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Podcasts Take Two
The 'rich' history of the Presidential inauguration
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Jan 17, 2013
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The 'rich' history of the Presidential inauguration
There's a rich history to the Presidential inaugurations of the past. Emphasis on the "rich."
Preparations continue for the Presidential Inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2013. US President Barack Obama will be ceremonially sworn-in for a second term on January 21.
Preparations continue for the Presidential Inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2013. US President Barack Obama will be ceremonially sworn-in for a second term on January 21.
(
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
)

There's a rich history to the Presidential inaugurations of the past. Emphasis on the "rich."

There's a rich history to the Presidential inaugurations of the past. Emphasis on the "rich."

President Obama has raised at least $42 million for when he re-takes the oath of office. It's a far cry from the event's humble beginnings.

For a look at the history of the inauguration, and how it brings together regular people with DC's elite, is Kenneth C Davis, historian and author of, "Don't Know Much About the American Presidents."