Bush takes oath of office for second time

Throngs of eager onlookers wrapped tightly in hats and scarves jostled for space as President George Bush’s brand new Cadillac swept into view.

The jet-black DTS limousine, surrounded by heavy armour and bullet-proof glass, reflected the celebration, pomp, circumstance but also the heightened security fears now linked to inauguration day.

Hundreds of dignitaries from across the political spectrum gathered to watch him take the oath of office against a backdrop of flags and bunting on the Capitol steps.

Mr Bush’s predecessor, former President Bill Clinton, arrived with his wife, Hillary, to a fanfare of trumpets.

Also in attendance were John Kerry, Mr Bush’s Democratic opponent in the November’s presidential election, and California’s Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The luminaries sat huddled outside the Capitol as the beat of a military bands rose into the icy air.

Preceded by his wife Laura, dressed in white, and twin daughters Jenna and Barbara, Mr Bush emerged on the steps of the Capitol shortly after noon to a deafening cheer, drowning out the tones of Hail to the Chief.

Some 100,00 watched, hushed, as the ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist, 80, administered the oath of office.

The 58-year-old President placed one hand on a family Bible and raised the other as he recited the traditional oath.

After cannons fired a 21-gun salute, and quick kisses for his family, President Bush’s second inaugural address, which went through 21 rewrites, was broadcast around the world.

As he spoke, thousands of Americans waited on the streets of Washington to witness the parade.

Skies were overcast as Mr Bush vowed to pursue “the unfinished work of American freedom” at home and to spread liberty abroad.

Towards the end, thousands of supporters burst into cheers to drown out protesters who began chanting slogans against the second-term President.

As the ceremony drew to a close, business leaders and politicians prepared for the lavish inaugural balls, expected to continue well into the night.