Top Story: President Obama’s second inaugural was a success…if you weren’t a Republican.
- By the numbers: 1 million at Obama’s second inaugural versus 400,000 at George W. Bush’s second. (The Atlantic Wire)
- This picture of Facebook-tagged inaugural attendees is way too much fun. (The Washington Post)
- President Obama is now the first president to advocate for gay rights in an inaugural speech. (The Fix)
- A new poll show supports for the content of the president’s inaugural speech: 49% agree global warming is a proven fact, and 53% want a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. (CNN)
- “While major legislation to limit greenhouse gas emissions remains highly unlikely to advance in Congress, climate advocates are pressing for a number of executive actions in Obama’s second term.” (The Hill)
- A lot of coverage is missing that on climate change Obama doesn’t need Congress. EPA has legal authority to regulate carbon. (Ryan Lizza)
- Republicans reacted to the president’s speech, well, about as you’d expect. (Roll Call)
- “Pegged to 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a majority—for first time—wants abortion to be legal, either always or in most cases.” (Mark Murray) and (First Read)
- That said, “Record-setting # of abortion limits passed in state capitols last 2 years. Happy 40th Roe v. Wade.” (Beth Reinhard)
- Speaker Boehner is having his first presser in more than four weeks today. (Frank Thorp)
- “The most interesting thing to me is what I’m hearing bubbling below the surface on Capitol Hill. Murmurs about shaking up whole GOP approach.” (Robert Costa) and “Many members, people you wouldn’t expect, are truly concerned about how party’s rep is hurting them back home. Some may start to speak up.” (Robert Costa)
John Flowers