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Obama's ringing defense of liberalism

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Updated 2350 GMT (0750 HKT) January 21, 2013

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President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama head out for their first dance together at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, honoring U.S. service members and their families, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Monday, January 21.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration – President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama head out for their first dance together at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, honoring U.S. service members and their families, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Monday, January 21.
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The president and first lady share a moment during the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on January 21.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Best of 2013 inauguration – The president and first lady share a moment during the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on January 21.
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Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, each dance with service members at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on January 21.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Best of 2013 inauguration – Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, each dance with service members at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on January 21.
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Police take the lead in the inaugural parade January 21 as the first couple walk down a part of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Best of 2013 inauguration – Police take the lead in the inaugural parade January 21 as the first couple walk down a part of Pennsylvania Avenue.
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The president and first lady greet crowds as they move along Pennsylvania Avenue on January 21.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – The president and first lady greet crowds as they move along Pennsylvania Avenue on January 21.
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Spectators watch as the president and first lady travel along Pennsylvania Avenue on January 21.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Best of 2013 inauguration – Spectators watch as the president and first lady travel along Pennsylvania Avenue on January 21.
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President Obama exits his limousine to walk during a portion of the presidential inaugural parade on Monday.
Photos: Photos: Best of 2013 inauguration
Best of 2013 inauguration – President Obama exits his limousine to walk during a portion of the presidential inaugural parade on Monday.
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People stand on barricades near the White House while trying to catch a glimpse of the president's parade on January 21.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – People stand on barricades near the White House while trying to catch a glimpse of the president's parade on January 21.
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Sasha, left, and Malia Obama take a photo of themselves during the inaugural parade.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – Sasha, left, and Malia Obama take a photo of themselves during the inaugural parade.
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Men in traditional colonial garb perform as President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk along Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – Men in traditional colonial garb perform as President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk along Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday.
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President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave to the crowd as they make their way along the parade route on Monday.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave to the crowd as they make their way along the parade route on Monday.
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The president walks a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue on the parade route during the 57th presidential inauguration on January 21.
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Best of 2013 inauguration – The president walks a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue on the parade route during the 57th presidential inauguration on January 21.
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Members of the inaugural parade walk along Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday.