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Obama vows to meet US challenges Obama vows to meet US challenges
(about 1 hour later)
New US President Barack Obama has used his inaugural address to pledge a "new era of responsibility" in a time of crisis at home and abroad. US President Barack Obama has used his inaugural address to pledge a "new era of responsibility" in a time of crisis at home and abroad.
Mr Obama spoke after taking the oath of office as America's 44th president - and its first African-American leader.Mr Obama spoke after taking the oath of office as America's 44th president - and its first African-American leader.
More than one million people gathered in the National Mall in a wintry Washington DC, to see Mr Obama take the oath shortly after 1200 (1700 GMT).More than one million people gathered in the National Mall in a wintry Washington DC, to see Mr Obama take the oath shortly after 1200 (1700 GMT).
He later joined a parade, smiling and waving en route to the White House.He later joined a parade, smiling and waving en route to the White House.
Mr Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama travelled in the armoured presidential limousine as the motorcade travelled at walking-pace towards 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. See map showing key sites of Inauguration DayMr Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama travelled in the armoured presidential limousine as the motorcade travelled at walking-pace towards 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. See map showing key sites of Inauguration Day
Crowds cheered and waved as the cars rolled slowly past.Crowds cheered and waved as the cars rolled slowly past.
Then the motorcade stopped and the couple stepped out of the car and walked, waving to the hundreds of wellwishers lining the route - many of whom had waited 10 hours in the cold.The Obamas looked happy and relaxed as they approached the White HouseThen the motorcade stopped and the couple stepped out of the car and walked, waving to the hundreds of wellwishers lining the route - many of whom had waited 10 hours in the cold.The Obamas looked happy and relaxed as they approached the White House
After climbing back inside the limousine - so heavily armoured it is known as The Beast - the president and first lady emerged once again amid loud cheers and screams from the crowd.After climbing back inside the limousine - so heavily armoured it is known as The Beast - the president and first lady emerged once again amid loud cheers and screams from the crowd.
The BBC's Gavin Hewitt, in the crowd on the parade route, said the happy and smiling Mr and Mrs Obama finally seemed able to celebrate their achievement.The BBC's Gavin Hewitt, in the crowd on the parade route, said the happy and smiling Mr and Mrs Obama finally seemed able to celebrate their achievement.
Many thousands of people who braved the cold to stand for hours in the streets to catch a glimpse of Mr Obama will be able to go home happy, our correspondent says.Many thousands of people who braved the cold to stand for hours in the streets to catch a glimpse of Mr Obama will be able to go home happy, our correspondent says.
After reviewing the inaugural parade as it marches past the White House, the couple were due to attend a series of balls later on Tuesday evening. After reviewing the inaugural parade as it marches past the White House, the couple were due to attend a series of balls.
But a shadow was cast over Mr Obama's celebrations in the hours after his swearing-in, as veteran Senator Ted Kennedy collapsed during an inaugural lunch at Congress. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Kennedy, whose collapse during an inaugural lunch at Congress threatened to mar the celebrations, is said to be feeling well again after suffering "simple fatigue".
Mr Kennedy, whose support was seen as influential in winning over Democratic voters for Mr Obama, has been seriously ill with a brain tumour and has previously undergone surgery. New team
Doctors later said his collapse was most likely caused by "simple fatigue". Barack Hussein Obama became America's newest president at a ceremony on the steps of the Capitol building where, his hand on a Bible, he repeated the traditional oath of office, promising to "preserve, protect and defend" the United States.
'Real challenges' America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child... [and] we are ready to lead once more Barack ObamaPresident of the United States class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7840646.stm">Full text and video: Obama speech class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7839486.stm">BBC correspondents: World hopes class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7840306.stm">In pictures: Obama inauguration class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7840987.stm">Obama offers new era
In his first speech as president, Mr Obama said his country faced a number of challenges but was entering a "new era of responsibility". In his speech, he acknowledged that he faced many serious challenges but pledged to begin the work of "rebuilding America".
href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/in_pictures_enl_1232472428/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/in_pictures_enl_1232472428/html/1.stm', '1232472474', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=861,height=568,left=312,top=100'); return false;">Barack Obama is sworn in as America's 44th president href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/in_pictures_enl_1232472428/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/in_pictures_enl_1232472428/html/1.stm', '1232472474', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=861,height=568,left=312,top=100'); return false;" >Enlarge Image Mr Obama made reference to the scale of his achievement at being the first black American elected to the White House, in a remark that gathered one of the biggest cheers of the speech. He also spoke of his desire to usher in a new era of peace and of America's readiness to lead once more.
"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed... why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath." In one of the administration's first moves, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel asked all federal agencies and departments to stop any pending regulations pending a review.
The new president takes office amid a dismal economic climate and with the US still embroiled in two wars. The US Senate approved six members of the new cabinet on Tuesday.
Speaking to the vast crowd, stretching as far back as the Washington Monument in the distance, he was quick to admit that the US is in the midst of a crisis - a fact now "well understood". America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child... [and] we are ready to lead once more Barack ObamaPresident of the United States class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7840646.stm">Full text and video: Obama speech class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7839486.stm">BBC correspondents: World hopes class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7840306.stm">In pictures: Obama inauguration class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7840987.stm">Obama offers new era Among those confirmed in their posts were Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary and Steven Chu as energy secretary.
"Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened," he said, blaming the current situation both on the greed of a few and the "collective failure" of many. However, Hillary Clinton's approval as secretary of state was postponed after a republican senator demanded a debate beforehand about foreign donations to a foundation headed by her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
He branded healthcare "too costly", said schools "fail too many" and charged that US energy policy both strengthens enemies and threatens the planet. That debate is due on Wednesday and Mrs Clinton's nomination is now expected to be confirmed in a vote immediately afterwards.
