2013 Inauguration

2013 Inauguration

Welcome to CNN's 2013 Inauguration live blog at CNN.com/Conversation! While you watch CNN's coverage on TV - or here on CNN.com at CNN.com/Live...or on another platform like your mobile phone or tablet - use this live blog as a companion to your experience. Here you'll find extra information, links and videos from today and that relate to what's happening, pictures and other behind-the-scenes info, trivia and polls and more. You'll also see tweets from dozens of CNN reporters, producers, anchors and analysts, while they cover this event today - and we'll bring in others from celebrities who are in and around DC. And your conversation is important too! Leave your thoughts in the live blog on the right side of the page, and we'll include your take in the main live blog as well. We'll be live all day here, and into tonight and the parties the Obamas will be attending.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 2:47:22 PM
From CNN's Kevin Liptak reporting from the National Mall: A portion of the non-ticketed area between 4th and 7th streets is at capacity and closed, police say. While people are packed in here relatively closely, everyone is still able to move freely.

by Dana Davidsen, CNN 1/21/2013 2:48:16 PM
The first lady's fashion will be front & center today, but don't underestimate her political influence: http://on.cnn.com/XsG7gK

by Mark Preston via twitter 1/21/2013 2:49:13 PM
The communications director for the Presidential Inauguration Committee, Brent Colburn, explains the logistics of today's events to CNN's Soledad O'Brien.

Colburn says funding for the celebratory events, like the parade, comes from private donations while some portions of the security and the ceremony are funded through tax dollars.

by Dana Davidsen, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 2:50:41 PM
From CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser:

President Obama is at 52% approval as he begins his second term… according to a CNN Poll of Polls which averages eight non-partisan, live operator survey’s conducted over the past two weeks. Forty-three percent disapprove of the job he’s doing.

by Tim.McCaughan, CNN 1/21/2013 2:53:11 PM
Did you catch that moment of the First Lady with Jimmy Kimmel? Here's some of that appearance in late 2012.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 2:54:12 PM
Would be more notable if President Obama wore #ThomBrowne instead of his usual Brioni.

by Jonathan Wald via twitter 1/21/2013 2:59:17 PM
Right now on CNN, yesterday's official oath just re-aired. Watch it in full here.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 2:59:25 PM
Want a behind the scenes look at where the president will walk out for the oath? Tune into #cnn now

by Dana Bash via twitter 1/21/2013 3:00:02 PM
On Saturday President Obama was officially sworn for a second term in the Blue Room of the White House by Chief Justice John Roberts. He took the oath on the Robinson Family Bible (Michelle Obama’s paternal grandmother’s Bible).

Today, Obama will be sworn in a public ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol around 11:30am EST. Roberts will again administer the president's oath and Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor will administer the vice president's oath. The president will be sworn in on the Lincoln Bible (used in 1861 and 2009) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bible.

Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.,, told CNN's Soledad O'Brien that the president using her father's Bible is "heartwarming." King also said they had to do some repairs on the Bible "so that it wouldn't fall apart when the president places his hand on it."

by Dana Davidsen, CNN 1/21/2013 3:01:07 PM
From CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser:

How does President Obama stack up against his most recent predecessors who served two terms? George W. Bush was at 51% approval in CNN polling at his second inaugural in 2005; Bill Clinton stood at 62% in 1997 and so did Ronald Reagan in 1985.

by Tim.McCaughan, CNN 1/21/2013 3:01:20 PM
almost time! with @soledadobrien. @CNN pbs.twimg.com/media/BBJFJKrCEAE0YXg.jpg

by Jeffrey Toobin via twitter 1/21/2013 3:02:19 PM
Compare 2 a few hours ago: Mall filling in for 2nd @barackobama inaugural #cnn instagr.am/p/Uv_5r5MLQV/

by John King via twitter edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:02:51 PM
CNN Contributors Ana Navarro and Roland Martin talked this morning on CNN about what makes an inaugural address memorable: A memorable line.

Navarro, a Republican: "You know what you need: You need one memorable line. That's what everybody will remember. The really good speeches, the ones we do remember, we remember one the memorable line -- from the Kennedy speech. If he can deliver that one memorable line, it'll be what we'll all be talking about tomorrow."

Martin, a Democrat: "We remember that one line in the Kennedy speech. We don't remember jack from Johnson, Nixon -- take your pick -- Carter, Reagan. I mean, you go down the line ... I think it speaks to the fact that, lets just be honest: Inaugural speeches really are not memorable."

Navarro: "But we remember what the first ladies wore."

CNN's Leslie Bentz points out some significant quotes from past inaugural addresses.

One of the most famous quotes from FDR in 1933: 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…'lbentzterpvia twitter on Jan 21, 2013 at 9:59 AM

Theodore Roosevelt,from his inaugural speech in 1905: 'Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us.'lbentzterpvia twitter on Jan 21, 2013 at 9:59 AM

Another quote, from JFK in 1961 'And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country'lbentzterpvia twitter on Jan 21, 2013 at 10:02 AM

by Gregory Wallace, CNN 1/21/2013 3:03:16 PM
Jessica Yellin reports President Obama made some tweaks this morning to his speech, but had it mostly done over the weekend.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:05:43 PM
Keep the feedback coming in the commenting live blog on the right side, thanks!

