Just switched on the TV and listening to Trent Lott who is opening the ceremonies.

There's Rehnquist, looking frail but good, an impressive appearance given his serious illness.

LaShawn Barber is also liveblogging, with lots of details.

Dick Cheney has taken the oath. As I said earlier today his biography and capabilities make him a very suitable guy for 2008 but it won't happen. He'll retire and remain a strong and influential player behind the scenes.

Denyce Graves performs.

There were some comments that former Vice President Dan Quayle was present but that Al Gore was a noted absentee. Not surprising. Watched the Clinton's, both in good spirits.

It's a little before noon and George Bush has taken the oath, four more years have just started. Now let's wait for the speech.

The Inaugural Speech

Starting off with the Cold War and standing watch on "distant borders" and pointing to the mortal threat that has now emerged. The only force that can take on the hate, tyranny and resentment we now see is human freedom. Here's the Bush doctrine: spread democracy and freedom. Expect to see more of it soon. He's right to point to this as the only weapon to defeat terrorism.

"Ending tyranny in our world" is our ultimate goal, says Bush. He goes on to describe the limits of American power and the toughness of the task at hand.

"Some have unwisely chosen to test America's resolve"

If Bush is going to act on what he's setting out here, the US is going to be extremely engaged in the next four years, all over the world. Nope, it won't stop in Iraq.

Positioning the US as the benevolent saviour of the oppressed goes a lot further than pro-actively defending US borders, it's an interesting move to start building alliances in the Third World. That's where a lot of the focus will be going forward. More partnerships to spread freedom and democracy. Recasting it this way will make things easier for American efforts, Bush is on a mission and wants others to join, making the argument that no one can reject the principles of freedom. Take that Old Europe.

He now appeals to the younger generation: they are going to be needed to roll out this strategy abroad. Yes, more military recruitment will be necessary and here's a veiled call to effect that.

On to domestic affiars: widen ownership, retirement savings: "making every citizen responsible for his or her own destiny". Music to the ears of libertarian-conservatives. Yes, Social Security reform is coming and it will be a template for other free-market societies with demographic strains, pay attention rest of the world.

He now takes on racism and bigotry as it conflicts with the message of freedom. By setting out this doctrine he's raising the bar for Americans to a high level, no more Abu Ghraibs please.

Reform at home and abroad go hand in hand. An ambitious and determined agenda, who would have thought that four years ago?

Bush compared to four years ago is now far clearer on his misison and he brings it across with purpose and gravity, he deeply believes his message. He has emerged as the statesman that few expected him to be. He's defied and challenged his critics and he's giving them lots to chew on here.

Lots of applause, the crowd tunes in to his sincerity.

In Summary
Truthfully, there was nothing really new for those that have been following this administration's journey, but it was a clever move to condense everything that has happened since 9/11, the situation it has created and the path ahead in a short and powerful speech directed not only at America but at the world at large, friends and foes alike. Unite by explaining, so to speak.

The resources for it all: that will be the key challenge for this administration and it wil not be just money and manpower. Partners, politcal capital and purpose are equally important in executing this highly ambitious but morally just agenda.

More later.