I watched Barak turn to look up at the instrumental ensemble when they first started playing. He eventually settled back into his chair and 'tuned into' the sound, as I did. The selection was lovely. But, in those first moments when he turned to look at the performance above him, he noted Sasha restless in her chair and struggling to stay under a blanket to keep warm. He looked at her for more than pause and he finally had her attention and smiled in reassurance of her presence and patience. It was a charming moment between a Father and Daughter and a statement of his love and concern for his children.
I believe he carries his devotion of his family in his heart and measures the importance of America's children and families and their outcomes and safety with that same depth of commitment he shows his own.
They are a remarkable couple and I look forward to their leadership from here on.
Did everyone else, besides me, realize the youthfulness of the Democrats as they took the platform at the inauguration. Our former Presidents and Vice Presidents are young and were young when they took office. In the long view, their longevity, insight and faithfulness to this nation counts. Nice. To realize in eight years we will still 'have Obama' to steady the ship is more than a treasure there are words to describe. It is going to be a great eight years and the Democrats in 2010 will take an unchallenged majority in both the House and Senate.
January 20 2009
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington DC.
