Obama Praises McCain, Powell, Biden Before Taking Oath
EmailFrom Jake Tapper and Jennifer Duck:
President-elect Barack Obama made three separate appearances at pre-inauguration dinners honoring his former rival Sen. John McCain, former Secretary of State Gen Colin Powell, and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
Obama sported a long black tie instead of the more traditional bow tie and spoke of each of the honorees with praise.
As he addressed the first bipartisan crowd honoring McCain, a herd of guests inched up toward the stage eager to take pictures of the soon-to-be commander in chief.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick introduced the president-elect as the crowd gave Mr. Obama a very long standing ovation.
"I’m here tonight to say a few words about an American hero I have come to know very well and admire very much — Sen. John McCain," Obama said
"And then, according to the rules agreed to by both parties, John will have approximately 30 seconds to make a rebuttal," he joked.
"It has not been a quest for fame or vanity that has driven this man. It has not been the need to compromise for politics’ sake that has shaped his distinguished career," Obama said in a more serious tone talking about McCain." It is rather a pure and deeply felt love of his country that comes from the painful knowledge of what life is like without it."
The president-elect then invited McCain up to the stage. They hugged and Obama continued to compliment McCain as camera flashes took over the ballroom stage.
“John is not known to bite his tongue,” Obama said with a smile, “and If I’m screwing up, he’s going to let me know. And that’s how it should be because a presidency is just one branch of a broader government by and for the people.”
He closed saying, "We will not always agree on everything in the months to come, and we will have our share of arguments and debates. But let us strive always to find that common ground, and to defend together those common ideals, for it is the only way we can meet the very big and very serious challenges that we face right now."
Stressing bi-partisanship yet again at his second appearance of the night, Obama emphasized former Secretary of State Colin Powell’s service to Democrats and Republicans.
He spoke of Powell’s "consistent loyalty to a set of principles: truth, loyalty and determination."
"The lesson he’s learned from his own rise is not his own greatness, but his nation’s greatness," Obama concluded at the dinner in Powell’s honor at the National Building Museum.
The night ended with a final stop honoring Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
Obama talked about Biden’s struggles early in life and also stressed his great accomplishments and national security experience.
The president-elect genuinely described his number two as a man with "a core authenticity grounded in the fact that no matter how high he climbs, he never forgets when he came from."
The final line of the night drew a roaring applause: "We’ll see you tomorrow."
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This is the true calling card of the new era being built. I spent a few hours at youth center helping a couple of youngsters. I wish I could be there in D.C., but I know that my studies are what I have to focus on, I am sure the President-Elect(a few hours to go), would want people to skip the festivities and get down to the business of our lives. I will watch it live though! Change has come.
Posted by: Michael | January 19, 2009, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
I’m all for giving the guy a chance, but let’s face it folks, the man’s done nothing as a public servant. Let’s see what he does before dumping all this unearned praise.
Posted by: jake | January 19, 2009, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
I’m happy to see Obama take the oath. Sweeping change will have been accomplished with the removal of George Bush’s and VP Cheney’s hands from the bastions of power. That will be accomplishment number one. It only can get better from that change.
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | January 19, 2009, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
Michael — Amen! I feel HOPE for this country. I feel this country is finally for ALL of its citizens, just not the wealthy and powerful or the racist or bigot. This is the America we can be proud of. Its been a LONG, LONG, LONG, time, but a change is gonna come.
Posted by: Shianne | January 19, 2009, 10:53 pm 10:53 pm
I hope that Obama and McCain will continue this spirit of bipartisanship and work together toward the common good. They are an example to all of our elected officials.
Posted by: Laurel Federbush | January 19, 2009, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
WestCoast — So true. As a former Army enlisted soldier, I am ashamed that our leadership condoned torture. Now there is NOTHING that separates us from the enemy, NOTHING! And when I hear fellow Americans condone torture, I think to myself, they have no clue.
John McCain understands and that is why he will never condone torture. If you have ever worn the uniform, you know understand.
I often wonder how Pres Bush can sleep at night. How he can declare he is a christian or how he still has supporters.
Barack is no saint or prophet, but he represents CHANGE.
Posted by: Shianne | January 19, 2009, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
This is a Rennaissance, a beginning for a new and a prosperous America. We will go through the shadows of economic hardship, but will again emerge stronger and more prosperous. We are a nation of diverse people, united and resilient. May God bless the president and the vice president elect, may God bless America and all its people, and may God bless all the citizens of the world.
Posted by: what667 | January 19, 2009, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
“This is a Rennaissance, a beginning for a new and a prosperous America. We will go through the shadows of economic hardship, but will again emerge stronger and more prosperous.”
