Barack Obama is sworn in for second term
Baku, January 22 (AZERTAC). Barack Obama has taken the oath of office in Washington DC to inaugurate his second term as US president, before hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Mr Obama, 51, who is the 44th president of the US, was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Monday`s inaugural festivities in the US capital include black-tie balls, a parade and musical performances.
In his inaugural address, the Democratic president is now laying out his vision for the next four years.
He was formally sworn in at a small White House ceremony on Sunday - the US Constitution dictates presidential terms begin on 20 January.
In the famous Blue Room with his wife and daughters, the 44th president rested his hand on a Bible that was used for many years by Michelle Obama`s family, as Justice Roberts administered the oath of office.
According to the words prescribed by the US Constitution, Mr Obama swore he would "faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States".
He repeated those words at Monday`s public inauguration, placing his left hand on Bibles owned by legendary American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr and President Abraham Lincoln.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, along with dozens of senators, congressional leaders and other dignitaries have attended the event at the US Capitol.
In his inaugural address, Mr Obama is not expected to preview his policy agenda on Monday. He will address that in next month`s State of the Union speech, asking bitterly divided lawmakers to come together and reduce gun violence, overhaul the immigration system and reduce the yawning federal budget deficit.
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