Barack and Michelle Obama host an open house by welcoming some members of the public into the White House's Blue Room during his first day as U.S. president.
- Jan 22, 2009
AceShowbiz - Returning from the 10 inaugural balls, which were held on Tuesday night, January 20 to celebrate his election as the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama welcomed some members of the public into the White House on Wednesday, January 21. Meeting them in White House's Blue Room, he is accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama.
The people, including inauguration volunteers, random guests, and those selected by an Internet lottery, were welcomed into the first-floor formal room in the mansion as part of an open house announced by Obama's people in a bid to promote their themes of an open and accessible White House. "Enjoy yourself, roam around," Obama told one guest who shuffled through the room. "Don't break anything," the president jokingly added.
Elsewhere, at their official residence at the Naval Observatory, vice president Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, also invited visitors. They welcomed Washington public school children.
Barack Obama was sworn in as the new U.S. president on Tuesday afternoon, January 20. His wife, Michelle Obama and their daughters; Malia and Sasha, were also in attendance. Later that day, Obama and Michelle attended the Neighborhood Ball at Washington's Convention Center, where they danced to Etta James' "At Last", which was performed by Beyonce Knowles.
