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More inaugural reactions

Published by Tim McNulty on .

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair:

"As we mark the 57th presidential inauguration today, we celebrate the strength of our democracy and commemorate our country's perseverance and unity. Within our diversity of opinion and cultures, we remain one American family working together for the betterment of our great nation. God Bless the United States of America."

U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus, R-Sewickley:

"Congratulations to President Obama on his inauguration. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to rise and meet the challenges we face as a nation. Today's event represents a new day, and should be seen as an opportunity to work together to grow our economy so that we can get our neighbors back to work, cut the deficit and national debt, honor our commitment to our seniors, and provide a better future for our kids and grandkids."

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Toomey: Celebration of democracy

Published by Tim McNulty on .

From U.S. Sen Pat Toomey:

"Kris and I wanted our children to witness this celebration of our democracy. We brought Patrick and Bridget to the west front of the Capitol Building to see history first hand. I hope the sight of the three branches of our government, both parties, standing together will teach them – and remind us all – that we were sent here to do the people's work, to solve the problems we face, and to leave to our children a stronger, safer, more prosperous nation."

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Obama's speech text

Published by Tim McNulty on .

Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery
Inaugural Address
Monday, January 21, 2013
Washington, DC

As Prepared for Delivery –

Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.

For more than two hundred years, we have.

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Inaugural schedule

Published by Tim McNulty on .

Via Politico, the schedule for today's inaugural is below. The Bidens and Obamas will start being seated around 11 am and the president's speech is at noon. CNN is streaming as is the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

VIEWER'S GUIDE for 57th Presidential Inaugural, from Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies : "9:00 AM VIPs begin arriving (Former Presidents, Governors, Members of the House of Representatives, United States Senate, Cabinet designees) ... 11:08 AM Biden family announced and seated ... 11:09 AM Obama family announced and seated ... 11:12 AM Dr. Jill Biden announced and seated ... 11:14 AM First Lady Michelle Obama announced and seated ... 11:18 AM Vice President Joe Biden announced and seated ... 11:20 AM President Barack Obama announced and seated ... 11:30 AM Chairman Schumer delivers opening remarks ... 11:34 AM Chairman Schumer introduces Myrlie Evers-Williams ... 11:35 AM Invocation by Myrlie Evers-Williams ... 11:42 AM Chairman Schumer introduces Senator Alexander ... 11:44 AM Senator Alexander welcomes and introduces Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor ... 11:46 AM Vice Presidential Oath administered ... 11:46 AM Herald Trumpets perform four "Ruffles and Flourishes" and U.S. Marine Band performs "Hail Columbia" ... 11:49 AM Chairman Schumer introduces James Taylor ... 11:50 AM James Taylor performs ... 11:54 AM Chairman Schumer introduces Chief Justice John G. Roberts ...

"11:55 AM Presidential oath is administered ... 11:56 AM Herald Trumpets perform 4 'Ruffles and Flourishes' and the U.S. Marine Band performs "Hail to the Chief." Twenty one gun salute ... 11:59 AM Chairman Schumer introduces the President ... 12:00 PM Inaugural address ... 12:20 PM Schumer introduces Kelly Clarkson ... 12:21 PM Kelly Clarkson performs ... 12:25 PM Schumer introduces the poet, Richard Blanco ... 12:26 PM Richard Blanco reads poem ... 12:29 PM Chairman Schumer introduces Reverend Dr. Luis León ... 12:30 PM Benediction delivered by Reverend Dr. Luis León ... 12:33 PM Schumer introduces Beyoncé to perform the National Anthem ... 12:34 PM Beyoncé performs the National Anthem ... 12:39 PM President's Room signing ceremony ... 1:06 PM POTUS and Schumer should arrive to start the luncheon ... 2:32 PM Review of the troops ... 2:36 PM President and Mrs. Obama, and Vice President and Dr. Biden leaves with parade."

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Women's issues

Published by Tracie Mauriello on .

Eleanor Smeal, head of the Feminist Majority Foundation, was in line to go into the red gate for the Inauguration. She said she's here because "it's historic, and the president got elected with the women's vote so I believe it's very important to be here today." She said that members of the Feminist Majority met with the President Barack Obama after his re-election and discussed issues of importance to them, "and we've got his support for them. . . . It's very exciting to have a pres and a veep committed to advance women's rights.'"
 
Also in line was Lana Moreskey, a Democratic fund-raiser from the Cleveland area. "I wanted to witness the first day of his second term when he's going to be able to start working to finish his agenda," she said.

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