PEOPLE AND PLACES: The 2nd Inauguration of Barack Obama in Photos

The 2nd Inauguration of Barack Obama in Photos

Today, the 57th U.S. Presidential Inauguration took place in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of thousands attended the public swearing in of President Barack Obama for his second term, and more attended the Inaugural Parade and dozens of related parties, balls, and concerts around the area. Photos below cover the entire event, from the long preparation, through the ceremony, to the Inaugural Balls.

4:40 p.m.: The only two GIFs of the inauguration you need to see: First, here's a poignant image of the president leaving the Capitol stand following the ceremony. On CSPAN he could be heard saying, "I'm going to take a look one more time. I'm not going to see this again." (You can see him say it, too.) Via Gawker:

And second, here's First Lady Michelle Obama eye-rolling intensely during the official luncheon at the Capitol, apparently at something Speaker John Boehner said. The president seemed entertained, whatever it was.

4:16 p.m.: That's logistics: How does a city prepare to balance the crush of people and the need for security at an event like the Inauguration? Over at The Atlantic Cities, Jay Westcott offers an answer in photos. Here's one shot:

Jay Westcott

3:54 p.m. The parade streams by: Watch a livestream of the Inaugural Parade below. You can read about the participants here.

3:50 p.m.: Franke-Ruta's take: Garance Franke-Ruta reports from the Capitol, writing that while the Inauguration may look glitzy on television, it's actually rather austere in person -- and perhaps that's appropriate for a nation founded by Puritans.

3:45 p.m.: How to kill the time: One of the more entertaining things about the inauguration is watching what happens when hundreds of thousands of strangers from all over the country of different ages and backgrounds kill the time when they have three hours packed in close quarters to wait for the ceremony. Here's a partial list of topics discussed in my earshot:

the Ravens, the Patriots, and the 49ers
Biz Markie
Satirical liberal speculation on how Fox News would cover various minor developments
Lee Greenwood
the ability to pull all-nighters
where people were on 9/11
why I (your reporter) should buy a tuxedo

-DAG

2:06 p.m. Coates's take: Ta-Nehisi Coates sees Obama's speech as a sign of how far we've come as a nation. "There was a time when merely stating the ideas Obama put forth would have gotten you killed," he writes. Read his thoughts here.

1:52 p.m.: The anarchist counter-parade:

-DAG

1:48 p.m.: No change, just hope: This year's inauguration might not be as big as 2009's, but many of the same people are in attendance. Repeat visitors, some in gear from Obama's first inaugural, are everywhere. One group was the Humiston kids, who came down from Massachusetts with their grandparents Fran and Don Freeman. "The atmosphere is not as fresh" as the 2009 celebration, said high schooler Sierra. "There's not change, just hope."

Still, Fran had made friends with the women around her, from all different backgrounds, and loved the feeling of togetherness. Sierra was excited about the inauguration because this was the first presidential ballot she could cast, and she had campaigned at school and posted large Obama signs on the horses at the family's farm on Election Day.

One part of Obama's address had special resonance for the family: his mention of Newtown, Connecticut. On the way down to D.C., they stopped in the tragedy-stricken town, and found the mood still somber. Helping the town recover, Don Freeman said, will be a challenge for the nation in the year to come. -DAG

1:42 p.m.: Obama's call to action: Shortly after being ceremonially sworn in, Obama sent an email to his campaign supporters thanking them for their support and asking them to stay involved. Organizing for Action, the independent nonprofit chaired by former campaign manager Jim Messina, is expected to play a major role in the policy fights ahead, rallying supporters around the president's priorities. Democrats hope Obama can keep his base energized around issues such as gun control, immigration, and the environment, something he's been faulted for failing to do four years ago.

Here's the text of Obama's email:

Friend --
I just renewed my oath of office to serve as your president for four more years.
Thank you for making this possible. It's an honor to be your president.
Now it's time to finish what we started -- let's get going.
Barack
P.S. -- Organizing for Action is the next step in our grassroots movement and will be crucial to finishing what we started. If you haven't already, say you'll be part of it.

-MB

1:32 p.m.: The inauguration in photos: Check out Alan Taylor's In Focus gallery of inauguration images here, including this delightful Reuters shot of stand-ins at an inaugural dress rehearsal.

1:12 p.m.: A perspective from the crowd: While the big shots got to sit on the stand with the president, the foot soldiers who helped reelect Obama were using those same feet to stand for hours in the shadow of the Capitol. They exchanged tips on how to dance for Tuesday's staff ball (well) and what they were doing now that the election is over (not much, mostly).

