ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 21, 1997 TAG: 9701210086
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
President William Jefferson Clinton began his second term Monday, promising to lead the nation into the 21st century with a government that ``does more with less.'' In a day of inaugural fanfare and political reflection, he urged an end to Washington's ``petty bickering and extreme partisanship.''
Five minutes after noon, as a warming sun shined on the chilled Capitol audience, Clinton put his left hand on the family Bible held by his wife and raised his right hand to recite the 35 words spoken by every president since George Washington.
``Good luck,'' Chief Justice William Rehnquist said when the president finished the oath before an audience of 250,000.
The crowd broke the silence with a roar of cheers. The president turned and swept up Hillary Rodham Clinton and their daughter, Chelsea, in a two-armed hug. Cannons fired a military salute.
The nation's 53rd inauguration stretched from a rousing morning prayer service to all-night revelry at 15 black-tie balls.
Reviving a theme from his inaugural speech, Clinton said, ``I ask you to pray and insist that we here in charge of the affairs of this country... keep our eyes on the prize.''
Clinton will be the first president of the 21st century and the approach of a new millennium was a theme in his speech.
He said, ``We need a new government for a new century - humble enough not to try to solve all our problems for us, but strong enough to give us the tools to solve our problems for ourselves; a government that is smaller, lives within its means, and does more with less.
``Our land of new promise will be a nation that meets its obligations, a nation that balances its budget but never loses the balance of its values; a nation where our grandparents have secure retirement and health care.''
In a capital city often torn by political division, it was a day of unity and reconciliation. Republicans and Democrats tipped hats. Clinton was ushered to the podium by Republican nemeses, House Speaker Newt Gingrich among them.
Sen. Connie Mack, R-Fla., praised the tone and the substance of Clinton's speech. ``It was clearly one given with an outreached hand, I believe, to all of us to work together. I thought the inaugural was very positive, almost spiritual... and hopefully a healing event as well.''
Bob Dole, the defeated Republican presidential nominee, was in Washington but kept out of the public eye and issued no statements.
In the spirit of the day, Gingrich gave Clinton and Vice President Al Gore flags that had flown over the Capitol that morning. At a lunch in Statuary Hall, Gingrich said the flags were a reminder that ``while we may disagree about some things, here you're among friends.''
Gingrich would benefit from political reconciliation. Today, the House was to vote on his penalties for ethics violations.
Thousands of people packed the sidewalks along the inaugural parade route, which was lined with bunting. There were 116 bands and marching units from around town and across the nation.
The Clintons rode most of the way in their limousine but delighted the crowd by walking the last two blocks to the White House. The president and Chelsea stripped off their coats despite the cold.
``A lot of excitement is hitting us all at once,'' said Samuel Montoya, who played a guitar in a mariachi band sponsored by New Mexico's Highland University.
Madelyn Sheets, a fourth-grade teacher from San Diego, said Clinton's speech ``really showed a vision. It's about history. It's about continuity. It's the time for the country to stop and ask, `Where do we want to go?'''
Clinton was the first Democrat in 60 years elected to a second term. In it, he must deal with a Republican majority in Congress.
``America demands and deserves big things from us, and nothing big ever came from being small,'' Clinton declared.
The promises and challenges of a new century - and a new millennium - were woven throughout the president's speech.
``At the dawn of the 21st century, a free people must now choose to shape the forces of the Information Age and the global society, to unleash the potential of all our people and, yes, to form a more perfect union,'' he said.
He promised a cleaner environment and more educational opportunities so ``the doors of higher education will be open to all.''
As in his inaugural address four years ago, he promised political reforms. The system should be changed, Clinton said, ``so that the voice of the people will always speak louder than the din of narrow interest.''
Clinton is to make specific proposals today when he addresses the Democratic National Committee as it installs a new chairman, Colorado Gov. Roy Romer. He also is expected to open his battle against a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution.
Republicans generally praised Clinton's speech, though some questioned his sincerity.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said it was ``a tight, well-drawn, optimistic, uplifting speech that I felt did him and his administration a lot of good.''
Rep. Bob Livingston, R-La., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was more measured in his reaction: ``I think he certainly gave a Republican-oriented speech, but time will tell whether or not he means it or it was rhetoric.''
Asked about the prospect for an end to partisan battles, Clinton replied, ``Pretty good chance.''
LENGTH: Long : 101 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. After taking his oath of office, the presidentby CNBembraced his daughter, Chelsea, and his wife, Hillary. color.