SO AMERICAN

By The Associated Press

Some thoughts from Sally Buzbee, Washington bureau chief for The Associated Press:

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There's something so inherently American about seeing sedate, totally non-glamorous political figures like former President Jimmy Carter and Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer — both dressed formally (in a dark coat in one case and a dark robe in the other) — next to the flash and glamour of American celebrities like Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z.

Beyonce, of course, was dressed more sedately than she normally is — for reasons of weather if nothing else — but that mane of big, gold hair gave her away. The singer superstar can't help but ooze glamour even on a cold day in the nation's capital.

The mix of people on the podium during an inaugural is always a celebration of America's diversity. In this case: from the staid, wonky and serious to the flamboyant and celebrated.

— Sally Buzbee

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Inauguration Watch follows the events of President Barack Obama's second inaugural. Look for short items and photos throughout the day.

2013-01-21 16:42:04 GMT