Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration - January 20, 2013

On January 20, 2013, Barack Obama was inaugurated for his second term as the 44th President of the United States. This event marked the continuation of his presidency following a successful re-election campaign in 2012.

Context Leading Up to the Inauguration

• Re-election Campaign: Barack Obama, a Democrat, ran for re-election against Republican candidate Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election. The campaign focused on issues such as economic recovery following the Great Recession, healthcare reform, and foreign policy.
• Election Victory: Obama won the election with 332 electoral votes to Romney’s 206 and secured 51.1% of the popular vote, making him the first president since Dwight D. Eisenhower to win two terms with over 51% of the popular vote.

The Inauguration Ceremony

• Date and Venue: The official inauguration took place on January 20, 2013, but as this date fell on a Sunday, the public ceremony was held on January 21, 2013, at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
• Oath of Office: Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office. The private swearing-in on January 20 was held in the Blue Room of the White House, while the public ceremony occurred the following day.
• Theme: The theme for the inauguration was “Faith in America’s Future,” celebrating the nation’s perseverance and progress over the years.

Key Highlights

• Inaugural Address: In his speech, Obama emphasized themes of unity, equality, and the need for collective action to address challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and immigration reform.
• Cultural Significance: The inauguration featured performances by artists such as Beyoncé, who sang the national anthem, and James Taylor. The event also included a poem by Richard Blanco, the first Latino and openly gay inaugural poet.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Second Term Agenda: During his second term, Obama focused on several key initiatives, including the Affordable Care Act’s implementation, gun control measures following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and efforts to combat climate change.
• Legacy: Obama’s second term saw significant developments, such as the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide and the normalization of relations with Cuba.

Barack Obama’s second inauguration was a moment of reaffirmation for his administration and set the stage for continued efforts to address pressing national and global issues. The event underscored the themes of hope and progress that had characterized his presidency.