Yeah.

Yeah, I supported him over Hilary, because the only other viable choice that was going to get into office was McCain (republicans have closed primaries in CA, and I didn't like any of the repub candidates anyways). I voted for McCain in the only open primary in CA that the repubs had (when he ran against Bush), but his platform was a lot different back then, and I found him unpalatable this time around.

As I've said, it is about sides. Our political process is entrenched in a two-party system. Granted, the parties may differ and change over time, but there has only been, I believe, one time when a minority party ever achieved a major candidate in office. It's simply easier for Americans that way, and that's the framework we're working in, and that's the paradigm politicians look at things through. It's not bad to identify what the reality is, even if it's an ugly one.

And, yes, I think pandering is an essential part of politics. I don't see how pointing out the garish and unappealing necessities a candidate may need to meet means that I can't also still admire and/or support someone. In government, especially, there are rather nasty bits that we simply accept, because that is the nature of the beast. However, that doesn't mean we can't dislike those steps taken.

He is also doing some not so awesome stuff that he didn't comment on before, and going back on some promises he made.
(i.e. drilling in Utah (welcome back speculators), and Stem cell legislation instead of executive order)

All in all, a nice mixed bag.

Let me try this another way.

You believe X is true, and is what "reality is, even if it's an ugly one".
Barack Obama ran his campaign on the idea that X is not true, and he will be the one to bring about the change to show you that its not true.

Everything else he is doing is secondary to his main goal of bringing about Change to the way government functions. (and the way people view the government) Since you seem to be so vocal about disagreeing with his main goal, I find the irony worth pointing out.

Eh, not even gonna bother. Heading to bed. Mind those windmills.

This is the first inauguration I've ever really watched out of the few I've been alive for. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see it from start to finish because I was working. I saw Obama's speech, thought it was really well done. He's certainly a charismatic speaker! I hope he's able to live up to what people are expecting from him.

I found the prayers a bit awkward. It seemed very religious for a government ceremony. And I found the end of that benediction a bit off-putting myself, but I may just be too touchy.