4 highlights from Inauguration Day

Capitol building in Washington DC. Photo source: C. Garner

Technically, today marks the ceremonial swearing in of the president to his second term in office. But since the official swearing in happened yesterday without pomp and circumstance, there had to be a major party where everyone could attend and witness him take his second oath of office.

This year’s celebration is different from 2009’s inauguration; parties and events have been scaled back to accommodate the economic recovery effort. That doesn’t mean that there weren’t major talked about moments from today’s inauguration ceremony. If you opted to sleep in on your day off, I’ll fill you in.

 1. President Obama and Vice-President Biden take their oaths of office

Crowds lined the mall and the grounds in front of the Capitol Building to watch POTUS and VPOTUS take their oaths of office. All anyone could talk about on Twitter was how big the Biden family bible is (it really is huge) and of course Sonia Sotomayor swearing in Biden, being the first Hispanic judge to do so.

During Obama’s oath, everyone collectively held their breaths and hoped that Chief Justice John Roberts wouldn’t flub the oath this time. Instead, it was Obama who flubbed the word “state” and sent Twitter into a flurry over it. Good thing it was just for show.

 2. Michelle, the first daughters and those bangs

For a few days now, all anyone has been able to talk about with regards to the First Lady is her bangs. Even POTUS has given his seal of approval! She debuted the new hairstyle on her birthday via (what else?) her new Twitter account.

This morning those locks were looking particularly shiny along with her perfectly stylized outfit – a Thom Browne coat and dress, J. Crew cardigan, gloves and jeweled belt, and Reed Krakoff navy suede boots. Sasha and Malia chose a color combination similar to what they wore to the 2009 inauguration. Sasha sported a lavender Kate Spade coat and dress and Malia stuck to one of her mom’s favorite labels in a magenta J. Crew coat.

 3. Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson perform

For the record, I’m a fan of both of these artists, but I was definitely nervous about their performances. In front of that large screaming crowd, it seems like it can be hard to even hear yourself think nevertheless sing. They both completely blew me away.

First, Clarkson sang “My Country ‘tis of Thee” and received enthusiastic praise from the president. Then Beyonce closed the ceremony and brought down the house with her rendition of the national anthem. Both performances resulted in tons of applause and were gif’d many times on Tumblr.

 4. President Obama’s Inaugural address

It’s no secret that the president is a great orator. This morning was no exception. President Obama delivered a 19-minute address full of firsts and hopes for the future.

He focused less on policy specifics and more on urging the two parties and rest of the country to work together to sort out important issues. He mentioned climate change and urged equal rights for women and gays.

He also quoted a few lines from the Constitution and even paid tribute to Dr. King and important moments in civil rights history. He delivered every line with power and enthusiasm and it was possibly one of the more memorable second inaugural addresses in history.