What you are finally proud of your country? Where were you last year?
I dont think the mathematics work out for us being more prosperous. The way business cycles run, there is a recession every 7-12 years.
Obama’s plan is to have trillion dollar deficits the next few years. When we come out in 2010, even if we dropped back to 2006 spending levels and spent *no money* on the maintenance of the infrastructure we just built you could never recover enough money in the growth years to pay down the huge amount he just spent before we went into the *next* recession.
What would the plan be then? An even larger spending package. In effect we’d be getting further and further behind.
And thats ignoring the permanent increase in costs we’d have to maintain new stuff we are building.
Posted by: BertieW | January 19, 2009, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
Let’s be real. Obama only “admires” McCain because he’ a man and he didn’t chew Obama up about his dealings with Rezco, Wright etc. Obama is a con man and you’ve all been conned PERIOD
Posted by: Ryan | January 19, 2009, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
who’s paying for this crap?
Posted by: Kyle | January 19, 2009, 11:51 pm 11:51 pm
I disagreed with his policies, but I have to say; John McCain proved to be a real officer and a gentleman.
Posted by: Tomkker | January 20, 2009, 12:19 am 12:19 am
Methinks this would never have occurred if the Dems had 60 seats in the Senate.
Posted by: vancav | January 20, 2009, 12:27 am 12:27 am
Let’s just hope that barry can leave washington with a little bit better of a track record then he did in Chicago.
He gave phenomenal amounts of $$$ to chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, but somehow they have either stayed the same in crime ratings or have gotten worse.
He worked tirelessly as a civil rights lawyer to ensure minorities had “affordable housing”. If banks resisted writing risky loans, he would threaten to sue. Just look where that mentality got us.
Barry was surrounded by some of the worst politicians/ public figures in America today…Ayers, Rezko, Blago, Wright… but somehow never spoke out against any of them until the media prompted him to do so. His usual reponse was “that is not the man i knew…..”
Change we can believe in? When will you obamabots wake up???
Posted by: dave | January 20, 2009, 12:32 am 12:32 am
To the sad posters who can’t recognize how badly this change was needed, nor realize the desperate straits their “leaders” have put this country in … your time is past. The divisiveness and the hatred have no place any longer. Wake up and figure it out.
Posted by: Tom | January 20, 2009, 12:40 am 12:40 am
Obama recognizes that his greatest threat are members of his own party. Thus, the old saying “keep your friends close and your enemies even closer”.
Posted by: Bal Toga | January 20, 2009, 12:48 am 12:48 am
I am proud of my country!!I am with President Barack Obama all the way!!!!
Posted by: us citizen | January 20, 2009, 1:54 am 1:54 am
I have grown to admire our new President. Let’s give him a chance, I think he’ll do well.
Posted by: Amazing_G | January 20, 2009, 1:56 am 1:56 am
I’m happy to see Obama become President of the U.S.several hours later.
Posted by: wu ganrong | January 20, 2009, 2:07 am 2:07 am
DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT BARACK OBAMA SAYS, BUT CAREFULLY WATCH WHAT HE DOES !!!
Barack Obama is the greatest liar in history (no wonder he is an excellent lawyer!) During his campaign, he told lots of hope in future for America if he was elected, but now he warns Americans of oncoming darker economy and not to put too much hope in his promises. He promises a big plan to reduce budget deficit but his inauguration ceremony this January will be the most costly in history (50 millions) while the nation is in deep depression, as well as his presidential campaign (600 millions), which was far more than his opponent John McCain’s. He swears to clean up Washington DC, but he failed to first clean up his homestate Illinois, one of the most corrupt state with the scandal of Governor Rod Blagojevich, who greatly helped Obama to win his state senate seat in 1996, 1998, and 2002. And his favorite slogan is “Yes, we CAN”, yet he himself CANNOT quit smoking at all !!! (Each year about 1.3 million American smokers quit successfully).
Posted by: TIM NGUYEN | January 20, 2009, 2:48 am 2:48 am
This makes me proud of Barack Obama. I like the bipartisan reach-out and the modeling of respect and admiration for Senator McCain a lot. Senator McCain is an American hero and one of the smartest, funniest public servants we have. I have a great deal or respect for him even with my opposing views. I wish we could all keep that respect in mind for those who think differently. The world would be a better place if we did.
Posted by: Kellybelle22 | January 20, 2009, 3:03 am 3:03 am
humility is good, unwavering focus is better but the love of humanity is the best, it can change anything.That is what you have got; a rise from a humble state to a position which impact positively in people’s life,Long live Obama,long live America and joy to the world .
