by Julia Schrenkler
Member since:
August 31, 2005

Open discussion: The Presidential Inauguration

January 20, 2009 09:54 AM EST
views: 2155 | rating: 9.3/10 (10 votes) | comments: 54

Obama steps into history as first black president

the buzz is alive.

During the Presidential Inauguration ceremony, we'll keep this as an open discussion for your resource or discussion links and comments.

-Julia

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Julia Schrenkler
Interactive Producer
Minnesota Public Radio
American Public Media
Objects in Mirror

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Comments: 54

Julia Star Jan 20, 2009, 9:57am EST
I'm working, but I plan to buy champagne on my way home and catch as many clips as I can. Hopefully a few will catch Bush on his way out so I can hoot and holler loud enough to scare the dogs!

Doesn't Michelle look great? I really hope she gets more involved in meaningful ways than Laura Wallpaper Bush did. She shouldn't pull a Hillary and act like she was elected to, but there is a lot of good she can do from her position of power and influence.

Joy, Hope, Fear. Pretty much sums up my feelings on this great day.
Carla G. Jan 20, 2009, 10:20am EST
I can't seem to stop crying. I'm crying from relief, happiness, excitement and hope for a better future.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 10:29am EST
"Joy, Hope, Fear. Pretty much sums up my feelings on this great day." - Julia Star Many people probably share those feelings with you. I was watching previous inauguration speeches on News Cut and wondered about this sense of renewal with each new President.

The sunshine certainly seems to be welcome here, Jim. My commute was in the dark, but I imagine there was a bit more friendliness on the road today.

Carla and Robin, welcome to the discussion.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 10:37am EST
Jim, this is a perfect media storm in a lot of ways. There's the story of the people, a historic moment for race reasons, and the pressure of our current times. I'm trying to think of the last inauguration and if the media turned the camera away from the podium and towards the attendees in this ratio.

Did you see MSNBC's site? They have a nice past inaugural collection.
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 10:40am EST
The size of the crowds is amazing.

I just heard a news report that security has closed The Mall. Apparently it's full.

CBS had a little interview with Steven Spielberg (sp?). He has a seat in one of the VIP stands.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 10:43am EST
Bill's Spirit - I just heard that too. I'm wondering where those folks will... go?

Michael Haltman made an interesting comment in his discussion Hail To The New Chief. He wrote,
"I am an American and as such want badly for him to succeed for all of our sakes. The fact of the matter, after all of the pomp and circumstance is over, we need performance."

I've been following the ideas and comments on our Next Agenda Idea Generator to try to find out what performance people are hoping for...or expecting.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 10:54am EST
Bob Collins and I will be live-blogging the event as well. You can be certain he is the color and I'm play-by-play *grin*
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 10:57am EST
"I'm wondering where those folks will... go?"

Bars, hotels, any place where there's a television?? Those would be my guesses.

CBS is showing the 43 and 44 motorcade winding its way to the ceremony. People along the streets are cheering rock star crazy at it.
Lori F. Jan 20, 2009, 10:59am EST
My guess they will go someplace warm.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 11:04am EST
The streets of DC might be where the excitement is... despite the cold.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 11:11am EST
You aren't kidding, Melinda. I checked out the slideshow and I'm just ... amazed at the sheer mass of people.
Kerry Dexter Jan 20, 2009, 11:18am EST
watching the coverage on BBC Northern Ireland. one comment that stands out: "he (Obama) is a global citizen now, he has to be a global citizen."
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 11:21am EST
Kerry, I just quoted you on MPR's live-blog.

Melinda, it looks PACKED.
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 11:24am EST
I saw some news segments this past weekend, about how excited people around the world are over Obama's inauguration and installation as our President.

Apparently there is a popular Irish band that has a song out regarding O'Bama.
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 11:26am EST
Another part of that segment reported that a group of African-Iraqis are going to file for seats in the new Iraqi government, because of Obama's inspiration.
Kerry Dexter Jan 20, 2009, 11:38am EST
thanks, Julia. one of the things the BBC commentators say they'll be looking for in the speech is one great memorable line, such as JFK's "ask not..."

they showed a live remote from a hall in north London where a large mostly minority crowd is gathered, cheers and excitement, people saying 'this will be good for minorities here, it will be encouraging them.'
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 11:53am EST
I was pretty impressed by Rick Warren's invocation.
Deborah V. Jan 20, 2009, 11:54am EST
Last time I felt this hopeful it was after Clinton was elected. He was a pretty good president, but ultimately, I felt betrayed by his inability to put our nation above his personal passions. As a person of faith, I pray that this man, Barack Obama, who seems so promising and is such a focus of optimism and energy, may be kept safe, retain clarity of mind, purity of intent, and be an inspiration toward good for all of us.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 12:04pm EST
Deborah, I quoted you in our online live-blog. Thank you for joining this discussion.
Julie Ann Dawson Jan 20, 2009, 12:41pm EST
We brought in pizza here at the office and got a TV working so we can watch it. A lot of us gathered around the TV watching the event.
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 12:53pm EST
PBS is showing 43 and 44 taking a walk. Both are smiling and waving at the crowds.
Kerry Dexter Jan 20, 2009, 1:00pm EST
hearing Aretha sing America the Beautiful while I'm here in the country that holds the other half of my heart, that was an incredible experience. I'm in the republic, right on the border with the north of Ireland, which somehow makes it even more poignant.

night is falling here,in the midst of a snowstorm. through the snow, I can see the north of Ireland out my window.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 20, 2009, 1:05pm EST
Whew, that was quite the live-blogging experience. This discussion is still open!

