Five Million Attend the Inauguration, Five Billion Watch on TV

Will that be the headline on January 21st? Will this be one of those defining moments that captivates the world like the landing on the moon?

Even with all the crises consuming the planet, we can reasonably expect that everyone who has a TV will be watching on January 20, 2009 as America breaks with its past and inaugurates Barack Obama. On that day President Obama will have the world's attention for his Inauguration speech.

Can one speech make a difference? Lincoln at Gettysburg ("Four score and seven years ago"), FDR's first Inaugural Address ("The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."), Kennedy in Berlin ("Ich bin ein Berliner"), and Dr. Martin Luther King during the March on Washington ("I have a dream") proved that an eloquent speech can make a great difference.

Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama rose to great oratorical heights. So much so that the McCain campaign ridiculed him as being all words and no substance. During the transition, Obama has moved quickly to set an agenda, outline policy positions, and name key governmental appointments. Clearly he wanted to prove that his eloquence presaged substantial action.

On January 20th, President Barack Obama will stand at the center of the world's stage. He will address America and the global community. We can expect that his words will be well-chosen, his ideas inspiring, and his mood uplifting. At a time of such violence and uncertainty, it will be good to relish a moment of clarity as we look forward to a future that moves the world away from the turmoil of the past eight years.

Comments

[Okieborn]

I will Be re-cording "ALL Of The History !!
Thanks George No Gas Money For Driving There !!!

[daltexman]

I was excited about Obama winning (I voted saw him campaign here in Texas, voted for him in the primary, and the general election, as well as contributed to his campaign. Then the Rick Warren thing happens and I see Obama for what he really is -- an opportunist, a politician (in the worst sense of the word). I cannot express my disappointment in him -- I only hope and pray that time will help lessen my sense of disgust and disappointment at him elevating a homophobic minister and being callous towards the LGBT community. I hope that we get more than crumbs from Mr. Obama the next four years. I am not asking for special rights for gays, but equal rights. Do the right thing. As far as I am concerned, January 20 was going to be a special day but now it is only a day of sadness for this once-enthusiastic black gay democrat.

[Annette truth teller08]

What---------------Ever!!!!!!!

[Mahi Joe]

I wonder if Huffpo has the capacity to live stream the inaurguration.

[blogattelle]

ok, the finish line is on sight, but I think mr. president-elect lives a big psychological stress about many important issues waiting the 20th; we live in super-super fast age but the modalities are the same from 1800: I think the next administration must change for 2016, don't you?

[AngelaQuattrano]

Well, I won't be watching. I don't have cable, so I don't count.

[ladyv]

You obviously have internet access, so you can watch it online.

[odyssey58]

Aren't the networks broadcasting it?

[odyssey58]

I just emailed our local NBC affiliate. They are broadcasting the inauguration from 10:30 - 4. No cable? No problem.

[Seven7s]

I dont think 5 billion people even have TVs. But I get the point. It will defiantly break all kinds of records.

[RealityBaseCamp]

We GOT tickets, but now we can't go! Cheer extra loud for those of us who can't make it, people! In 1980 I was part of a million people watching the Beach Boys in front of the Washington Monument, and it was fantastic. There are bound to be more hardships this time around, but have a great time! And stay warm!

[dwamikayla]

David:

If you're going to quote someone, please do your research. What FDR actually said (and I know almost everyone else gets it wrong too) was:

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt

(Second paragraph in "First New Deal" section)

[David Latt - Huffpost Blogger]

My bad. I checked the text before I posted the piece but my eyes played tricks on me. Thanks for letting me know. I made the correction. All the best.

[zonafan51]

I will also be there . . . and I have a ticket to the inauguration!!! I still can't believe it . . . please . . . no one pinch me . . . I don't want to wake up!!

YES WE DID!!!!

[rosal]

I am green with envy. Have the best time in the world!

[Cil]

YES YOU DID!

CONGRATS FOLKS. YOU DESERVE TO BE SO PROUD!

[vote-obama]

count me as one of the 5million attending.

[lpeggy]

we took the day off, this is a moment we will always remember...where we were that day :-)

[vegas9999]

The over and under on the amount of arrests and shootings on one particular gambling site is 350. I bet over.

[hortonhearsawho2]

I'm bringing a big jar of crunchy peanut butter and crackers, in case there are any mouthy repubs...

[hortonhearsawho2]

Every American child will then be told with honesty, Yes You Can....

[hortonhearsawho2]

Can we pick a Pres. or what.....

[shireenj]

Yes you CAN! Love from a slightly jealous Australian ...

[Cil]

YES YOU DID!

CONGRATS, AND LOVE FROM AN EVEN MORE JEALOUS
CANADIAN!