Bush Sworn In as 43rd U.S. President

Bush Sworn In as 43rd U.S. President

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President Bush and first lady Laura Bush became the standing residents of the White House on Saturday after braving cold, damp Washington streets to complete the last block of the presidential inaugural parade on foot.

Bush assumed the presidency from former President Clinton just after noon Saturday, and quickly moved to assert his new power: Before the inaugural parade had stepped off, he had formally nominated members of his Cabinet and ordered federal agencies to suspend implementing new regulations within an hour of taking office.

"I'm here to tell the country that things will get done, that we're going to rise above expectations, that both Republicans and Democrats will come together to do what's right for America," Bush, now the 43rd U.S. president, said at a congressional luncheon in his honor Saturday.

Chief Justice William H. Renquist delivered the oath of office to Bush at 12:01 p.m., as the new president promised he would "faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." His swearing-in was preceded by that of his vice president, Dick Cheney.

Bush said in his inaugural address that he would "advance my convictions with civility." He called for individual responsibility, while promising to "build a single nation of justice and opportunity."

"I will live and lead by these principles: to advance my convictions with civility; to pursue the public interest with courage; to speak for greater justice and compassion; to call for responsibility, and try to live it as well," he said. He urged Americans "to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor."

After lunch with congressional leaders, Bush's limousine led the inaugural parade down Washington's chilly, rain-soaked streets up to a block from the White House. Then, he and his wife stepped out to walk the last few hundred feet. After a brief look around inside the presidential residence, the Bushes joined Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne on the reviewing stand to watch the remainder of the inaugural parade go by until about 5:30 p.m. EST.

As many as 155 members of the Bush family -- including former President George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, the new chief executive's parents -- attended Saturday's festivities in Washington.

The transfer of power from Clinton to Bush was the highlight of a long day of inaugural events, which included the massive parade and the round of inaugural balls in the evening.

Thousands of people, including members of the armed forces and many marching bands from Texas colleges and high schools, stepped off on the 1.65-mile parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue. The first float, dubbed "Celebrating America's Spirit Together," carried entertainer Wayne Newton; it was followed by the University of Texas Longhorn Band.

At the head of the parade, the presidential limousine was hit by an egg and a tennis ball thrown from the crowd along the roadside. But despite the presence of hundreds of protesters upset by Bush's win in the contentious Florida recount, police reported only four arrests.