Alia Awadallah, an Ohioan, had been living northern Virginia but headed back to her home state last fall to working as a field director in Tiffin, a small town in north-central Ohio. It was nerve-racking work: The young people she was trying to recruit seemed complacently sure that Obama would win, and being in the key swing state "felt like the whole nation was relying on you." Now came celebration -- her favorite part of the whole cycle, she said. -DAG

12:55 p.m.: Fallows' take: James Fallows finds Obama's speech strikingly progressive. Four years ago, observers were expecting a barn-burner but got a muted, sober address; this time, Fallows writes, we were expecting something generic but got instead a daring statement of principle. "If anyone were wondering whether Obama wanted to lower expectations for his second term ... no, he apparently does not." Read his thoughts here.

12:45 p.m.: Obama's speech was followed by Kelly Clarkson singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee"; the reading of the inaugural poem by Richard Blanco; a benediction by Reverend Luis Leon; and the National Anthem preformed by Beyonce. The president then returned to the White House to sign an inaugural proclamation and a bundle of nominations for his second-term Cabinet: John Brennan for CIA director, Chuck Hagel for defense secretary, John Kerry for secretary of state, and Jack Lew for treasury secretary. Next: Obama heads to lunch, and the inaugural parade proceeds through Washington. -MB

12:09 p.m.: "My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it -- so long as we seize it together." Collective action is the central theme of Obama's second inaugural address. The president emphasized preserving entitlements, addressing the threat of climate change, and supporting democracy and human rights around the world. He listed equal pay for women, equal rights for gays and lesbians, improving the voting process, fixing immigration, and curbing gun violence as priorities. "We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate," Obama said. "We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect." -MB

12:00 p.m.: Obama kicks off his second term with a short speech that invokes history to call for communal effort to solve the nation's problems. An excerpt:

It is now our generation's task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law -- for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.

11:50 a.m.: Obama has been ceremonially sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. He'll speak next. -MB

11:48 a.m.: Vice President Biden is sworn in on an immense family Bible. It's just a ceremonial reenactment -- Obama and Biden were both officially sworn in in a private ceremony Sunday. Next up: James Taylor. -MB

11:29 a.m.: In an apparent departure from precedent, the president's name is being announced today as "Barack H. Obama." Both the PA announcer and Senator Schumer have used the middle initial. The president's unusual middle name is usually unspoken -- during the 2008 campaign, uttering it was seen as a quasi-racist dog whistle -- or, on some formal occasions, used in full. -MB

11:22 a.m.: Obama has taken the stage, to cheers from the chilly-looking crowd. He's followed by Senator Chuck Schumer, the chairman of the inauguration, and congressional leaders. -MB

11:05 a.m.: A reporter's-eye view: Garance Franke-Ruta sends these snapshots from her spot near the inaugural podium.

10:39 a.m.: The crowd on the Mall cheers as they watch the presidential motorcade arrive at the Capitol on giant Jumbotron screens. Marie Black, who lives in the area and also attended the 2009 inauguration, said there's still excitement, but this time feels different. "Four years ago, I knew everyone's name around me and where they came from. There was such energy and oneness in the air," she said. "It was so historic, I think that's what was so meaningful about it. And the last campaign was cleaner, too." -DAG

10:33 a.m.: Though the official inaugural balls are tonight, much of the party action occurred over the weekend. But one Sunday night celebration went awry when rapper Lupe Fiasco wandered off on a 30-minute anti-Obama rant, including such lines as "I ain't vote for him, next one either." He was then asked to leave the stage. Read the Atlantic Wire report here. -MB

9:55 a.m.: Forget the president's speech -- surely today's real suspense revolves around what Michelle Obama will be wearing. Here's the word, from a White House official:

The First Lady is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress. The fabric was developed based on the style of a men's silk tie. The belt she is wearing is from J.Crew, the cardigan is designed by Reed Krakoff and her necklace is designed by Cathy Waterman. She is also wearing J.Crew shoes. At the end of the Inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives.
Malia Obama is wearing a J.Crew ensemble. Sasha Obama is wearing a Kate Spade coat and dress.