"The challenges we face are real," Mr Obama said. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. Giant web event
"But know this America - they will be met." The Associated Press estimates that about one million people attended the inauguration, based on a visual comparison with past events in the city. href="/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm', '1232469933', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=500,height=400,left=312,top=100'); return false;">Crowds at the inauguration of Barack Obama describe their experiences href="/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm', '1232469933', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=500,height=400,left=312,top=100'); return false;" >In pictures
Invoking the memory of the US's Founding Fathers, Mr Obama said he would strive to rebuild his nation's standing in the world, saying: "We are ready to lead once more." Millions more Americans watched the inauguration online through live video streaming across their computers, the agency says.
He addressed the foreign policy challenges facing the US, saying the US would "responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan". href="/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm', '1232469933', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=500,height=400,left=312,top=100'); return false;">Crowds at the inauguration of Barack Obama describe their experiences href="/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm" onClick="window.open('http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/americas_obama_inauguration_crowds/html/1.stm', '1232469933', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=500,height=400,left=312,top=100'); return false;" >In pictures It notes that essentially every major news outlet offered live feeds on what was potentially the most web-driven coverage of a significant news event yet.
The new president also addressed the world's poor and the Muslim world, much of which angrily opposed the actions of the previous administration. Tens of millions more people watched the inauguration on television across the world and Obama fans in other countries had their own celebrations.
From now on, Mr Obama said, the US would seek "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect". In Barack Obama's Kenyan ancestral village, Kogelo, thousands danced under a massive banner which simply read "Congratulations our son, our hope".
The BBC's Kevin Connolly, in Washington, says Mr Obama delivered a difficult inaugural message. While many from the Obama family were in Washington to witness the swearing-in, their neighbours were watching it on massive TV screens, the BBC's Karen Allen reports.
Its task, our correspondent notes, is to lift hopes and hearts at a moment when every economic indicator is falling. "We expect that Obama is going to change the world and as Kenyans we are going to follow in Obama's footsteps and change the world," said one woman.
Solemn vows
On a day of unprecedented security in Washington DC, the inauguration ceremony began on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol, where Congress sits, with an opening prayer asking for the protection and safety of the new president and vice-president. US BLACK HISTORY MILESTONES 1861 - Civil war starts1865 - Civil war ends, leading to abolition of slavery1870 - Hiram Revels is first African-American senator. African-American men gain the vote, but face resistance and intimidation1954 - Civil disobedience campaign starts1963 - Martin Luther King: "I have a dream" speech1964 - Civil Rights Act1965 - Right to vote guaranteed Webb: Will the world respond?A New Media inauguration?
Mr Obama - introduced to the crowd as Barack H Obama - stood solemnly during the invocation by conservative Rick Warren, his eyes closed in the final moments before he took office.
Aretha Franklin then sang against a backdrop of clear blue skies and a light wind. Thousands waved flags as the soul legend sang to a rapturous reception.
Joseph Biden, a veteran senator, was then sworn in as vice-president by the longest-serving member of the US Supreme Court.
The focus then shifted to America's first black president.
Using his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, he placed his hand on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861 and repeated the oath of office, promising to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States".
Hundreds of thousands of visitors had arrived in Washington in the days before the inauguration, and vast numbers braved early-morning cold to secure a vantage point for the midday ceremony.
Competition for tickets along the parade route was fierce, as was the scrum for standing room in the National Mall. OBAMA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGE Unemployment rate up to 7.2% - 16-year highRetail sales fell for six months in a row in December - down 2.7%Car sales down to 22.4% below level seen a year agoNew home sales in November at lowest level in 17 years Mid-price of a new home sold in November: $220,400 (£149,900) - down 11.5% from a year agoTrade deficit dropped to $40.4bn (£28.82bn) in November - five-year low Obama's tough economic challengesGuide to US inauguration dayUK events mark inauguration
Officials in Washington reported record numbers of passengers on the city's subway network early on Tuesday, and police were forced to close a key entry point hours before event began because of overcrowding.
Before the ceremony began, Michelle and Barack Obama attended a private church service at St John's Episcopal Church alongside Joe Biden and his family.
They then headed to the White House for coffee with outgoing President George W Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney.
The group - including Mr Cheney in a wheelchair after pulling a back muscle - then left for the US Capitol.
Mr Bush has now left Washington bound for Midland, Texas, before heading to the family ranch at Crawford.
Mr Obama and his wife, by contrast, are heading to their new home for the first time, and will later attend a series of lavish inaugural balls.
INAUGURATION DAY 1. 1700GMT/1200EST Obama is inaugurated as US president on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol building2. Obama escorts former President George W Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on the presidential procession prior to their departure3. 1920GMT/1420EST Parade starts along Pennsylvania Avenue4. Obama will review troops from behind a bullet-proof screen in Lafayette Park, behind the White House 5. President Obama and the First Lady will attend a series of celebration balls, returning to the White House at 0725GMT/0225EST Wednesday More inauguration mapsINAUGURATION DAY 1. 1700GMT/1200EST Obama is inaugurated as US president on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol building2. Obama escorts former President George W Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on the presidential procession prior to their departure3. 1920GMT/1420EST Parade starts along Pennsylvania Avenue4. Obama will review troops from behind a bullet-proof screen in Lafayette Park, behind the White House 5. President Obama and the First Lady will attend a series of celebration balls, returning to the White House at 0725GMT/0225EST Wednesday More inauguration maps
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