国际英语新闻:Obama, Biden Sworn In, Day Before Public Ceremony

The president's personal approval and likability ratings are high.  Polls show a majority of Americans more optimistic about his second term.  But fewer than half believe Obama and Republicans will be able to work together.

John Hudak is an expert in governance at the Brookings Institution. "The best solution right now is whatever he can get through Congress and is willing to sign, and the more he works with Congress under that heading, under that concept of executive - legislative relations, the more beneficial it will be in terms of addressing the real problems that we face," he said.

The official theme of Obama's second inaugural is "our people, our future".  Specifics of his address on Monday are not known.  Aides said he continued to make changes to the speech.
 
While he may make reference to political gridlock in Washington, a White House video released last week appeared to provide a hint of part of his overall message.

"This country has gone through some very tough times before, but we always come out on the other side," said the president. "This task of constantly perfecting our union, making it more fair and making sure that everybody in this country has a fair shot that if you work hard you can make it regardless of the circumstances of your birth, or what you look like, or where you come from, what God you pray to."

About three weeks will separate Obama's inaugural address on Monday, and his State of the Union Address on February 12.

He will use that speech to lay out specific policy objectives for his second term, with the economy, immigration reform, new gun control legislation and continuing the drawdown of U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan topping the agenda.