From an Obama transition team press release:
On January 20th, President-elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office using the same Bible upon which President Lincoln was sworn in at his first inauguration. The Bible is currently part of the collections of the Library of Congress. Though there is no constitutional requirement for the use of a Bible during the swearing-in, Presidents have traditionally used Bibles for the ceremony, choosing a volume with personal or historical significance. President-elect Obama will be the first President sworn in using the Lincoln Bible since its initial use in 1861.
"President-elect Obama is deeply honored that the Library of Congress has made the Lincoln Bible available for use during his swearing-in," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett Beliveau. "The President-elect is committed to holding an Inauguration that celebrates America's unity, and the use of this historic Bible will provide a powerful connection to our common past and common heritage."
Obama will be the first president sworn in using the bible since Chief Justice R. B. Taney administered the oath to Abraham Lincoln on March 4, 1861.
See a picture of the bible here.
More White House staff is named:
President-elect Obama said, "I am pleased to announce the addition of these distinguished individuals to my administration, as we seek to meet the big challenges of our time. They not only bring impressive resumes but also a deep commitment to public service -- and I know the American people will be served well by them."
- Cassandra Butts, Deputy White House Counsel with a Focus on Domestic Policy and Ethics
- Elizabeth Sears Smith, Deputy Cabinet Secretary
- Liz Sears Smith is the Chief of Staff for Congressman and Obama Chief of Staff Designate Rahm Emanuel
- Shawn Maher, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the United States Senate
- Dan Turton, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the United States House
- Camille Johnston, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady
- Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Press Secretary for the First Lady
- Semonti Mustaphi, Deputy Press Secretary for the First Lady
And yesterday it was announced that:
...in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to Special Olympics to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and supporters will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.
"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."
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