Posted by: daniel | January 20, 2009, 3:06 am 3:06 am
More name calling and insults from the ‘right wing’.
Just dropping the name Ayers into a paragraph does not make Obama guilty of anything. Or do you have a different justice system than America’s justice system?
Very mean-spirited and sore losers. Grow up, do something positive for your community. You lost an election, you don’t have to stoop to insults and name calling. Grow up.
And quit demonizing . . . it’s bad for your mental health, it’s bad for the country.
Posted by: pefros | January 20, 2009, 3:07 am 3:07 am
It’s good to see this effort put into attempting to behave decently across differences in opinion.
Decency to others of different opinion . . . something people on here might want to consider.
Posted by: pefros | January 20, 2009, 3:11 am 3:11 am
Dear President elect Barack Obama,
May your presidency bring peace, prosperity, justice and harmony throughout the world and bring about a change to leap humanity into higher grounds for generations to come.
Proud supporter
Naba Kadel,
Riverbank, CA
Posted by: Naba Kadel | January 20, 2009, 3:20 am 3:20 am
Change has indeed come to America. Am so excited.Lets all support Obama
Posted by: Ezra | January 20, 2009, 4:01 am 4:01 am
My fellow Americans let us not become too excited.All politicians are just the same throughout the word.Much as Obama has given us hope amidst economic recession wars in Iraq and Afghanistan the challenges that lie ahead are too much for the young man.
Posted by: gerald Zulu | January 20, 2009, 4:09 am 4:09 am
To the people; “Any website like this that proclaims to deliver ‘news’ and proceeds to either erase the comments of ordinary people who respond to these articles or move on to the next story without keeping the prior one on long enough for people to read all the comments can only be labeled as one sided journalism and therefore should be trusted very little”. This happens frequently at this ABC website and I am sure across the land with other so-called ‘news’ sources. Furthermore any website proclaiming to deliver the ‘news’ without allowing followup comments by ordinary people shouldn’t be trusted at all. It is all one-sided journalism backed by the ‘existing powers’ to only deliver their message. It also could be labeled, censorship.
Posted by: Don | January 20, 2009, 4:19 am 4:19 am
McCain and Powell are no heroes any more. They don’t deserved to be the members of the Republican Party. The Conservatives want to get rid of these liberal and moderate out. Obama is taken advantage of McCain and Powell.
Posted by: anonymous | January 20, 2009, 5:06 am 5:06 am
its time for change guys lets face
Posted by: christine | January 20, 2009, 5:26 am 5:26 am
Dear President Obama,
Congratulations and welcome to Presidency of United State of America.
We believe in you to make United State of America better, safer, and stronger.
Ensuring a better future and better hope, and real opportunity for American people (it does not matter of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin).
The opportunity start here, thanks to you, President Obama. You are inspiring American people, especially our young generations. We true believe the United State of America govern by the people and for the people.
We are here all become one, The United State of America.
We are here all become one, Republican, Democrate, and Independent will work together side by side for the United State of America.
I personally saluted you (my tears drop for the happiness).
May God Bless You and your wonderful family.
Sincerely;
Diet Aseli.
Posted by: DIET ASELI | January 20, 2009, 5:32 am 5:32 am
McCain and Biden are two good Americans, but Powell?
Powell is a war criminal who should be tried and sentenced to hang. It was he who sold the lies to the world, rigorously pushed the war to become a reality, and when hell broke loose, he kept his cool silence knowingly.
Only an oppotunist like the PEBO could praise him as a hero, in exchange for being proudly endorsed for his candidacy during the election. What’s the difference between an exchange of principles (his against the war) for an endorsement and an exchange of his Senate seat for cash? Not much, only worse.
Posted by: two cats | January 20, 2009, 5:46 am 5:46 am
TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO LOOK NEGATIVE, WHO ARE BORN HATERS.
The fact is you have done nothing to prove your worth, you have always supported corrupt people. Who is responsible for the condition the country is in?
Obama is a very disciplined individual, in spite of his smoking lapses. Look at his flawless life, his demeanor, his dedication to his family and community! 52% people elected him with 9 million majority. Now 80% support him, only 15% are against him. 59% of Republicans are now supporting him. Just watch, day by day, how he comes out keeping his promises. He recognizes the condition in which the country is today, recognizes how worst it can get before it begins to climb up, God willing.