The Obamas have just arrived back at the White House after a morning service at St. John's Episcopal Church. Here's a photo of Michelle Obama's coat:

Reuters

And the president appears to have tweeted from church:

Obama is now scheduled to sit down for coffee with congressional leaders. -MB

9:38 a.m.: On the south slope of the Capitol, there's some impromptu entertainment from an anti-abortion protester perched in a pine tree, brandishing a "Pray to End Abortion" sign and accosting the crowd. Some folks are occasionally chanting "get him down," but mostly they're watching quizzically and wondering how soon he'll get tired or fall. -DAG

David A. Graham

9 a.m.: The day may end with a party, but it starts with long, slow-moving security lines. -DAG

8 a.m.: Monday marks the official inauguration for President Barack Obama's second term. The president will take the oath of office at 11:30 a.m. on the West Capitol Steps. (Both he and Vice President Biden previously took the oath on Sunday, as prescribed by the Constitution, but will take second ceremonial oaths today.) Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil-rights leader Medgar Evers will give the invocation; James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson will perform during the ceremony; Richard Blanco is the inaugural poet; the Rev. Luis Leon will deliver the benediction; and Beyonce will sing the National Anthem. The inaugural parade gets under way around 2:30. The Atlantic's politics team will be on the scene, bringing you news and updates throughout the day, so check back for updates.

Be sure to read Thomas Geoghegan's explanation of why Obama should take a cue from Puritan leader John Winthrop's famous "City upon a Hill" speech. See a photographic history of Obama's first term on In Focus. And look at a gallery of Obama's first inauguration in 2009:

Jim Young/Reuters

Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Jill Biden, President-elect Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama wave from the back of a train in Wilmington, Delaware on January 17, 2009, during a whistle-stop tour from Philadelphia to Washington commemorating Abraham Lincoln's journey to the capital in 1861.

The sun rises over Capitol Hill looking down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, early on Monday, January 21, 2013, as Washington prepares for the 57th Presidential Inaugural and the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama's second term. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A model of the White House sits on a giant map during a media tour highlighting inaugural preparations being made by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region for military and civilian planners, on December 12, 2012, at the DC Armory in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) #

John Osler of Detroit, carries his artwork for sale, as he walks on the National Mall on January 20, 2013, with the U.S. Capitol prepared for ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama, the 57th Presidential Inaugural. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) #

Stewards stand amid rows of empty seats during a dress rehearsal for the inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Washington, on January 13, 2013. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #

A vendor holds items for sale on the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol prepared for the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama, on January 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) #

Workers from M.C. Dean Company remove the street lights along Pennsylvania Ave as they prepare for the Inauguration Parade, on January 20, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) #

A painter touches up the presidential viewing stand in front of the White House in Washington, on December 20, 2012 as preparations continue for the Inauguration. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) #

The image of President Barack Obama, printed on the shirt of Victoria Wimberley, who will be attending the President's inauguration for the second time, as she stands in the kitchen of her home in Decatur, Georgia, on January 2, 2013. Four years and one re-election after his historic oath-taking as America's first black president, some of the thrill for Barack Obama is gone. Wimberley brought four busloads of people to Washington for the 2009 inauguration. She's coming again this month, though with two fewer buses, which she blamed on the high price for accommodations, not any lack of excitement for Obama. (AP Photo/David Goldman) #

Steve LaDrew, with Capitol Exhibit Services, adjusts the Mastcam on a replica of the Mars Curiosity Rover at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling (JBAB) in Washington, on January 19, 2013. The NASA float will participate in the Inaugural Parade honoring President Barack Obama.(Reuters/NASA/Paul E. Alers/Handout) #

During a dress rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Army Military District of Washington Major General Michael Linnington (center), Commander of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, is flanked by actors portraying U.S. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden as they arrive to review troops, on January 13, 2013. (Reuters/Mike Theiler) #

Hundreds of chairs stand on the west front of the U.S. Capitol before the inauguration, on January 20, 2013. (Reuters/Jason Reed) #

Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area, as seen by astronauts on board the International Space Station on on January 20, 2013, one day before the public Inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama. This detailed view shows the Potomac River and its bridges at left, with National Mall at the center, stretching eastward from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument toward the Capitol building, where the inaugural ceremony will be held. (Reuters/NASA) #

Military personnel march in early morning fog during a dress rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on January 13, 2013.(Reuters/Mike Theiler) #

Singer Katy Perry performs during the Kids' Inaugural concert at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2013. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) #

Vice President Joe Biden, left, places his hand on the Biden Family Bible held by his wife Jill Biden, center, as he takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, right, during and official ceremony at the Naval Observatory, on January 20, 2013. Biden will be sworn in again on Monday, during the public ceremony. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #

