Rhode Islanders take in historic inauguration

PROVIDENCE—For those who take their coffee with a teaspoon of liberal, the Blue State internet café was the place to be on Tuesday.

Before Barack Obama’s swearing-in, the unabashedly Democratic stronghold streamed the scene from Washington on a big screen.

“I think it was a catharsis,“ said Obama volunteer Kevin Reardon. “The election was and is a relief for the whole world.“

At the Rhode Island State House, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts hosted a public viewing of the inauguration. As State House staffers and the public watched, she reflected on Obama’s big day.

“Inspiring. So much of what we’re all saying can sound cliché except for this day,“ she said.

As Obama took the oath of office and then delivered his speech, teary eyes, applause and standing ovations overcame the crowd.

For advocates for the poor, Obama’s message of responsibility resonated.

“(Obama’s) right,“ said Kathy Riley-Jones of the Wiley Center. “We have to take responsibility for ourselves and our neighbor. It goes back to the basic fact we have to worry about our fellow man.“