Just got home from watching the Inauguration down at the federal courthouse, and lemme tell you all -- it was F**ing cold out there!!

Putting aside the oath kerfuffle, I thought it was a pretty stirring event. Obama's speech was terrific -- perhaps not Lincoln's Second, or Jefferson's First, in terms of soaring oratory, but a wonderfully crafted speech full of very beautifully-turned phrases. My favorites:

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

A nice conflation of Jefferson's "all men are created equal" and "the pursuit of happiness" with Lincoln's "the last full measure of devotion" from the Gettysburg Address.

And I also liked:

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

A good collection of linked metaphors -- the clinging to power, the clenched first, the open hand of friendship. Nice.