President Barack Obama

On January 20^th, 2009 Barack Obama will be sworn-in as 44th president of the United States of America. The inauguration will feature Obama being sworn with the Bible that Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States, used when he took the oath of office in 1861.

Barack Obama has often expressed his admiration for Abraham Lincoln. His identification with Lincoln likely explains why he has decided to be sworn in with the Lincoln Bible. Currently, the Bible that was used in the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln is part of the permanent collection held by the Library of Congress.

Barack Obama will be taking office at a time of historical challenges for the United States, not unlike the times in which Abraham Lincoln came to the presidency. Obama has also referred to how Lincoln incorporated his political opponents into his Cabinet, a policy which has been replicated by President-elect Obama.