President Obama. It feels nice to write that phrase without the word “elect.”

For those who watched history today, you saw the overwhelming support with which Obama was presented at National Mall in Washington D.C. He told the crowd he was humbled, and really, there is no other emotion he could have felt when he stepped out onto that podium and looked out at the crowd of nearly two million adoring supporters, all there not to see him recite a simple, yet groundbreaking oath.

Obama’s inaugural toast was fantastic, but the best thing I think he said was this: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West “" know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” People will judge you by what you build, not what you destroy. Just a longer way to see “peace shall overcome.”

He spoke of laying the groundwork for a productive and happy tomorrow, one where future generations don’t inherit the same worries we face today, to make sure they are able to harness the freedom that is rightfully theirs and to keep its flame lit as it passes from generation to generation.

That freedom, after so many years of apathetic government and economic powers who cheated and lied us into this situation, is at great risk. But I don’t think many doubt that with this man, and his family and the helm of the most powerful nation in the world, all will be restored, in due time.

The most historical event I have ever witnessed, possibly the most historical I will ever witness. President Obama, an inspirational figure ranking alongside the likes of Lincoln, even before he stepped into the Oval Office.

Just a day after Martin Luther King Day, he was inaugurated. I’ve seen footage of the day King gave his historical speech, and I without a doubt can say the emotion and pride within the people that were not only in Washington, but watching all around the world, matched the spirit held by those in attendance some 45 years ago.

Before President Bush went into this helicopter, he mouthed to Mrs. Obama something along these lines: you’ll have the time of your life, I promise you. We hope, for at least the next four years, we all do.

What a day.

Blast has learned that Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has collapsed during President Barack Obama’s celebratory luncheon.

CNN initially reported that either Senator Kennedy or Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia collapsed, and they are reporting that Byrd may also have some kind of health situation.

Reports indicate that Kennedy suffered a seizure that “lasted quite a long time,” according to CNN. He was still apparently seizing when he was put until a wheelchair and brought out of the inaugural lunch.

President Obama confirmed that there was some kind of health emergency concerning Kennedy.

“Right now a part of me is with him,” Obama said during his lunchtime remarks. “My prayers are with him and his family.”

Paramedics were called in at about 2:30 p.m. EST.

Kennedy has been battling brain cancer since last spring.

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was with Senator Kennedy and said he had what “looked like a seizure.”

“It was painful to him, but as he was gradually able to come down he kind of look at me and smiled,” Hatch said. “He looked at me and gave that Irish grin.”

Hatch is one of Kennedy’s dearest friends, despite their ideological differences.

“We fight each other the time but … we’ve been able to do some remarkable things for the country,” Hatch said.

Blast will follow this story and bring you more as we learn more.

There are still many unknowns about how Barack Obama will govern when he takes office later this month, but one thing is clear: Obama will have enormous power.

The economic crisis has literally changed the rules of government. The executive branch has overseen an injection of trillions of public funds into the private sector — and without admitting it, has essentially conceded that American-style capitalism, which has been viewed as holy writ by economists, journalists, academics and politicians for 30 years, is not sustainable.

As a result, the Obama administration’s first six months will be dominated with plans for a massive (though many say, not massive enough) $850 billion stimulus plan that, while not yet fully crafted, will involve a major public works project, large amounts of aid to state governments – most of which are running large deficits and are in or near recession — increased aid to homeowners and endless other possibilities for major reform and ambitious programs.

Obama is also taking the reigns of two wars and the largest military in the history of humanity just as the country faces complicated geopolitical conflicts in India, Pakistan, Palestine, Israel, Africa, Lebanon and elsewhere.

While few presidents aspire to take office while the country is in war, the economy is sputtering and the quality of life for Americans is expected to decrease dramatically, it does give the president enormous power.‚  “You never want serious crisis to go to waste,’” said Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

But what Obama makes of the opportunity remains to be seen. Obama has continued to trump the idea that his recovery package will serve the interests of “Main Street” as well as Wall Street; however, like all U.S presidents, Obama was put into office with the help of elite, moneyed interest – he received more money from the finance sector than any other candidate in presidential history.‚ ‚  And despite his rhetoric of helping out the regular guy, Obama, while in the stretch run of the 2008 campaign, elected to support a $700 billion bailout to the financial sector which was opposed by virtually the entire population and, unlike packages implemented by other developed nations struggling with recession, was practically toothless in regulating these businesses and in limiting executive pay.

On the other hand, Obama could implement something akin to a new “New Deal” which could shape American governance for decades.‚  He has amassed a mountain of good will from his supporters, as well as the media; and a weakened Republican party will be unable to kill most of his proposals, as the electorate is yearning for wide scale changes.

So many are left to wonder what Obama’s first six months in president will look like. Here, we seek to assess the possibilities. But before we do so, it is important to understand the ebb and flow of the power structure of the federal government. For it is not only the economic crisis that has afforded Obama such immense power, but also and eight-year campaign to expand the power of the executive branch by the office of his predecessor.

The precedent of power

During the last few years of George W. Bush’s presidency many speculated power the executive branch would be diminished when a transfer of power took over.‚  Bush went as far as any president in recent history – maybe ever – in expanding the power of the executive branch.

