Obama: Celebrate ‘this incredible nation’

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said his second inauguration is a celebration of the country and its citizens, not the election results.

Obama used a speech to hundreds of supporters at the National Building Museum Sunday night to remind the crowd that “what we’re doing is celebrating each other and celebrating this incredible nation that we call home.”

“Let’s make sure to work as hard as we can to pass on an America that is worthy not only of our past but also of our future,” he said.

The president encouraged the crowd to enjoy the inauguration and said he needs them to work as hard as they can on issues important to them.

Obama said the inauguration is a reminder that “there is something bigger than ourselves.” He kept his comments brief and quipped that he has to save some of his lines for his speech Monday.

But the president did offerhis opinion on what he called the most significant event of inaugural weekend: his wife’s new haircut.

Said Obama: “I love her bangs. She looks good. She always looks good.”

First lady Michelle Obama unveiled the new do in a White House photo released last Thursday, her 49th birthday.

And it has been the talk of the town — and the airwaves and social media — ever since.

Obama made the comments Sunday night at a reception in Washington, where he thanked his many donors for their support.

Late Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance at the Green Inaugural Ball, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and other environmental groups, in Washington. “I don’t intend to let these four years go by without getting a hell of a lot done” on the environment, he said.