034 -- Upper-Intermediate - Live from Washington

This is Madeline Wright, for BCC News reporting live from Washington D. C. where, very shortly, the new President will deliver his inaugural ad- dress. Just moments ago, the President was sworn-in to office; following the United States Constitution the President swore an oath to faith- fully execute the office of the presidency.

Well, Tom, true to American tradition, the band has just played “Hail to the Chief”, and the Presi- dent has been honored by a 21-gun salute. Now we’re waiting for the President to take to the stage and deliver his speech. Tom, it’s like a who’s who of the political world here on Capital Hill, with dig- nitaries representing several different countries.

In a word, the mood here is electric. The excite- ment in the air is palpable; I’ve never seen a larger crowd here on Capital Hill, and the audience is shouting, crying, and embracing each other. On this, a most historic day, you can feel the hope and the excitement in the air. The 20th of January will go down in history as the . . . . Oh, Tom, it looks like the President is about to begin. . . C: My fellow Americans, today I stand before you...