several people who were honored to be able to go. Millions of Americans voted for Obama and are thrilled he is being inaugurated today. Make no mistake about it!
Their like the child predictor who hands out candy to get them to go along for the ride and then, they rape them.
ROFL! Yeah, that's EXACTLY what it's like! Nailed it! LOL! Better watch over your shoulder for the hyperbole police there, chief! LOL...man, that actually made me bust up laughing! Assuming you have a job, how do you manage to keep it? HA HA ha ha ha ha ha!
Thats why their was the crowds. His sheeple haven't got jobs. They are all on the system
" ... like the child predictor who hands out candy ... "
So how much of the candy that you bought is left?
I guess it's obvious who the teabillies are - those who don't know the difference between "their, there and they're".
Or "preditor" and "predictor"
LOL - Wants to know - hahahaha - I totally missed that!
We love this president and his beautiful family and wish all of them a productive and happy four years. God Bless.
Hear, hear!
He better not walk far, for he is walking a very thin line. Asking god to bless gays is like asking a father to bless his BAD children who are spiritually lost.
Didn't Jesus tell the story of the Prodigal Son? I don't agree with you about gays, God loves us all.
God is a loving God but he does not condone or bless sin in away shape or form. God is also a just God and will judge those that don't repent of their sinful lifestyles before they die. I'm not just talking about gays either, I'm talking about all sin. Denial of the Holy Spirit is the only unforgiveable sin.
How pathetic judgemark... You are the typical example of what is wrong with fanatic religion.
Depends on which hypothetical "god" or "God" you believe in. In my world, we were all created equal, just as our Constitution says, irregardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, or sexuality. Not everyone in this country believes in the same "god" or supreme being or whatever name they want to give to their creator. And I praise this president for finally realizing the importance of that very part of the Constitution he swore to uphold...that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL and the INALIENABLE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Wow. Judgemark! You really know your god stuff! NOT! You: "is like asking a father to bless his BAD children who are spiritually lost." Dahh!!! Who's your Daddy, Judge??? I know who my Father is. And he blessed me when I was BAD. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.
I know some gay people who believe in Him and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. Who am I to say they can't be forgiven when I myself was a sinner without hope once. I'm still a sinner and so are you! I got news for you Judgemark. No one is good enough for God to love. He just loves us anyway. I think you need to confess your hatred and bigotry and ask forgivness for the harm you do to God's children.
After I became a born again Christian I thanked God for blessing me and loveing me long before I loved him. And I am no perfect person. He loves me in spite of my faults. Haven't you learned anything in your church??? What kind of church tells you that you are better than everyone else and have the right to judge others and decide who is and who is not worthy of His love???
If they've received Jesus as Lord and Savior then they should've turned from their sin. When I was saved my life changed drastically. Do I still sin, yes but not like I did.
Codsider-it This administration is trying to teach our kids it's OK to be gay. Yes God forgives our sins, no matter what they might be. But to continue living in the sins that you ask forgiveness for is not what God is going to accept as true repentance. Being gay is an abomination to God, tears down true family values, and is very destructive to the family that God has ordained. Homosexuality is spiritual darkness, no matter what you. I, or any one on this planet thinks. The blind lead the blind and they are doing a great job at it. If this country doesn't get back to it's true belief in Gods word and abide by it, well then, hang on tight little kiddies the ride is about to get pretty rough here at Disneyland. It is not OK to be gay! period and of story! That"s like saying it's OK to steal, do drugs, murder, cheat on you wife and so on and so on and they don't say that's OK. The evil one is very sly and trying to push this Homosexuality down our throats and it is bad news!
" ... The evil one is very sly ... "
How convenient. Must be nice to have someone to blame all the bad in your life on. "It's not my fault! I was tempted by the Evil One!"
And even nicer to know that you can do what you want to all week. And then on Sunday, go to church and say .... " Forgive me God for I have sinned!!!". Only to go out the next day and commit them all over again and again.
Excuse me while I go pray to the Tooth Fairy. (S)he is just as real as your deity. Neither of us can prove that they do exist. While neither of us can prove that the others doesn't.
Huh. Imagine that.
True faith is believing in something not seen. I have never blamed anyone for my wrong doings except myself. No, I can not do what I want all week and go to church and expect forgiveness. Christ Jesus is the same yesterday , today and will be forevermore. Oh yea, sorry but I don't know anything about some tooth fairy of yours!
