Archive - January 20, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

The Stars of the Balls

The president and the first lady kicked off their night at the Neighborhood Ball in the Washington Convention Center Tuesday evening. Obama's in a white tie while Michelle is wearing a white, one-shouldered, floor-length gown by designer Jason Wu. Plus: NYT on Michelle Obama's sense of fashion. And: Watch the video of their being serenaded by Beyonce singing Etta James' "At Last" for their first dance. Also performances from Jay-Z, Sting, Mariah Carey and more. One of 10 official Inaugural balls the first couple attended. PHOTOS: Rolling gallery of images from Inauguration Day here. Permalink

UN Demands Flow of Goods to Gaza

The humanitarian chief urges Israel to fully open all crossings with Gaza to allow in items for reconstruction. Permalink

Stocks in Asia, Europe Down

Stocks in both Asia and Europe followed America's lead, sending the MSCI World Index lower for a third straight day. Permalink

Obama: "Government Is Going to Work"

The newly sworn-in president tells ABC News in a brief interview at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball that the economy will top his "To Do" list. Promises to hit the ground running Wednesday: "Government is going to work, we’re going to make it work." Read the transcript here. Plus: Barack and Michelle Obama sit down with CBS News' Katie Couric before the Inauguration. Read excerpts here. Watch the entire interview here. Permalink

New First Lady Vows to Stay Grounded

Michelle Obama tells ABC News she's still settling into her role, promises to make a commitment to military families. "It's a bit surreal, but it's exciting, because I think there's a lot that can be done with this platform, and I'm ready to try to do some good things." Permalink

Bush: "It Is Good to be Home"

The former president was greeted by about 25,000 cheering Texans when he got off the plane in Midland Tuesday evening. "The presidency was a joyous experience, but as great as it was, nothing compares with Texas at sunset." "Tonight I have the privilege of saying six words that I have been waiting to say for a while -- it is good to be home." Bush and the former First Lady Laura Bush spent Tuesday night -- and will spend the next few days -- at their Crawford ranch, before moving into their new home in Dallas. Permalink

The March to the White House

The first family watches the rest of the Inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House from inside the heated presidential reviewing stand. President and Michelle Obama get out of the motorcade twice to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House. Plus: For list of parade participants in order of planned appearance -- click here. Permalink

Six Cabinet Members Confirmed

The Senate unanimously approves half a dozen Obama nominees with a single vote following the Inauguration. Vote puts in place Secs. Salazar, Shinseki, Vilsack, Napolitano, Duncan and Chu. Budget director Orszag also approved. Plus: Reports say HHS nominee Daschle skips inaugural festivities to visit with sick relative. Permalink

Wall Street Doesn't Cheer New POTUS

Stocks suffer their worst Inauguration Day since 1900. The Dow falls some 330 points, or 4%. Permalink

Kennedy Hospitalized, But Awake and Talking

The senior Massachusetts Senator taken to the Washington Hospital Center after apparently suffering a seizure during the post-Inaugural luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall. Kennedy, 76, who is fighting brain cancer, appeared to experience convulsions and was wheeled from the room. Observers say Kennedy remained conscious. Sen. Dodd: "I think he'll be okay." Read pool report here. President Obama: "My prayers are with him and his family and Vicki." Plus: Sen. Byrd also leaves the lunch, but aides say he did not fall ill. Read statement here. Permalink

Jarrett Describes "Tranquil," "Humbled" Obama

Close Obama friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett talks to TIME's Jay Newton-Small. Says the new president was "very calm all morning" Tuesday, and finished his Inaugural speech with ease a week ago. "He had a very good sense of the message he wanted to deliver to the American people.” Read more here. Permalink

The Work Begins

New White House Counsel Craig and others arrive at the west executive drive of the White House under police escort around 1:30 pm ET. Permalink

Inauguration Lunch Fit for Lincoln

Obama, Biden and their families attend the lunch in the Capitol's Statuary Hall following the swearing-in ceremonies. The Congressional inaugural committee planned their menu based on the 16th president’s favorites and preference for simplicity. Features seafood stew, pheasant, duck and apple sponge cake served on replicas of Lincoln’s White House china. More here. Permalink

GOODBYE

The former first couple depart Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland for Texas Tuesday afternoon. Earlier: In keeping with tradition, Obama escorted the former president down the steps of the Capitol to see him off. Permalink

President Obama: America's Challenges "Will Be Met"

The newly sworn in leader delivers a somber but eloquent Inaugural address on the steps of the Capitol Tuesday. Recognizes the problems that stand before him and the rest of the nation, but also points to civic responsibility as part of the solution. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." FULL TEXT: Read Obama's prepared remarks here. Click above to watch. Permalink