What an exciting day for America!Lindas512Jan 21, 2013 at 10:06 AM
CNN's coverage is the best.RickInMississippiJan 21, 2013 at 9:41 AM

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:07:02 PM
Very encouraging: President has bipartisan leadership in for coffee before inaugural. Resetting conversation! #CNN

by David Gergen via twitter edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:07:42 PM
"That looks like homeland" "that looks like parks and rec" - basically all my thoughts

by chrissyteigen via twitter 1/21/2013 3:09:26 PM
From the people who brought you the hologram: CNN now featuring a virtual place setting for the #inaug2013 luncheon

by ethanklapper via twitter 1/21/2013 3:10:21 PM
TRIVIA: The longest Inauguration address was delivered by...

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:10:40 PM
It appears President Obama tweeted from church this morning. This message was posted at 9:25 a.m., and the White House has said tweets signed "-bo" are from the president:

I'm honored and grateful that we have a chance to finish what we started. Our work begins today. Let's go. -boBarack Obamavia twitter on Jan 21, 2013 at 10:10 AM
He arrived at the church at 8:34 a.m. and left at 9:38 a.m. We don't know if he was in the service when the tweet was posted.

by Gregory Wallace, CNN 1/21/2013 3:14:26 PM
"This is a bipartisan complaint," reports John King on CNN now about Obama not interacting much with senators, congressmen and congresswomen and others in DC.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:15:07 PM
Malia Obama gives her dad a fright, as recounted in a pool report from a reporter covering the president: "As the president's limo pulled up, the Obama daughters and Mrs. Robinson got out of the car behind. Malia Obama sneaked up to surprise her dad, shouting, 'Boo!' as he got out. 'You scared me!' he told her, and then the first family, joined by Mrs. Robinson, followed the Bidens inside."

by Gregory Wallace, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:15:39 PM
People are arriving at the National Mall behind #CNN's set. Watch #inaug2013 covg on tv & online all day. pbs.twimg.com/media/BBJIFg0CAAAnXGM.jpg

by CNNPR via twitter 1/21/2013 3:16:11 PM
Rev. Jesse Jackson live now on CNN, talking about Obama's inauguration as well as Martin Luther King Day.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:16:33 PM
#CNN offers unrestricted access to our air + #inaug2013 coverage via http://CNN.com, apps for iPhone, iPad + at t.co

by BlevinCNN via twitter 1/21/2013 3:19:21 PM
“@JoyVBehar: Wishing @BarbaraJWalters a speedy recovery! Get well soon Barbara!” We miss you today. @ABC

by Donna Brazile via twitter 1/21/2013 3:22:35 PM
by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:25:36 PM
John Berman is live in the crowd, talking about what you get when you get to your seat. Also - who will be on the President's podium? Check out CNN now.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:27:00 PM
CNN's John Berman reports that the Joint Chiefs of Staff just took their seats on the inauguration platform.

by Gregory Wallace, CNN 1/21/2013 3:27:19 PM
Here's what the mall looks like as thousands await the inauguration program, which begins in about an hour on the West Front of the Capitol. (Getty Images)

by Gregory Wallace, CNN via I2.cdn.turner 1/21/2013 3:27:33 PM
Happy Birthday @SamFeistCNN who's at the helm of #CNN #Inaug2013 coverage on such a grand day. Cheers!

by edie_emery via twitter 1/21/2013 3:28:24 PM
4 years ago, I sat on the presidential platform and was seated near the red carpet entrance. Today, I am here at @ABC for @obamainaugural.

by Donna Brazile via twitter 1/21/2013 3:29:13 PM
As Brooke Baldwin is explaining live on CNN now, upload your pictures to Instagram with a #CNN hashtag and we'll feature some here on the live blog, on CNN.com and on TV.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:30:31 PM
Whoa, detail just on CNN: one member of Obama's cabinet will not attend and is designate as the survivor if something happens(!)

by Devna Shukla via twitter 1/21/2013 3:31:00 PM
whoa instagr.am/p/UwDpaEJjQH/

by chrissyteigen via twitter 1/21/2013 3:31:13 PM
How much would you pay for a hot dog on the mall? CNN's Ashley Killough reports they're selling for $4 and are the most expensive item on the menu:

"Not too bad. But the lines? About 80 people deep for each of the 10 lines," she reports. "It's starting to get colder. People are putting on more layers now that the clouds are rolling in and starting to cover the sun."

by Gregory Wallace, CNN 1/21/2013 3:31:48 PM
As Obama begins his 2nd term, a look back at some funny moments from the first term.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:31:53 PM
It's not just about the election returns and breaking down the counties: John King is at the Magic Wall now. Looking at satellite images of the 2009 Inauguration.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:32:38 PM
@BrookeBCNN on the National Mall, MLK Day #Inaug2013 Day, Washington, DC #CNN pbs.twimg.com/media/BBJL-WRCYAAz2Tk.jpg

by MargaretHoover via twitter 1/21/2013 3:33:47 PM
#dualcelebration today. @obamainaugural and #MartinLutherKing birthday. #God Bless America!

by Donna Brazile via twitter 1/21/2013 3:33:52 PM
Coming up soon: Wolf Blitzer will interview Gen. Colin Powell live on CNN.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:35:16 PM
My new friends on the Mall!!! #cnn #inauguration instagr.am/p/UwEaSLwJex/

by Brooke Baldwin via twitter 1/21/2013 3:37:03 PM
If you're watching CNN, you can see the arrivals of all the VIPS - some celebrities and some political celebrities. We see Sen. John McCain, and Sen. (and soon-to-be-potential-Sec.) John Kerry now.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:37:27 PM
by Steve Krakauer, CNN 1/21/2013 3:39:42 PM