His unrivaled use of signing statements, which undermined legislation behind the scenes in lieu of making a far more visible veto, were condemned by legal groups and politicians alike. In his first six years a Republican-controlled Congress, gave him a blank check on foreign policy issues: torture, wiretapping, rendition, troop escalations and unconditional funding for two brutal military campaigns. When the Democrats took over in 2006, things did not change much; Democrats continued to fund the war in Iraq and refused to prosecute executive branch officials for their clear abuse of powers.

For the past couple of years (eight for me), Americans and people around the world have been waiting for the end of George W. Bush’s presidency. Sure he’s done some great things, like his groundbreaking work fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa, but for the most part, he was a huge bust.‚ 

This past November, Americans voted a man who emits such a powerful aura of self-confidence and intelligence their new president. Barack Obama.

He is, without a doubt, about to be the coolest damn president ever.

The guy has a SERIOUS job ahead of him, that goes without saying. Putting aside what he has to do to help the economy and all that jazz, when it comes to direct diplomacy, he has the upper-hand.

I can honestly see why he has no reservations about speaking without preconditions to some of the world’s most powerful leaders. He knows he can do it. He believes in himself, and while I don’t know him personally (though I wish, like most people, that I did) I know his belief in himself is astonishingly high. No one would question that. Look at what he just accomplished.

He won the presidential election by beating the old white guy, in a nation run by old white guys.

And while I do have a man-crush on this guy (any male voting American who bought a t-shirt with his face on it can’t deny that, though many will), my judgement regarding his capabilities are not clouded.

I’m a good voter, I didn’t get caught up in the hype and just vote for him. I‚ studied‚ the two‚ campaigns, watched all the debates, read the articles, read the history and came to, what I believe‚ to be, a great decision.

I can’t wait for January 20 (although I’m not wild about his choosing Rick Warren to give the invocation). ‚ And like many people around the world, I’ll be watching on the edge of my seat. Watching the most historic election in the history of the United States come to an end, and hopefully, watching one of the greatest presidencies in the history of the world begin.

On January 20 the world will watch Rick Warren, a man who has compared gay marriage to incest and abortion to the Holocaust, give the invocation at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration. Oddly enough, in the public eye Warren comes off as an almost moderate pastor, something that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Warren backed the recent California ban on gay marriage, doesn’t believe in evolution and once publicly told a Jewish woman she would go to hell because she isn’t Christian.

“Choosing a man like Rick Warren to deliver the invocation isn’t just a slap in the face to gay supporters, but a slap in the face to several of Obama’s supporters,” said a gay Obama supporter who requested to remain anonymous. “The choice only satisfies the right-wing. It’s like Obama is saying ‘sorry for beating McCain guys, here’s your consolation prize.”

Gays have been the most public of the outraged American population; several organizations have organized protests and sent letters urging Obama to reconsider his decision.

“Your invitation to Reverend Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at your inauguration is a genuine blow to LGBT Americans,” reads a letter to the President-elect from the Human Rights Campaign. “You have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans have a place at your table.”

Obama’s decision to invite Warren, a man who is already such a powerful pastor and has been deemed by many as America’s “unofficial pastor,” may come at the expense of several important groups in the U.S., including many politically knowledgeable religious minorities and gays.

Knowing that many liberals see the choice as utterly insulting, Warren defended himself in a recent speech at his Saddleback Church in Southern California.

“You don’t have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand,” Warren told the crowd, according to Fox News.

In defense over allegations that he is homophobic, he cited his relationship with gay rights activist Melissa Etheridge, saying he is a fan of her music and that the two enjoyed a great conversation one evening.

However, in an interview with BeliefNet, a spiritual site owned by Fox, he likened redefining marriage to include gays to incest, child abuse and polygamy. In the same interview he told BeliefNet that he has “many gay friends. I’ve eaten dinner in gay homes.”

“Every step Warren takes forward, he falls back twice,” said Jason Howell, a conservative who voted for McCain. “He says something to better his public image, then starts talking about gay homes.‚  He does work in Africa fighting HIV/AIDS, but teaches abstinence and prayer instead of sex education to a society where rape is a common cause of the disease. He always says things to satisfy those he’s speaking to, and we can expect the same pabulum in his invocation speech.”

Whether Warren spews pabulum or not, he will deliver the speech as millions around the world watch one of the most historic presidential campaigns come to an official end. Unfortunately, for many, the pastor’s preaching will mar this historic day.

However while countless Americans are insulted, some‚ believe‚ Obama’s willingness to have a man with whom he disagrees on many issues at his inauguration shows his commitment to unifying the country and sets an example all Americans should follow.

“You can look at it that way too. Just because he chose Warren doesn’t mean he supports Warren’s ideology,” said the anonymous Obama supporter. “He’s getting people from all ends of the political spectrum to join in his celebration.”

“He is reaching across the aisle. Warren and Obama disagree on a lot of things, but so do a lot of Americans,” said Howell. “But that doesn’t mean they all aren’t happy about change.”

As is the case with many political decisions that involve religion, this is wrought with controversy. However while analyzing this selection is of grave importance to several liberals, Howell believes January 20 should be about something else.

“The day is about Obama and his historical inauguration not about Warren’s political views. People shouldn’t let that overshadow an accomplishment by a man so deserving of all the success he has received in life.”