Today, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.

I must admit, I wasn’t convinced he had the experience or charisma to win that election. I was rooting for Hilary, mostly because it would bring Bill back into that inner circle of power. Say what you must about Bill’s personal shortcomings, he is a brilliant man and a political giant. As it happens, Bill liked to have actual power and did not appear keen on simply being power-adjacent. The former affable, smoothee also went slightly off his cake during the campaign, calling his stability into question.  They may have dodged a bullet. (Sorry Bill)

But, since his win on November 4th, Obama has impressed me.
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Barack Obama Being Sworn in as President of the United States

It is inauguration day. Today, we watched history enfold itself. Today we watched a man dedicated to change, dedicated to a world of peace, dedicated to his fellow citizens stand and take power – not into his own hands, but rather into the hands of the future. Today we witnessed the start of a long journey, but one filled with hope. As the torch gets passed from the old generation to the new, questions linger in everyone’s mind, questions only answered by time itself.

During his speech, President Obama did not once look down at his notes, he did not once look down to collect his thoughts, he looked forward. He looked to the seas of people who had been awaiting this day. He looked towards what lies ahead, the heavy tasks that lay in the future to correct this faltered world. He looked towards those who stood in the way of progress and denounced their heavy-handed ways. His action is symbolic of the man he is. Far exceeding his words – which was like poetry, sending chills down my spine and a tear down my cheek – his body showed the world what the future will bring. We must all take sight of this and do the same. Look ahead to your opponents, look ahead to your battle, look ahead to the future, and not at your feet or any small obstacles in the way. Do not shy from any problem, take courage, honor and truth by your side and take the 21st Century as we should have 8 years ago. Above all else take hope, imagination and solidarity for change to create a world of peace, started not by countries, not by politics, not companies or organizations, but started by individuals. Do what is in your power to change the world into a better place.
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With as many as 4 million people expected to attend the inauguration events today, Barack Obama’s inauguration will be the largest to ever take place. With big screens set up throughout the National Mall area for these people to witness Obama’s inauguration address – one of the most anticipated speeches of all time. Obama’s speech will last approximately 20 minutes and will discuss responsibility and removing the “me first” philosophy, in order to make America a greater country to live in.
To protect Barack Obama, there will be 25,000 security guards, including snipers, police dogs, and air and naval support, as well as 5,000 security cameras.
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President-elect Barack Obama Will Make His First Presidential Visit to Canada

President-elect Barack Obama has announced that his first international trip as the newly elected President of the United States will be to Canada.

The Prime Minister’s office confirms that the president-elect has accepted Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s invitation to visit Canada soon after he is inaugurated on January 20th.

Transition aides for the president-elect say that Obama picked the United States neighbour to north as his first trip within North America as president, but they could not discuss the date for the trip or its itinerary.

The Office of the Prime Minister has also said that it has been in close contact with Obama’s transition team and an official for the transition team says that aides for the president-elect and Harper have been discussing specifics of the trip in recent days.
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