Bush's Inauguration

In his first speech as the nation's chief executive, President Bush delivered a stunning address capable of reuniting a nation bitterly divided, many say.

A plethora of flags hanging behind the U.S. Capitol stage, Bush spoke to a crowd of thousands after being sworn in to office Saturday. And it was a speech lined with obvious passion and a call for all Americans to unite, especially since the Florida ballot melee has left a sour taste in the mouth of much of America.

"I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity," he told a crowd so Republican that it heavily booed both President Clinton and Vice President Gore when the pair were introduced before the swearing-in ceremony began.

"We are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward. America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds; riches above our interests and teaches what it means to be citizens."

During his two-year long campaign, Bush several times claimed to be a "uniter, not a divider." Now, with ceremonies over and the world's most premiere job already in his control, the ultimate test begins.

And many legislators, Republicans and Democrats alike, say the former Texas governor is up to the challenge.

"The speech really had a good tone, I thought," U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, said Saturday night at the Michigan State Society Ball. "It sound as if he wants to reach out and solve this nation's problems."

Meanwhile, members of the GOP couldn't agree more, saying it's time to put aside the bitter partisanship that some say has occupied the capital city -- and the nation -- for much too long.

"He has a great record in Texas," U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said before exiting a party breakfast early Saturday morning. "He got started out on the right foot there.

But Bush will have to work "very hard" to unite Americans now, Upton said. And while the congressman insists he's optimistic both parties will rally behind the nation's 43rd president, "the proof will be in the pudding," Upton said.

Rusty Hills, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, said Bush clearly has the ability to accomplish great things while working in Washington.

"The man has come in there and said, 'I am going to do something.' And h...

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...ands of people packed the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol to hear the speech, only to be standing on increasingly muddy turf.

But it didn't seem to matter, as this capital district was clearly no less patriotic.

Very little seemed to dampen the spirit of the nation's first 21st century inauguration.

Most those attending the speech arrived early -- standing in a sea of people-congestion for more than two hours just to get a glimpse of the U.S. Capitol. As for seeing the president take the 35-word oath of office, those in standing-room only sections had no chance without binoculars.

Yet many sported smiles throughout the entire address, despite weather or poor view.

Meanwhile, Bush uttered words seemingly aimed at proving to the country and the large crowd in attendance for his speech that he's willing to work for all Americans -- and not just pick and choose who thrives.

"We have a long way yet to travel, and the ambitions of some Americans are limited by failing schools and hidden prejudices and circumstances of their birth," Bush told the crowd.

Just paragraphs later, he boldly insisted that "no insignificant person is ever born."