It was good wasn't it! Unlike election night where you had to sweat and worry as each state was called - all the while trying not to get too excited - this time you could just sit, back and relax and enjoy the moment.

It was clear that Obama felt the same. For the first time in a minute he was properly skinning teeth, and was clearly enjoying the fruits of some very hard work. It was kinda funny that before he was sworn in, when Bush was still President during the earliest part of proceedings, the announcer referred to him as Barack H Obama. While being sworn in, hand on the Lincoln bible, Michelle by his side, the official at hand had no choice but to say the dreaded middle name, 'Hussein.'

His speech was short and sweet as it needed to be, at a time like this. It could even be suggested that he was trying to downplay expectations slightly. But there were still one or two poignant moments. He sought to distance himself from the previous administration by saying that nations cannot prosper 'when (they) favour only the propserous.' It's also very true that less than 60 years ago his father may have not been served in a local restaurant.

Even more telling is the fact that eight years ago Obama couldn't even get his name on the list for the Democrat convention. His rise is truly meteoric.
Much to the excitement of the crowd (2 million and counting) Barack and Michelle got out of the beast - their massive, four door, armour (and everything else) plated cadillac - to get as close to the people as they possibly could. However, this decison was clearly not appreciated by his secret service men who at one point could clearly be seen saying words to the effect of, 'Mr.President, pleeeaase, pleeeaase get back into your car.' They succeeded temporarily, but after about another five minutes, the doors of the beast opened again and the first couple had another quick walkabout. The cheers, and the many cries of 'Obama' were very loud even on TV, so it mist have been deafening if you were actually there.

As corny and obvious as it may seem, once they had changed into their dapper wear later in the night, it was genuinely strange to see a President who could really dance, especially after Bush's funny moves at various times.
If you want a real treat check that youtube footage of Jay-Z and Young Jeezy performing the remix of My President. Jigga's verse is a lot. The most. There should be many good reflections, and clever lyrics, to come from Obama's victory. Particularly from peeps like Killer Mike, Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Nas, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Klashnekoff and many more. Even Jim Jones has said he's gonna stop using the n-word. But we'll see.

The 44th President doesn't have a magic wand but he seems to already be at work. Military trials at Guanatanamo Bay were temporarily suspended today. And as he told ABC news while at one of the ten, yes ten, balls he attended around Washington, there will be a slew of announcements on things like the economy and foreign policy to follow in the coming days. Can't wait till he comes to London.

Words: Russell Myrie.