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Obama sworn in in at White House in two-day inauguration
After his tumultuous first term during which he achieved an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, his second term opens in the midst of a feud with congressional Republicans over taxes and spending.
His top policy goals for the first year, so far, include tightening gun regulations in response to the massacre of 20 children and six adults at a Connecticut elementary school a month ago. Obama is also seeking an overhaul of immigration laws and tax reform.
Abroad, he is facing a challenge from a resurgence of Islamist extremists in North Africa exemplified by the recent hostage-taking that turned deadly at an oil facility in Algeria. He is also winding down the war in Afghanistan and dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Obama will save specific policy proposals for his annual State of the Union speech before Congress on February 12.
In his inaugural address, Obama is expected to talk about the need for political compromise where possible, a reminder of the intense battles in his first term that led to paralysis and dysfunction in Washington.
“It’d be great if the inauguration were a unifying moment – though I honestly can’t say it will be. But just maybe for a day they can bury the hatchet and celebrate an important day for American democracy,” said Brian Hurley, 57, a local salesman, as he guided an out-of-town visitor outside the White House gates.
With the public ceremony falling on the national holiday honoring slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Obama will also have a chance to draw historic parallels. While taking the oath on Monday, he will place his left hand on two Bibles – one once owned by Abraham Lincoln and other by King.
The Obamas will attend two official inaugural balls – compared to the 10 that were held in 2009.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press
