What Obama's Address Means For The Next 4 Years
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – President Barack Obama was officially sworn in during a private ceremony yesterday, the date constitutionally mandated for the inauguration.
But Today was the day for the ceremony and the president's inaugural address.
KDKA's Political Editor Jon Delano broke down the president's inaugural address and the plans he's outlined for the next four years.
Amidst the pomp and circumstance that Washington does so well, Obama -- the 44th president of the United States -- became only the 17th president elected to a second term.
"So help you God?" Chief Justice John Roberts asked, while swearing in the president.
"So help me God," President Obama said.
"Congratulations, Mr. President," Roberts said.
<a href="http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/8212836-president-barack-obamas-inaugural-address/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/i/cbslocal/wp-content/uploads/sites/15909642/2013/01/obama_video.jpg" /></a>
Surrounded by family, friends and political leaders, the president delivered a short 18-minute inaugural address that summoned the nation to better times.
"A decade of war is now ending," he said. "An economic recovery has begun. America's possibilities are limitless."
And while acknowledging hard choices on deficit reduction, he seemed to draw a line on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
"We reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future," President Obama said.
With a multi-cultural stage featuring musician James Taylor, singers Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce and Hispanic-American poet Richard Blanco, the president preached cooperation.
"Now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation and one people," President Obama said. " … My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment -- and we will seize it -- so long as we seize it together."
With the economy recovering, President Obama also said the nation must recommit to the middle class.
"Our country can not succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it," he said.
Repeating a campaign theme, the president also called for progress on women's rights.
While the President's 18-minute inaugural address was short on details, that's no surprise.
Part-two will be his State of the Union speech on February 12.
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