From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Barack Obama begins his second term.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues, Americans care about most.

I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear.

America's first black president was sworn in for a second term today on the national holiday

dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Obama echoed King's call for unity at the same time

acknowledging skepticism of central authority. He renewed commitments to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security,

promised response to climate change, and emphasized the equality of gay Americans.

Did he make promises he can't fulfill?

Did he reach out to Republicans or challenge them to more political conflict?

On reporter's notebook later on, The First Lady and the Obama family.

First, here's the news. Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel, stream BBC World Service, NPR and

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Support for To The Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Hello again, Warren Alney, back with To The Point.

Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in today for his second term with an inaugural speech that looked to the future.

A decade of war is now ending.

An economic recovery has begun.

America's possibilities are limitless, for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands. Youth and drive, diversity and openness, an endless capacity for risk

and a gift for reinvention. Glenn Thrush is White House reporter for Politico.

Good to have you back on our program.

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