Kerry, I'd be interested in hearing reactions from those around you in the next few days.
Kerry Dexter Jan 20, 2009, 1:19pm EST
I heard my Irish friends downstairs singing along with the Star Spangled Banner --didn't even know if they were watching -- or that they knew the song. I'll be interested in reactions too.
Danni S. Jan 20, 2009, 1:49pm EST
Has all of America been brainwashed? Sigh....
Winston Smith Jan 20, 2009, 2:06pm EST
Why did the minister talk like it was 1960? Didn't a black guy just get elected President?
Diana Raabe Jan 20, 2009, 2:07pm EST
It's a great day for America.

We are watching and TiVo'ing to replay at an event we helped put together for this evening. Legislators from our district will be joined by local caucus attendees and others who are interested in watching Obama's speech on HD Big Screen and may have missed it. It's a "Demin to Diamonds" event complete with {very brief} speeches, refreshments and much merrymaking!
Winston Smith Jan 20, 2009, 2:08pm EST
That's right Jim G. Guys can only cry while watching Brian's Song or Something for Joey. And maybe Old Yeller.
Diana Raabe Jan 20, 2009, 2:09pm EST
P.S. Did I forget to mention the champagne and excellent cheese from Surdyk's?
Winston Smith Jan 20, 2009, 2:14pm EST
Did you hear him getting sworn in? He is now the "Oaf of Office" not the "Oath of Office"
Kerry Dexter Jan 20, 2009, 2:15pm EST
Jim,
my only point, that was one reaction take it as you wish.
Winston Smith Jan 20, 2009, 2:31pm EST
What do think is going thru the minds of Bill and Hillary. It was supposed to be her up there.
Gretchen Lee Bourquin Jan 20, 2009, 2:40pm EST
I'm off the whole week. I'm really excited about turning this next corner, but it will be a challenge.
Bill's Spirit Jan 20, 2009, 2:57pm EST
If anyone is curious as to how the Oath taking was flubbed; Obama seemed to come in early with his repeating of the first stanza of the Oath, which seemed to throw Roberts off his mark. Then when Roberts restarted the next stanza Roberts gave it wrong, which caused more awkwardness. Then Obama repeated what Roberts said, which is not how the Oath is written.

Move over Birth Certificate. There's a new poker in the fire.
Mari H. Jan 20, 2009, 3:07pm EST
I let my 15 y/o daughter stay home from school so we could share this historic event together!
Mari H. Jan 20, 2009, 3:12pm EST
And, the "flub" will keep the pundits talking 'til well past midnight...
Miss Melle Jan 20, 2009, 3:47pm EST
This is truly an amazing and historic day.
Winston Smith Jan 20, 2009, 6:59pm EST
Wow, a lot cool black Caddilac Escolades! Sure beats a Prius!
Joseph V. Jan 20, 2009, 7:26pm EST
Quite frankly I ignored the event that took place today. Its important - yes. It's historica - yes. It effects me - yes. However, I have made ideological and political view to avoid being caught up in the Culture and Personality worship that has gripped the world. I want to wait and see what happend after the parties and celebrations. Does Obama deserve respect - Yes.
Chuck L. Jan 20, 2009, 7:52pm EST
As an aside... that Caddy gets about two gallons to the mile.

Anyway, as an Old Liberal, I get what Joseph V. doesn't. It's NOT a personality cult - it IS his personality. President Obama exudes hope, change and future. We will never DARE go back after this day. You don't understand something else, Joe Ol' Buddy, but it wasn't just a technical win. A HUGE, by traditional standards, popular majority elected this man. People from *almost* all walks of life voted for him (almost excludes, to my shame, white males of my generation). I've shared a post on the subject.
Amada Z. Jan 20, 2009, 9:36pm EST
Happy, Happy, Happy :)
There was a huge gathering at work today (I work on a college campus) for everyone to watch the inauguration. Faculty, students and staff came out to watch the historic moment. There were cheers all around!
Elaine D. Jan 21, 2009, 1:01am EST
Maybe a quick wave and a hasty "Thanks, You All!" followed by a run for the White House front door with a hasty retreat inside, slamming the door behind them and pulling the curtains would have been better.
La Lady Lisa Westerfield Jan 21, 2009, 1:24am EST
I loved everything, I thought Aretha Franklin's hat deserved its own special place in a history book.
Julia Schrenkler Jan 21, 2009, 9:51am EST
Thanks for weighing in after the ceremony, folks. I'm open to links to your related posts, so drop 'em to me!

-Julia

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