Posted by: Habibuddin Ahmed | January 20, 2009, 5:50 am 5:50 am
Just curious, but why does Obama and Michele always use the reference “nation” ? Not America, Country, United States …
Posted by: Isabella | January 20, 2009, 6:08 am 6:08 am
Soon right after Obama is sworn in, guess what folks…Ayers is ready to get out in the colloge campuses to spread his “social justice” theory, starting on Jan.28. He’s all of a sudden very confident and strong to spread the venum of injustice to corrupt the minds our young adults to the road of terrorism…to fight against our country…to ruin us, that’s his goal.
This is serious folks. We need to pay attention, before our children will turn against us, or be taken away from us. Figure it out. After all these years of waiting, Ayers bravery to come out in the open, because he now has a limitless protection and support from a friend who will be in the oval office.
WE WILL SOON REALIZE THAT SAFETY WILL SURPASS OUR ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO REALLY, REALLY CARE. G O D BLESS A M E R I C A!
Posted by: Terry | January 20, 2009, 6:22 am 6:22 am
Folks…come one, let’s use our heads. A puzzle consists of pieces, several pieces are missing or are forced o belong but doesn’t. Gather the facts, motives and the history of our candidates. Hate did not get Obama in the office. It’s the people’s ignorance, greed and the selfishness that drove them to listen to the promises that sound good. The FACTS are irrelevant to these folks. If we think and feel that our life is crumbling down, look in the mirror- that face is the one that did it!
Posted by: Terry | January 20, 2009, 6:45 am 6:45 am
As i flipped through the news stations last night, the night before the inauguration, i saw Mr. Hannity doing another report on how bad Obama’s staff members are and he was attempting to link a staff member to some “evil” goverment official from South America.
Since Mr. Hannity loves his country so much, instead of reporting only negative reports about the in-coming President and his staff, why not try to help the in-coming President instead of trying to smear him?
Since Mr. Hannity appears to be concerned about our great nation, i would like to see him ask President-Elect how can he help in this time of economic stress and unstability overseas. I am law abiding, a tax payer, a husband, a father and a home owner. I’m tired of seeing news that claims to be objective but is so subjective in nature.
Maybe my approach is too simple. If you see a need, offer assistance to help instead of attempting to discredit and smear. What is happening to our good old American values!
Posted by: michael | January 20, 2009, 6:51 am 6:51 am
Go Obama Go, they will smear you with dirt, but we have hope in you to brighten the dark world. All our strength lay in you son. At last you make us smile. God bless you.
Posted by: Judi | January 20, 2009, 6:55 am 6:55 am
I just think its frightening the way people are praising Obama as a God. Things are not instantly going to get better once he steps into office (especially with the huge amount of money he is spending on his after crowning party).
all I see right now are a bunch of fools. (and do not call me a republican, I am an Independent) He has already backed out of important promises, which everyone seems to to think is ok, and really its not. IT IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENS EVERY 4 YEARS PEOPLE. THERE IS NO CHANGE. He is just like anyone else that has come into the office.
Congratulations Obama, though I see nothing new. I hope I am wrong.
Posted by: Cassee | January 20, 2009, 6:56 am 6:56 am
In response to someone who posted that, and I quote: “I just think its frightening the way people are praising Obama as a God.” Where did you come up with that? Is that your perception of someone who is popular? Everybody has a right to their own opinion, but that remark is out of line to me. Obviously there is some fear in that statement. Look how popular JFK was and I remember that very well. Obama is giving people hope, the Nation needed change and the Nation is rallying around him, simple as that. People rallied around Sara Palin and I never heard anything like that about her—-she was popular, just like Obama. It’s a great day to be a US citizen———and I think he’s going to do a great job, but the thing about people following him as a God is just,——well my answer would be censored and this wouldn’t get posted.
Posted by: Dave | January 20, 2009, 7:35 am 7:35 am
Today I will meet with a African American father who’s son was discriminated against in our public school system. Today, together we will work towards change.Today, I will not give up hope, nor will he. Change can only happen if we stop living in fear. Fear if we speak up our job will be on the line. Fear that we are alone and no one hears our cry. Today I live without fear because of our new president. Today I will speak about injustice in our public school system. Today, I will speak out for Native Americans and how they are forced out of our public school system, into alternative education. Yesterday I was only one person, but today I stand with Obama and believe that change can happen.
Posted by: changecanhappen | January 20, 2009, 8:10 am 8:10 am
“John is not known to bite his tongue,” Obama said with a smile, “and If I’m screwing up, he’s going to let me know. And that’s how it should be because a presidency is just one branch of a broader government by and for the people.”