" ... trying to push this Homosexuality down our throats ... "
You mean like you are trying to push YOUR idea of God down ours? Like you are doing here? You mean JUST LIKE THAT?
This article is about the President and the First Lady riding/walking down the street. And you can't miss the opportunity to push your God on to us. To lecture us on sin. To force your arcane belief system into the conversation.
And then have the balls to whine about " the evil one", "trying to push this Homosexuality down our throats".
Wow.
Huh. Imagine that.
Whatever, Judgemark. I don't like being preached to by bigots. Bigotry is also a sin isn't it? God's Word says that ALL sins are the same. There is no degree of sin. No such thing as a Mortal sin or a venial sin. Being pompous just turns people off. You will not reach very many souls for God that way. Have you never heard of "gentle persuasion"? I don't know what "family" you are talking about. I have brothers and sisters in Christ. And I have brothers and sisters (neighbors and all those others who don't believe in God.) They deserve my prayers and they deserve my love as well. That means I don't hate them or try to punish them for their sins. If they sin, God will take care of that. He will show them and they can choose to follow Him or not! God gives us our own free will for a reason. He wants us to choose Him! That's what I learned in my church and I verify it through the Word of God. That's freedom my friend. This country was not created to be a Christian only country. The use of the word God in any of our forefathers statements does not negate that part of the Constitution referring to religion. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ...." The Establishment Clause also says that there is a wall of separation between church and state. God is different things to different people.
Point is that some people are Christian and some are not. The government has no authority to dictate religion doctrine to anyone of us. Our Congress is forbidden to use the Bible as a basis for the creation of laws for the people of this nation!! Likewise every Congressman swears to uphold every part of our Constitution including this.
Just be grateful you live in this free country! You are free to think the way you do and you are free to express yourself on this. But you have no Constitutional right to force anyone else to follow your religious doctrine! What is so difficult to understand about this???
It would be wonderful, and my heart would rejoice, if everyone in this country believed as I do about God and turned from their sins. That will never happen. First they would have to believe in a God and then agree their actions are sins! I certainly don't want my government to force anyone to believe as I do!!!
You must be some fag with your boyfriends penis down yours!
Huh, Imagine that.
No Thanks!
Consider-it your a pansy azz push over that is lost in your gentle ways!
And by the way consider-idiot, nobody deserves anything!
I see now. I'm so sorry for you Judgemark. So full of hatred and bitterness! Must feel really rotten.
As for this, "And by the way consider-idiot, nobody deserves anything!" That's not a Christian way to think. But then everything you just said is far from Christian. Seems like "the evil one" has got hold of YOU.
I'm a woman and I thought you right wingers expect us to be "push overs". You know, because we're so weak and helpless and are only good for reproduction.
" ... And by the way consider-idiot, nobody deserves anything! ... "
Am I to assume that this statement includes you too? And that this statement, by you, includes YOUR Gods forgiveness?
And has your argument become so indefensible that you must stoop to name calling and vitriol? Or are you really just some whinny lame ass who lives in fear, ignorance, hate and bigotry? And then uses their Bible to justify it, and prove that you are right and better then everyone else?
Oh, and by the way. You do know/understand that Jesus was not white? And that the President IS whiter then Jesus?
Obama is whiter the Jesus.
Huh. Imagine that.
" ... True faith is believing in something not seen. ... "
No. True faith is NOT having to believe in something not seen. True faith is just believing.
I have faith. Simply because I believe. And I have no need for a book, or a God, to have it. No need for my faith to be validated by anyone or anything. No need to throw it into the faces of others. It requires no bloody pulpit. No shouting of it to the heavens. No conversion of anyone to it.
My faith is honest and real. Does not require that others share or believe it at all. It just exists. It is pure. It is simple.
It is Faith.
Huh. Imagine that.
Is this the Official Republican Judgemental Day or something?
All the holier than thou judges seem to be out in full force.
Seems to me I recall a pretty wise man once saying "judge not, lest you be judged". But, since so many Biblical principles don't seem to apply to republicans, perhaps this is one of them.
This is hilarious or should I say typical. A month or so a group of conservatives were chastised for merely mentioning the word “God” by the liberal big mouths. Obama uses the word “God” he is the end all be all. Finally something good has come from this sorry excuse of a President. I look forward to using this the next time the left goes on a God bashing tirade. Hypocrisy at its best.
Wow Judgemark, you showed your true colors with those last few posts. Not very christian of you. And by the way, it is OK to be gay. God bless America and President Obama.
Judgemark - first of all, who made you judge?
Second, Romans 12:19 quotes the Lord as saying, "Vengence is Mine.", so stop trying to fulfill a role that's above your pay grade. When you condemn others, and engage in hating others (as you clearly do...that is unless you think the word "fag" is a term of endearment), you are clearly transgressing christian philosophy, and Jesus' teachings.
Third, if God didn't create gay/trans-gendered people...there wouldn't be any. So, stop engaging in blasphemy - as if you or anyone else is qualified to stand in judgment of His (or Her) creations.
Fourth, and most important...Grow up. You sound like a teen who's worry that deep down inside, you just might actually be gay, so you castigate others to take any possible suspicion off of yourself. If you are gay, go forth into the world young man, and live life to the fullest. If you're not, wish the best to all mankind, and find peace for yourself. It's what Jesus would have wanted.
judgemark - you need to read the bibical story about the wicked servant before it is too late for you too. All you so-called "christians" may have been able to fool the world during the 50's and part of the 60's but it is a smarter world now that knows the Bible better than you do. We worldly sinners stand with the liberal leftist Christ and are damn proud of it and all His liberal give-away charitable teaches about not complaining about how much tax you owe and giving free care to EVERYONE including strangers and making sure that ALL children receive the same care and that EVERYONE is welcome to come and dine with the Master . . . you so-called "christians" have been coming up short in your accounts and the whole entire sinful world knows it.
Don't tell the gays they are unloved by God because God sent his Son to die for EVERYONE . . . even you so-called "christians" who are destroying the Word of God with your hate.
judgemark, you are suspended for a week for violating rule # 1 and # 5 of the Code of Honor.
Mike: Boy, you really had to stretch on all of that - heavy on misinformation and sour grapes and nothing from the fact department.
Judgemark: Your name says it all; good thing your opinion is just an idea, and not a very bright one at that.
I bet the Secret Service was having fits. Any time a President puts himself out there like that, there is a risk. It only takes one nut with a gun.
True, but they knew ahead of time that he would do it at some point. The news talked about it all morning, wondering at what point he would again leave the vehicle and walk the walk, just as he did four years ago.
Secret Service has a conniption fit every four years. The last one I remember who DIDN'T walk was President Ford. No inauguration parade because he wasn't elected.
Am I the only one who remembers previous inaugurations? Including when Barbara Bush ran over to shake Willard Scott's hand while she and her husband got out of the car and walked?
Or are trolls only three years old? That would explain a lot of things.
I am pretty sure most of them showed up hoping Obama had stolen some stuff from the "Filthy Rich" and was going to start handing it out.
When they saw it was nothing but an "It's all about me" day for Obama they shuffled on back home.
Hey guys, Obama walking.....did he walk on water?
Who is the General showing next to him?
" ... did he walk on water? ... "
No. And unlike the Religious Right does, constantly, we never will claim that any man did/does or will.
"Our journey is not complete"------we're only half way to Hell!
When Obama campaigns he will give you everything..........HEAVEN
After HE is elected he will give you......................................HELL
Like it or not, IT IS WHERE WE ARE GOING...................to HELLBAMA
Obama-nation is skipping to the beat of destruction.
" ... Obama-nation is skipping to the beat of destruction. ... "
Huh. Isn't that what the Religious Right PRAYS for? Or am I missing the point of the Rapture? The destruction of man and his ascension into Heaven?
Death and destruction, are death and destruction. The killing of innocents is still murder. No matter the reason or the means. No matter how strong your belief in fantasy is.
So who is chasing destruction? Who is hoping that it comes? And the sooner the better?
Huh. Imagine that.
These judgmental, self-righteous right wingnuts are just going to have to live in the 21st Century and they cannot STAND it!
I think trolls must be about 3 years old, because they can't remember anything from four years ago, let alone 8 years ago, or 12, or 16.
He rides a cart on the Golf Course. Get out, carry your bag, and walk like man if your going to spend half your waking hours on the course. Tiger does.
Oh Noooooo, he won't walk.....he will look like a colored guy who can't play.......
GR-007,
Time for your meds.......:-)
Professional players, like Tiger, are required to walk the course, moron.
Wonder how many guns the Secret Service had that obviously are not required for protection in our society, according to Obama.
If you do not know the diffference between armed Secret Service and regular citizens having assault weapons, you are just too stupid even respond to. Don't ask me why I did. Just tired of seeing these types of stupid comments.
I hope Joe Biden had the time of his life. He was the real teeth in the dogfight during the campaign, and then the President joined in and they both played hardball together. People often say being VP is a thankless job with few real chances to accomplish anything meaningful. Not so with Joe Biden. He's in this all the way. Next time around I would be absolutely proud to see him run for President. What a great and decisive leader.
He is a BOZO!
Very few things scare me more than Joe Biden in the office of the President.
How about Dick Cheny, Al Gore, Dan Quayle, etc, etc, etc.....
Seems Joe is making his bid a might early. Relax Joe, you ain't got a prayer come four years from now. You've just too many self inflicted wounds to right things.
You might be surprized, look at all the lies and such the american sheeple have forgotten about obama already. The narrow minded sheeple of this country may just do it again. God forbid!!!
Barry want's himself and his family protected with guns, he just doesn't care about the rest of us.
You carry the nuclear football, you be the leader of the free world, you head the executive branch of government and my taxes will pay for your protection, too.
Right now, you sound like a whiner with an inflated sense of self-worth. Did you lose an election, too?
I guess when you put it that way, I have to re-think my opinion.
OK, I could care less if your family gets gunned down by hood rats. Who cares?
You're not important, so there's no real loss.
I did NOT see Obama walking on water republicans. So whats your next excuse ?
King Obama and his Queen once again humble themselves to walk among his sheeple. It's a shame he is hell bent on destroying this country. Well at least our Queen can still have her bi-monthly vacations with us peasents footing the bills.
Yes she and HE will. Just like every other presidential couple has. Get a life.
Yeah, she's the one who took the kids on trips while HE stayed home. Read a little and get your facts together and then, Get A Life!!!!
would have been cooler if he rode a horse or something.
Or struck by lightning but no such luck.
Have you heard about McDonald's new Obama Value Meal?
Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it.
Biden looked like a 2nd rate college team mascot...maybe one of those fat kids who paints their favorite team's name on their stomach so they can strip their shirts off during a game to get some attention.....or the kid who wears an over-sized plastic head of his favorite team..........not very professional nor vice-president like, but what's new??
Barack and Michelle were on a plane together, going on another vacation. Barack says to Michelle, "I could throw a 1,000 bill off this plane right now and make someone very happy." Michelle replies, "You could do that but I could throw 10, 100 dollar bills off this plane and make ten people happy. The pilot of the plane says to himself, I could throw both of you off the plane right now and make everyone in the U.S. happy!
They could just dump the holding tank - and if it hit you - I would be happy.
Bill Clinton, Joe Biden and Barack Obama go into a bar. Bill tells the barkeeper, "I'll have a B and C." Obama whispers, "What is a B and C?" "That's a bourbon and Coke," Clinton answers. Then Biden orders, "I'll have a G and T." Obama again whispers, "What's a G and T?" "A gin and tonic," Joe replies. Obama wants to seem like he's one of the guys so he tells the barkeeper, "I'll have a 15." Now it's the bartender's turn to ask, "What's a 15?" Obama says, "A 7 and 7."
Look up "humor" in the dictionary.
If you're working on your new act, for God's sake...keep your dish washing gig.
I agree!
It was an inspiring day. We have four more years to accomplish even more. Obama is the progressives Reagan.
You are comparing Obama to Reagan? Reagan had class, had integrity and was honest. He cared about this country and realized government was part of the problem not the solution. Reagan created jobs and fixed a failing economy. He was respected around the world. First and foremost he was the quintessential President that was re-elected carrying 49 of the 50 states. He has been remembered as one of he best Presidents in history.
Obama on the other had is everything Reagan wasn't. He carried 26 states and squeaked by with 51.1% of those who voted. Obama has failed miserably and has done nothing but destroy a once great nation. He has divided the American public where Reagan united them. Obama is no Reagan by any stretch of the imagination. Obama is a sorry excuse for a President and will go down in history as one of the worst Presidents of all time. May be a toss up between Jimmy Carter and Obama but I say that is one and only thing Obama gets my vote on.
cockroach503
What's the difference between Obama opponents and Obama supporters?
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The first group works for a living while the second group votes for a living.
Did you hear about the 50 story apartment building that burned down? All the Democrats lived on the lower floors and all the Republicans lived on the top floors. All the Democrats living there died...but not a single Republican....do you know why??
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.
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.
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they were all at work!!
Because the fire department across the street was closed down due to reckless tax cuts!