Yes We Did!

President Obama: Words for How We Feel Now from Emily Troutman on Vimeo.

Today was obviously different. Since when do people get so excited about a presidential inauguration? I even had people over for breakfast to share in the celebration. I don't even know if I've seen another inauguration, except in news clips.

Nelson Mandela, Former South African President:

"Your election to this high office has inspired people as few other events in recent times have done. Amongst many around the world a sense of hopelessness had set in as so many problems remain unresolved and seemingly incapable of being resolved.

"You, Mister President, have brought a new voice of hope that these problems can be addressed and that we can in fact change the world and make of it a better place.''

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Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister:

"He is a man of great vision, he is a man of great determination and energy and he is a man of great moral purpose. And I think all these qualities are ones that will stand him in great stead for facing up to the changes ahead of him."

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Angela Merkel, German Chancellor:

"I believe today is a very special day not only for the United States of America but also a special day for billions of people all over the world. The fact that a black president is inaugurated and the fact that we are looking at an intensive trans-Atlantic co-operation is something that not only moves the heads and thoughts but also the hearts."

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Nicolas Sarkozy, French President:

"With your election, the American people has vigorously expressed its confidence in progress and in the future, as well as its resolve to have an open, new, strong and caring America that you embody.

"As you are entering office, I should like to convey to you, on my behalf and on the behalf of the people of France, my very best wishes for great success at the head of the American nation."

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Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister:

"I believe from everything I have seen, read and heard and from the conversations that I have had with him that the American people have chosen well in their new president."