Presidential seal

Inauguration of the 44th President

January 18, 2009

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

  • Headed to D.C.On the road to the inauguration
    The throngs in Washington D.C. for Barack Obama's swearing-in include three African American men from Minneapolis, and the 12-year-old son of one of them. They hit the road for Washington this weekend with no tickets to the inaugural and only a martial arts studio for accommodations.January 18, 2009
  • President-elect Barack ObamaSlideshow: The Inauguration
    President-elect Barack Obama, tracing the steps of Abraham Lincoln, traveled from Illinois to Pennsylvania to Maryland headed to Washington D.C. for his inauguration ceremony on Tuesday.January 17, 2009
  • People attend the 'We Are OneObama says he's hopeful despite challenges
    Under the gaze of Abraham Lincoln's imposing statue, Bruce Springsteen belted out "Come on up for the rising," a martial band right below him, a gospel choir right behind him. Flags were everywhere.January 18, 2009
  • Going to the inaugurationHigh school student heads to inauguration
    People around the country are scrambling and scrounging to get tickets for Tuesday's presidential inaugural ceremonies. Not Erik Vergiels. The Fergus Falls high schooler has had his ticket for months.January 16, 2009
  • Obama inauguralThe end of a struggle, or just a step in the journey?
    Different generations of black Americans have different perspectives on the inauguration of Barack Obama. Midmorning speaks with two political analysts about those differing perspectives, and about the notion that the country has entered an age of post-racial politics.Midmorning, January 19, 2009
  • John F. KennedyThe elements of styling a great inaugural address
    At his inauguration in 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered what is considered to be one of the greatest inaugural addresses. Speechwriter Ted Sorensen talks about how the speech came about.Midday, January 16, 2009
  • Laying a weath at ArlingtonObama pauses to honor US war dead at Arlington
    Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Sunday, somberly pausing to honor America's war heroes in the midst of a mostly festive weekend prelude to taking on the presidency.January 18, 2009
  • President-elect ObamaObama cites founding fathers, heading for capital
    President-elect Barack Obama, tracing the train route Abraham Lincoln took nearly a century and a half earlier, undertook the final leg of his inaugural journey to the nation's capital Saturday, pledging to reclaim America's spirit but also warning of steep challenges facing the country.January 17, 2009
  • Historical hot spotHow past presidents partied
    In some countries, political change comes in the form of coups and bloodshed. In the Untied States, the transition of power is typically marked by dinner and dancing.January 16, 2009
  • US President-elect Barack ObamaObama honors King, prods nation to service
    At the dawn of a new era in race and politics, President-elect Barack Obama practiced the age-old virtue of service on Monday and summoned memories of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "Everyone's got to be involved," said the man in line to become the first black chief executive.January 19, 2009
  • President-elect Barack ObamaThe meaning of Obama's inauguration
    The nation's first Black President is inaugurated this week, and MPR listeners and special guests discuss what it means.Midday, January 19, 2009
  • PhotographsObama visits with troops, honors King on holiday
    Large crowds thronged to the capital Monday on the eve of Barack Obama's elevation to the presidency as America honored slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The president-elect appealed to the nation he is soon to lead to honor King's memory through service to others.January 19, 2009
  • Inauguration voices
    Hundreds of thousands of people have descended on the nation's capitol for Barack Obama's inauguration tomorrow.January 19, 2009
  • Jaleice, Estrella and TitilayoMinnesotans travel to D.C.
    Washington D.C. is getting increasingly crowded with visitors coming to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama.January 19, 2009
  • George ThompsonDiversity leader reflects on Obama inauguration
    One of the Minnesotans attending Barack Obama's inauguration is George Thompson.January 20, 2009

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