National Coverage

Inauguration video draws record crowds online

By PETER SVENSSON. AP Technology Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama made for a busy day at the two leading companies that deliver Internet video. Akamai Technologies Inc. said 7.7 million people watched video streams carried by Akamai at the... Full story

Gatherings large and small as Obama takes office

By ERIN McCLAM, AP National Writer

Every four years, at noon on Jan. 20, the nation pauses. People slow and stop in airport concourses and outside the windows of electronics stores, watch the oath of office, perhaps catch some of the inaugural address. They move on. Not Tuesday. The... Full story

Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States

Barack Obama takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.... Full story

Obama’s speech a quiet call to arms for Americans

By NANCY BENAC, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — He spoke with gravity of the troubled times at hand and with confidence of the possibilities ahead, giving subtle nod to the groundbreaking nature of his ascendance to the presidency. Barack Obama used his inaugural address... Full story

Inaugural parade kicks off

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama leads off an inaugural parade down America’s main street that pays homage to pioneers who paved the way for the nation’s first black president. Re-enactors from a black Civil War regiment, World War... Full story

Stars come out for Obama’s inaugural balls

By LISA TOLIN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — After the swearing in, the speech and the parade, there’s just one major obstacle for Barack Obama on Inauguration Day: the first dance. The president and first lady Michelle Obama will twirl their way through 10... Full story

Can you hear me now? Maybe ... during inauguration

By MATTHEW PERRONE and PETER SVENSSON, AP Business Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Can you hear me now? The most appropriate answer in the nation’s capital on Tuesday appears to be “sometimes.” “I had to stand in the same place for 20 minutes just to have a conversation with my... Full story

Roberts, Obama stumble over oath wording

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Both Chief Justice John Roberts and President Barack Obama stumbled slightly over wording of the presidential oath of office on Tuesday, providing a brief awkward moment in an otherwise smooth inauguration ceremony. The... Full story

Lowery gives sole inaugural note of racial caution

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid the outpouring of inaugural joy over the racial progress represented by President Barack Obama, there was asingle, humorous mention of work still to be done. After the first black president had been sworn in, Rev.... Full story

Obama takes office, appeals for ’hope over fear’

By TERENCE HUNT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Stepping into history, Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of power as America’s first black president on Tuesday, declaring the nation must choose “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and... Full story

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