Obama takes power

In a moment of genuine historical significance, Barack Obama was sworn in as the first black President of the United States today.

With one hand on Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural Bible, the 47-year-old son of a Kenyan father and white American mother pledged the Oath of Office before a hopeful nation and a global audience of billions.

In becoming the 44th president of America he also inherited a country in deep recession, with rising unemployment and an army fighting wars in two countries.

1 US Inauguration Lead

President Obama warned of “gathering clouds and raging storms“.

But he also delivered a message of hope as he was inaugurated as the first black President of the United States.

He said: “Every so often the oath (of office) is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms”.

At such times America had to remain “faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding document”, he said.

And he added: “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.”