Barack Obama Sworn In As 44th US President

STORY:

Barack Obama took the oath of office becoming the first African American President of the United States.
Hundreds of thousands of people who had gathered from around the nation and the world erupted in roars of approval on the broad grounds of the National Mall.
The new president  hailed the moment as a time of change and renewal for America:
[Barack Obama, US President]:
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation the god-given promise that all are equal all are free."
Facing crowds stretching into the distance, Obama cited the worst economic conditions in 70 years and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as having placed the country "in the midst of crisis."
[Barack Obama, US President]:
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."
Obama pledged bold and swift action on the "badly weakened" U.S. economy, a top priority as he works with the U.S. Congress on an estimated $850 billion economic stimulus package aimed at jolting the economy back to life. He vowed the United States will begin to leave Iraq responsibly but citedno specific timetable. He also had a warning for Islamic militants.
[Barack Obama, US President]:
"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
But Obama also voiced a desire to repair strained relations abroad.
[Barack Obama, US President]:
"And so to the all other peoples and governments who are watching me today, from the grandest capital to the small village where my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation  and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."
 Obama said the economic crisis was a consequence of "greed and irresponsibility" on the part of some and vowed that those who manage Americans' money "will be held to account." Obama enters the White House with wide public support but with a daunting list of challenges that will confront him immediately  in the nation's highest office.