Bush's Opening High Note
Amid pomp, circumstance and a cold drizzle, George W. Bush takes the podium and the presidency with a lofty inaugural address

Photo Essay: George W. Bush Becomes President
Scenes from the nation's Capitol as the 43rd President is sworn in

Lest We Forget, 20,000 Reminders
Large crowds of protesters gathered along the inaugural parade route in Washington on Saturday. Many initiated a new title to the presidential theme song...

The Day When Civility Reigns — However Briefly
Private tensions may be swirling on the podium, but patriotism swells everywhere else

In the Limo: Bill and Dubya Talk it Over
TIME's Matthew Cooper on what the incoming and outgoing President had to say to each other

T'was the Night Before the Inaugural...
TIME.com contributor and confirmed party animal Martin Lewis continues his quest for the Perfect Inaugural Ball

Conservatives Stage a 'Funeral' for Clinton
Glad to see the President depart, a roster from the right roast and toast. TIME's Melissa August was there

Don't Forget the Elephonkey!
Protesters have been busy getting their inaugural act together. TIME's Polly Forster visited one group as it prepared....

Confessions of a Party Animal
Inauguration Diary: TIME.com contributor and Hollywood scenester Martin Lewis is in Washington to document as many inauguration celebrations as he can talk his way into. Here's his first report...

Meet 'The President's Announcer'
Charlie Brotman, who has been calling Inauguration Day parades since the 1950s, recalls his most memorable moments

Preparations for an Inaugural Feast
The competition to prepare lunch for the President-elect

Mmmm! Some Inauguration Niblets
Fun facts about the parties and protests in Washington this weekend

Photo Essay: First Pets
A playful look at the dogs, cats and... well, raccoons who've insinuated themselves into the hearts of presidents and the American people

They Protesteth a Whole Lot
Thousands will descend on Washington this weekend for what are set to be the biggest inaugural protests since the Vietnam era. TIME.com's Jessica Reaves details the demos...

Sound Off: Inauguration Oath Strategeries
Which of the 35 words in the oath of office do you think George W. Bush is most likely to mispronounce?

Hey, Dude — Where's the Party?
TIME.com contributor and Hollywood party animal Martin Lewis casts his eye eastward to survey the celebrations surrounding the inauguration

How to Crash a Party
Don't have a ticket to those big inaugural balls? Don't worry. TIME.com contributor and notorious Tinseltown party person Martin Lewis is here to suggest some ways to attend — sans invitation

Sharpton Revs Up for the 'Shadow Inauguration'
Never one to miss an opportunity to bask in the spotlight, Reverend Al prepares his march on the Supreme Court

Interactive Tour: The White House
Two hundred years after John Adams became the first President to move in, the White House, heavy with history, prepares to welcome America's 43rd Chief Executive

Comment: Inauguration or Coronation?
A simple ceremony meant to mark the peaceful transfer of power has turned into a party worthy of British royalty, complains TIME.com's Rick Stengel

Good-bye Rock, Hello Country
What will the partygoers be grooving to in D.C.? TIME.com contributor (and music buff) Martin Lewis surveys the sounds of the inaugural

Can Bush Bring Us Together?
How will the new President tame the split-down-the-middle Congress? TIME's Eric Pooley assesses the situation...

How Bush Hired His Team
The inauguration doesn't just swear in the President, it also installs — barring confirmation hiccups — his chosen Cabinet. In December, TIME Washington bureau chief Michael Duffy reported on how the President-elect chose his White House cadre...

George W. Bush's Learning Curve
The campaign changed George Bush. Did it change him in ways he needs for Washington? TIME's James Carney reports...

Related Coverage
Inaugural stories and resources from TIME and across the Web

TIME For Kids: Welcome, Mr. President!
Hey, Kids! George W. Bush becomes our 43rd President at his inauguration ceremony on January 20. Pick up your virtual ticket at TIME For Kids.com