This statement exemplifies one of the many, many differences between Obama and Bush. Bush acted like he was king and dictator, Obama realizes the presidency is one part of a larger collective of law and policy makers. Obama is not a god, merely a very intelligent man. I feel better today about our country than I have in a long time. I know, tomorrow it’s back to the reality of the economic crisis and the wars. But today, a measure of sanity and humility returns to Washington, and that’s a good thing…..
Posted by: SearamblerOne | January 20, 2009, 8:27 am 8:27 am
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE WORRIED THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DO NOT BUY THINGS (CONTRIBUTE TO MOVE THIS ECONOMY FORWARD). THEY WANT TO CUT TAXES OR ISSUE GOVERNMENT CHECKS. WELL, EITHER ONE WILL LAST A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WHY NOT CUT PROPERTY TAXES. WHY NOT GET RID OF CAR TAXES. I AM SURE THAT WILL HELP THE ECONOMY. THE REASON THIS ECONOMY IS STUCK IS BECAUSE EVERYTHING HERE IS SO EXPENSIVE: PROPERTY TAXES, CAR TAXES, IF YOU OWN A CONDO, YOUR CONDO FEE GOES UP EVERY YEAR, COLLEGE TUITION IS SO EXPENSIVE, HEALTH INSURANCE IS SO EXPENSIVE, RENT IS SO EXPENSIVE, IF YOU HAVE A CHILD, HIRING A BABYSITTER IS SO EXPENSIVE. SO HOW, I ASK GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, YOU WANT US TO SPEND OUR DOLLARS (TO MOVE THIS ECONOMY) WHEN FIRST WE HAVE TO PAY THE EXPENSIVE BILLS (READ ABOVE). AFTER WE PAY OUR EXPENSIVE BILLS, WE HAVE NOTHING LEFT ($$$$$$).
SO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MUST FOCUS IN REDUCING THE ABOVE EXPENSES. CUTTING TAXES OR ISSUING GOVERNMENT CHECKS WILL NOT SOLVE THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM WE ARE IN.
Posted by: Patty | January 20, 2009, 9:12 am 9:12 am
Judi…He will be judged as all Presidents before him, as it should be. An important part of Democracy is to hold our elected officials to their word and performance. He should be given credit and praise for the accomplishments he achieves not his “charming ways.” President Obama is no different from the 43 Presidents before him. Give him a chance, not a pass….
Posted by: ThanksGuys | January 20, 2009, 9:14 am 9:14 am
GO OBAMA!!! i think he will do just fine. better than P.B! no offense, but obama will do great!
Posted by: Mrs.Grammer | January 20, 2009, 9:40 am 9:40 am
To changecanhappen
God bless you always.
Posted by: spiritvision | January 20, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am
I wish Obama all the luck he’ll need over the next years.
It is a little scary how he is being treated. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great he has such good will toward him. The way the press has treated Bush over the past eight years has been disgraceful, it’ll be nice to see them actually be positive about a president for once. However, let’s hope they do their job and not just blindly follow him. Obama is a man, and in a very important position. He will make mistakes and bad decisions that will need to be criticized. Let’s hope he is criticized where he needs to be, and praised where he needs to be.
Overall, I hope the feelings of hope and good will toward Obama, even from the Republican side of things, continues and that he can meet the challenges facing our nation. Good luck and God bless!
Posted by: David | January 20, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Finally, an adult in the White House. Can you even imagine Jr. Bush or one of his conservative ideologues acknowledging the accomplishments of their main political adversary the day before the inauguration? Here is a man who not only has paid lip service to uniting the country, but is actually going to do the political spade work to make it happen, and is willing to take flack from his own supporters for doing so. This guy is just so many miles ahead in common sense and general adulthood than Bush Jr. that it makes you wonder how we even survived the past 8 years. Godspeed, Mr. President….
Posted by: whybeconservative? | January 20, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
ALL HAIL KING OBAMA!
Posted by: usa lover | January 20, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
What a welcome change in administrations! It is wonderful to have a person in charge who is intelligent,well-spoken and truly cares about his fellow Americans. I believe that he can lift America up to a place of respect and cooperation in the world. Barack Obama received my support and my vote; my prayers will be with him and his beautiful famly over his tenure as president.
Posted by: gail | January 20, 2009, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
What a freash and beautiful start! Obamma executed a first class campaign and first class transition. Help the president to succeed. Help him to help us all… God bless.
Posted by: Quemars | January 20, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Unfortunately, sooner than later, we will be snapped out of this and back to reality.
Posted by: Mike | January 20, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
whybeconservative???Easy, Democracy..BTW Try taking an American History course..
Posted by: ThanksGuys | January 20, 2009, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm