inauguration

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If Obama Can Bring Change to DC, Why Not Middle East?

He's proved having a black president isn't impossible, after all

(Newser) - As Barack Obama’s inauguration brings one thing once deemed impossible—a black US president—it will be accompanied by the renewal of another seemingly intractable issue, David Remnick writes in the New Yorker: the Arab-Israeli conflict. Obama claims to understand “the obligation to repair the world” set out...

US Inaugurates $700M Embassy in Baghdad

Buildings symbolize desire to 'continue the tradition of friendship'

(Newser) - The United States inaugurated its largest embassy yet in the heart of the Green Zone today, officially opening the fortress-like compound that was intended to stand as a testament to America's commitment to Iraq. Addressing an inauguration ceremony under tight security, Ambassador Ryan Crocker said the $700 million embassy was...

Republicans Flee DC Ahead of Inauguration

Depressed and out of a job, it's time to go to Switzerland

(Newser) - The Obama inauguration is looking like a good time for Republicans to abandon DC, reports Politico. Depressed by the reminder of their defeat, and often newly unemployed, they're renting their houses to visiting Democrats and heading to Vegas or Europe. Says a former John McCain flack, “I will also...

Want Two Free Inauguration Tix?

PIC offers essay-writing contest to score inauguration spots

(Newser) - Curious to check out this “historic inauguration” thing everyone’s talking about? The Presidential Inaugural Committee is giving away 10 tickets—plus an equal number for guests—to the winners of an essay contest on what Barack Obama’s swearing-in means to them, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The committee...

Hollywood Shells Out for Obama's Big Day

A-listers fork over $50K for events

(Newser) - A blackout hit Barack Obama’s Hawaii vacation home last week, but his inauguration next month will be lit up with plenty of star power. Hollywood A-listers have been shelling out top dollar to help pay for the president-elect’s big day, Politico reports. Donors include Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx,...

Hudson May Perform at Inauguration

It would be first performance since family murders

(Newser) - A still-grieving Jennifer Hudson’s first performance since her family tragedy may be at Barack Obama’s inauguration, the New York Post reports. Organizers have asked Hudson to sing the national anthem, which she also performed at the Democratic National Convention. Hudson, whose mother, sister, and nephew were murdered in...

Journos, Citizens Get Inaugural Warning

'Crush-level' crowds expected for historic event

(Newser) - Despite an ailing industry, journalists have requested a record number inaugural press credentials, and many will be denied, Politico reports. “We’re going to have to be very stingy this year,” said one press gallery director. As for the millions expected to turn out for Inauguration Day, stay...

Obama's Inaugural Dance Card Is Full: Ten Balls

Next First Couple will be stretched thinner, by one gala, than Bushes in '05

(Newser) - The new First Couple will have plenty of opportunity to showcase their dance moves, the Washington Post reports, with 10 different inaugural balls scheduled for the night of Jan. 20—one more party than President Bush had in 2005. But the question on many minds is: What will Michelle wear,...

I'm Anti-Gay Marriage, Not Anti-Gay: Warren

Controversial pastor aims to dampen criticism, civilize discourse

(Newser) - Rick Warren continues to refine his stance on gays and gay marriage, saying he is “not opposed to gays having their partnership,” and that his anti-gay marriage stance doesn’t make him anti-gay, the AP reports. “I’m opposed to gays using the term marriage for their...

The Case for and Against Rick Warren

WaPost does the dueling op-ed thing

(Newser) - Liberals should be neither shocked nor appalled by Barack Obama’s inaugural invitation to anti-gay pastor Rick Warren, EJ Dionne writes in the Washington Post. His colleague Richard Cohen begs to differ, however, so the two duke it out in their columns today. Cohen says Obama has decided to “...

Michelle's 'Recession Chic' the Latest Rage

Her fashion sense has jolted an ailing retail sector

(Newser) - Barack Obama may decide how to stimulate the economy, but it's Michelle who's teaching America how to look good in it, CNN reports. She's dumped the traditional first lady look for a "recession chic" fashion—a brazen mix of little-known designers like fellow Chicagoan Maria Pinto and bargain buys...

Obama Will Take Oath on Lincoln Bible
Obama Will
Take Oath on Lincoln Bible
Dec 23, 2008 11:15 AM CST

Obama Will Take Oath on Lincoln Bible

President-elect the first to use volume since Abe himself

(Newser) - On January 20, Barack Obama will place his hand on the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used during his 1861 swearing-in, Politico reports. Obama will be the first president to use the tome since Lincoln. Though it’s not constitutionally required, “Presidents have traditionally used Bibles for the ceremony, choosing...

Warren to Keynote MLK Service

One day before controversial inauguration address

(Newser) - Just a day before he makes his appearance at Barack Obama’s inauguration, Rick Warren will give the keynote address at the annual Martin Luther King Jr memorial service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, King's former home in Atlanta, the OC Register reports. While Obama has taken heat from gay marriage...

DC Cuts in Half Inaugural Crowd Estimates

Transit survey shows about 2.5M are heading for the capital

(Newser) - Washington officials have sliced in half earlier estimates for the number of people expected to swarm Washington for the inauguration, the Washington Post reports. The original projections, as high as 5 million, were founded on the election’s historic nature, while revised numbers are based on talks with transport companies...

Pastor Warren: Some of My Best Friends Are Gay

But has compared gay marriage to incest, polygamy, child abuse

(Newser) - Pastor Rick Warren "loves gays and straights," he said yesterday, in response to the uproar  his invitation to Barack Obama's inaugural invocation sparked among gay rights groups. In a speech to the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Warren emphasized that he has "many gay friends" and has "...

In Preacher Pick, Obama Dismisses Gays
 In Preacher Pick, 
 Obama Dismisses Gays 
OPINION
Dec 19, 2008 12:40 PM CST

In Preacher Pick, Obama Dismisses Gays

Rev. Rick Warren was big backer of Proposition 8

(Newser) - Barack Obama’s choice of Rick Warren to offer his inaugural invocation was a glaring and offensive misstep for a consistently savvy politician, writes prominent gay-rights activist Joe Solmonese in the Washington Post. Warren was a key proponent of Proposition 8, “the biggest loss our community has faced in...

Warren's Inauguration Role Angers Gay Leaders

(Newser) - Gay-rights groups are fuming over Barack Obama's selection of evangelist Rick Warren to perform the invocation at his inauguration ceremony, Politico reports. Warren opposed California's recently defeated Proposition 8 that would have legalized gay marriage. His selection may help Obama mend fences with conservative voters, but gay activists say they...

Aretha, Rick Warren on Tap for Inauguration Day

John Williams will compose new music for Obama's landmark occasion

(Newser) - Aretha Franklin will participate in Barack Obama’s inauguration next month, the New York Times reports, with the Queen of Soul hitting the stage after evangelical leader Rick Warren gives the invocation. Obama has also commissioned composer John Williams to write a new piece of music for the ceremony—to...

DC Ups Defenses for Inauguration

No specific threat, says general in detailing January plans

(Newser) - The Pentagon plans a dramatic expansion of the military presence in Washington to coincide with Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration, the Los Angeles Times reports. About 4,000 National Guardsmen and 7,500 active-duty troops will augment local police and security forces, while air patrols will be increased. No...

Obama Team Clogs Inboxes, Elicits Backlash

Mugs to donations, that David Plouffe emails incessantly

(Newser) - Barack Obama and his various Internet organs are hawking everything from civic engagement and disaster relief to coffee mugs and fleece scarves, causing fatigue among supporters, Politico reports. And while some are just tired of incessant emails from the likes of David Plouffe, watchers are concerned about how the president-elect...

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