Palpably there is much less excitement in the air than it was back in 2009 when an estimated 1.8 million people gathered at the National Mall for the inaugural ceremony of the man who had created history by winning the presidency with a promise of hope and change.

Obama officially began his second term Sunday when he took the oath of office in a quiet little ceremony in the ornate Blue room of the White House from Chief Justice John Roberts flanked by only the first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha.