The inauguration was a dilemma for late-night shows, which had to joke about an event Americans tended to consider moving and joyous. Surprisingly, the Bush-bashing Daily Show had the most biting commentary.

Amazing what people fetishize these days: Gray hair, dark circles under the eyes, average-at-best height, a missing middle finger? Rahm Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff, beat conventionally gorgeous policy advisor Melody Barnes in our poll.

In the week leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration, it was open season on the outgoing president on political TV. Even conservatives like Ken Blackwell and Scott McClellan joined in the jeering.

Have you picked the hottest Obama staffer yet? With their boss sworn in, the aura of sexy power has only grown sexier.

Obama's inaugural address was "a philosophic statement of high moral purpose," said Reverend Eugene Rivers on MSNBC just now. Everyone agrees: it was serious and somber.

The inauguration is still underway, but don't let that stop you from trying to cash in on the action. Copies of today's New York Times—which went to press before the festivities started and doesn't even feature a very dramatic image on the front page—are now up for auction on Ebay for as much as $15.00. [Ebay]

Job cuts continue to wrack the nation. Dionne Warwick has lost her gig headlining tonight's American Music Ball in Washington, D.C. — one of several inaugural balls which may not take place.

Famed business non-expert Rachel Maddow says every time Obama opens his mouth, the stock market goes up. That didn't happen today. The Dow is down more than 210 points and just above 8,000.

Lots of people watched the Inauguration of Barack Obama, around the country and around the world. AP photographers were everywhere, snapping pics of people watching hope take flight. A gallery is after the jump.

Our own Hamilton Nolan has been braving the chaos and lack of cell phone coverage in DC to get a glimpse of Barack Obama's big day. He just got through:

Is it something he said? Despite Barack Obama's upbeat message and the enthusiasm of millions of shivering onlookers, the Dow tumbled 332 points today to close at 7,949. Financial stocks were the hardest hit: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup all suffered double-digit declines, with shares of Citi dipping below the $3 mark. History buffs, get your pens out: This should go down as Wall Street's worst Inauguration Day since 1900. [MW, NYT, WSJ]

On the menu for the traditional post-inauguration luncheon hosted by Congress: "seafood, pheasant, duck, and apple-cinnamon sponge cake," a menu inspired by Lincoln, served on a "replica of the Lincoln china," according to this clip.

Chief Justice John Roberts only had to do one thing today, besides look pretty: give the oath of office. And he screwed it up!

What must we note about a moment of history? Surely the medium with which we observe it. In the moment that Barack Obama took the oath of office, Twitter congratulated itself for making it happen.

Today should be a busy day for thieves who earn a living robbing the homes of the rich and famous: Hundreds of celebs and corporate titans have been in Washington today for the inauguration and are expected to put in appearances at one of the many official and unofficial balls scheduled for this evening. Barack and Michelle will make their first stop this evening at the Neighborhood Ball, where the lineup includes Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige. The Equality Ball at the Mayflower Hotel will feature entertainment by Cyndi Lauper, Melissa Etheridge and Rufus Wainwright. Lou Gossett Jr. will serve as host at the Purple Ball, where performances by Il Divo and Peter Cincotti will entertain the likes of Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Patricia Arquette, Brendan Fraser, and Josh Lucas.

Barack Obama has given your speech. Now have your say: How did his words strike you?

At noon on the dot, WhiteHouse.gov cut over from George W. Bush's legacy site to Barack Obama's Change.gov. The first blog post of the Obama Administration promises "communication," "transparency," and "participation." It does not allow comments.

Officially, Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States at noon while Yo-Yo Ma played. But with his solemn oath, we are in his hands.

Barack and Michelle Obama are having coffee with George and Laura Bush right now! It's an inaugural tradition — and wouldn't you know that those hick Clintons screwed it up last time?

Aww. Jenna and Barbara Bush, George W.'s cat-like daughters, had someone write a letter to Obama's kids, Malia and Sasha. It's about how to love living in the giant white mansion and stuff.