Press pool cameramen sit in the doorway to the Red Room before President Barack Obama is sworn into his second term in the Blue Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #

President Barack Obama is officially sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts in the Blue Room of the White House during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Sunday, January 20, 2013. Next to Obama are first lady Michelle Obama, holding the Robinson Family Bible, and daughters Malia and Sasha. Obama will be sworn in again on Monday, during the public ceremony. (AP Photo/Larry Downing) #

People arrive at the National Mall for the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2013.(Reuters/Eric Thayer) #

People wave American flags as people gather near the U.S. Capitol building on the National Mall for the Inauguration ceremony on January 21, 2013. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama arrives back at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama (center) and Michelle Obama's mother Marian Robinson, on January 21, 2013, after attending service at St. John's Episcopal Church. (Reuters/Chris Kleponis) #

Crowds gather on the National Mall to witness the swearing-in ceremonies for President Barack Obama in front of the U.S Capitol, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Jim Bourg) #

Former President Jimmy Carter arrives with his wife Rosalynn at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) #

Thousands attend the 57th Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013. (Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images) #

First daughters Sasha (left) and Malia Obama arrive for the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama, on January 21, 2013.(Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama walks through the Capitol, to the West Front for his ceremonial swearing-in, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Molly Riley) #

President Barack Obama (center) pauses with his escorts before walking through the Lower West Terrace Door of the U.S. Capitol to begin his swearing-in ceremony, on January 21, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama greets Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, on January 21, 2013. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts at the ceremonial swearing-in, in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Scott Andrews) #

President Barack Obama is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as First lady Michelle Obama and daughters, Sasha Obama and Malia Obama look on during the public ceremonial inauguration, on January 21, 2013. (Rob Carr/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama waves after his swearing-in, on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Rob Carr/Getty Images) #

President Barack Obama speaks during the 57th Presidential Inauguration, on January 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) #

Vice President Joe Biden, left and President Barack Obama during the 57th Presidential Inauguration, on Monday, January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) #

People attending the 57th Presidential Inauguration, on January 21, 2013. (Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images) #

Performer Beyonce sings the U.S. National Anthem as President Barack Obama and Senator Charles Schumer listen during swearing-in ceremonies on the West front of the U.S. Capitol, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Jim Bourg) #

Looking out over a crowd of hundreds of thousands, President Barack Obama gives his inauguration address, on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Rob Carr/Getty Images) #

President Obama is surrounded by (L-R) Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Lamar Alexander, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker Rep. John Boehner, House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor, and House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, while signing a proclamation to commemorate the inauguration, entitled a National Day of Hope and Resolve, directly after swearing-in ceremonies in the U.S Capitol on January 21, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images) #

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attend the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall after his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Benjamin Myers) #

The President and first lady ride in the presidential limousine during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) #

The 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue from Capitol Hill in Washington, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) #

Spectators watch U.S. President Barack Obama go by during the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013.(Reuters/Jason Reed) #

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down Constitution Avenue after emerging from the presidential limousine during the inaugural parade, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Jason Reed) #

People photograph and wave at President Obama's passing limousine, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst) #

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) #

A spectator watches President Obama go by during the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013.(Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #

Vice President Joe Biden walks down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, on January 21, 2013, in Washington. Thousands marched during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Obama. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #

Army Major General Michael Linnington, Joint Forces Headquarters, National Capitol Region, center, leads President Barack Obama and first lady Michele Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden, to their positions to review the troops following the 57th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, on January 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) #

Military marching bands perform in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst) #

The Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps walks down Pennsylvania Avenue, on January 21, 2013, in Washington, D.C.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) #

Miami University Marching Band, Ohio, walks past the presidential box and the White House, on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) #

The South Shore Drill Team of Chicago performs during President Obama's inaugural parade, on January 21, 2013.( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) #

President Barack Obama dances with first lady Michelle Obama in the presidential box, as a band passes by, during the Inaugural parade on January 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) #

Singer Stevie Wonder performs during the Inaugural Ball at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya) #

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, dance at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013.(Reuters/Brian Snyder) #

Brad Paisley performs at the Commander-in-Chief's inaugural ball, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

As singer Jennifer Hudson performs, President Barack Obama bows to First Lady Michelle Obama at the Inaugural ball, on January 21, 2013.(Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance at the Inaugural Ball, on January 21, 2013. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) #

Attendees photograph President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as they dance while attending the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the Washington Convention Center, on January 21, 2013. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)