As millions gather in Washington for Pres. Obama's inauguration, many Minnesotans are in attendance. Gov. Tim Pawlenty is there as are House DFL Leaders Kelliher and Sertich. Kelliher said "He represents a new generation." Sertich said "he transcended race and petty politics." Former Vice President Walter Mondale is on the main riser.
Obama makes much history today, but I was surprised that he's not even close to being the youngest president in history. Surprisingly, that honor goes to Teddy Roosevelt who assumed office at just 42 after McKinley's assassination. The youngest elected president hold true to perception, JFK was 43. I don't remember Bill Clinton being just 46, still younger than Obama at 47. We often think of our governor as a young governor, but he is a year older than Obama. He also brings left-handedness back to the White House, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton were part of the left-handed streak in the Oval Office.
Some other bits of analysis that stands out of to me. The first President Bush served in a segregated army. Presidents Carter and Clinton grew up in segregation south. And they are standing there feet away from a Black man becoming president. One PBS anaylst (Ch. 17 is broadcasting the event) just said that the transition from Bush (Jr.) to Obama is probably "the best transition ever." That is a credit to both men and their staffs. It is the remarkable day when we watch the peaceful transition of power that makes our democracy enviable.