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Despite Gridlock and Cold, City Celebrates

Where a Red Carpet Is but a First Step

Captains of Washington's hospitality industry like to say the inauguration is their Super Bowl. But it's more like the Olympics.

David Montgomery

A 44-Year Journey Ends on a Bus to D.C.

Group from Selma, Ala. -- site of one of the bloodiest episodes of the civil rights era -- carries soaring hopes along with hard realities.

Robert E. Pierre

Thousands Heed Call to Serve | Poll: Most Support Invocation Pick

Massive Crowd to Test Traffic, Security Plans

Washington welcomes what could be the largest gathering in its history to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Paul Duggan and Lena H. Sun

His Moment Arrives

ANALYSIS | Historians and White House officials say Obama will command an office that is at or near its historic zenith.

Barton Gellman

Obama's Nod to the Past

Your Guide to Today
Inauguration Central

Answers to frequently asked questions, maps, events, and breaking news, video and more.

THE INSPIRATION
A Role Model Much Larger Than Life

Abraham Lincoln's capacity to conquer the greatest moral challenge of his time is evidence of "a fundamental element of the American character," Obama says.

Defined and Defining Her Times

First lady is a position of unaccountable influence. To the weight of it all, Michelle Obama brings education, beauty, vitality. She's a mom. She's African American.

THE ORATORY
Cadence and Credibility

Obama is an orator, a rare thing in a time when educated people, a lot of them Obama supporters, have been taught to distrust old-fashioned eloquence.

MULTIMEDIA

The Preparers

Setting the stage for the inauguration of the 44th president.

PHOTOS

In Midst of Transition

After a long campaign, Obama team prepares for ascension to White House.

PHOTOS

Family on the Move

President-elect Barack Obama's family moves to Washington, D.C.

SPECIAL REPORT

The Bush-Cheney Legacy

The Washington Post's key coverage of George W. Bush's presidency.

OPINIONS

Being Barack Obama

Cohen: 'The world's in crisis; I'll wear that tie.' What's going through his head today.
Robinson: Changed Landscape

Applebaum: Miracle on the Potomac?
Quinn: Rick Warren Was an Inspired Choice
Heather Michon: Speech for the Ages? Unlikely.
Milbank: Ugly Hollywood Meets Hollywood

EDITORIALS » A Day of Joy, Hope, Fear | Be There

Revenge of the Partisans

Right Matters | Obama craves Republican approval, but is it more important than Democratic unity?

Share: Your Inauguration Day and Party Photos
E.J.'s Precinct: Will the GOP Party With Obama?
On Leadership: Presidential Success

Inauguration: Your Views, Tweets, Chats

Revenge of the Partisans

Right Matters | Obama craves Republican approval, but is it more important than Democratic unity?

Share: Your Inauguration Day and Party Photos
E.J.'s Precinct: Will the GOP Party With Obama?
On Leadership: Presidential Success

Inauguration: Your Views, Tweets, Chats

Inauguration Inspiration

Melissa Boteach: What Obama can learn from Moses. | James Forbes: What we need from inaugural prayers.

Catholic America: FOCA Paranoia in Church
Under God: A Theocracy's Oath of Office
Tim Shriver: Faith Finds Democrats

PostGlobal: Will the Euro Survive?

Will the Euro Survive?

Next Europe | The euro looks strong on its 10th anniversary, even in recession - but congratulations are premature.

Reinert: Art, Toilets, and European Identity
Barometer: Venezuela Opens Oil Reserves
On Faith: One Day: So Help Me, Allah

On Leadership: Obama's Leadership Gap

Smart Living

In Death, Helping Others Have Life

Health | After her husband died from a heart attack, Libby Garvey donated her mate's body tissue to help as many as 60 people in need.

On First Day, Obama to Dive Into Foreign Policy

Plans for quick action on Guantanamo Bay, Middle East reveal the frenetic activity of president-elect's national security advisers since Election Day.

Michael D. Shear and Karen DeYoung