Day one

???On Tuesday, Barack Obama was officially sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Obama, the nation's first black president, was not shy about addressing the current crises at hand, addressing all of the election season's hot-button topics with candor and zeal.

???Two years after his historic campaign began, Obama was sworn into office by Chief Justice John Roberts as thousands looked on. Despite his constant presence in the public eye, Obama nervously repeated the oath, followed with a speech that beamed with confidence. Obama promised change to Americans and to the citizens of other nations.

???"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms," Obama said at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., alluding to the current national calamity consuming the public's attention.

???Obama made mention of the downturn of the economy, the unemployment rate, climate change, terrorism and torture in one swift address.

???"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," the former Illinois senator promised the crowd.

???In the first changing of the guard since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Obama promised to remain steadfast in hindering those who threaten peace throughout the world.

???"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and ideals," Obama said. "...To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

???The young president was not shy about making reference to controversial issues of past administrations. Obama told the world that the U.S. would be a nation that embraces the ideals of bygone years, referencing the triumph of America's Founding Fathers and their resilience in the midst of the drafting of American principles.

???"Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake," Obama said, addressing a worldwide audience. "...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."

???In a changing of regime, from Republican to Democratic leadership, Obama promised the nation that political ideology would no longer stand in the way of progress. He warned those who believed that party division would continue stifle change that a new era is at hand.

???"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply," Obama said, promising a re-evaluation of government programming and how tax dollars are spent. "...And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

???Despite his inexperience, Obama's message was firm, unafraid to make mention of policies of the Bush administration. Wednesday is Obama's first working day as president, and he is expected to begin the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, according to a report from Fox News.