The story

President Barack Obama invoked a spirit of confidence and renewal Tuesday, proclaiming to hundreds of thousands of people on the National Mall that the country would ultimately thrive despite hard economic times.

The new president pledged both "bold, swift action" and a willingness to make tough choices in the name of economic recovery and eventual victory in the global war on terror.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said. "They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met." Read full article »

All About U.S. Presidential Inauguration • Barack Obama