"There have been hundreds of years of history here in the United States," Nutter said, "especially for African Americans, and to see someone who has really played by the rules, gotten a good education and worked hard, did what he needed to do. President Obama demonstrates what a real role model can be for everyone."
Pitching in
Rep. Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.) said he was pleased that Obama called on citizens to pitch in with government leaders to tackle the nation's problems.
"I think he got the moment just right," Fattah said. "He spoke about the challenges we face both domestically and internationally. A key point that he made yesterday and a point he made during the campaign is that change starts from the bottom up."
A Republican, too, had good words.
"Our nation today honored the Democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power," said Rep. Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey. "President Obama said rightly that we must work together to move America forward. His speech set the tone for the nation.
"I strongly support the assertion that America's freedoms were built on the hard work, strength and loyalty of her people, and I was pleased to see the president focused on unity and bringing the people together," LoBiondo said.
In a meeting with reporters after Obama's inaugural address, Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) said he expected Obama to come forward with new proposals for tightening regulation of financial markets, improving health care, and stimulating the economy with various public-works projects.
'Get to work'
"This is a day for celebration, but tomorrow we get to work," Casey said.
While Obama offered few specifics in his inaugural address, Casey said the new president had, on many occasions, already made public many details of how he plans to stimulate the economy and stabilize financial markets.
