REHNQUIST SWEARS IN BUSH DESPITE ILLNESS

A frail but determined Chief Justice Rehnquist fulfilled a promise by swearing in President Bush yesterday in the chief justice’s first public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer three months ago.

Justice Rehnquist was pale and walked stiffly with a cane. He administered the oath in a clear, raspy voice. It was the fifth and very likely last time he will swear in a president. Although chief justices traditionally handle those duties, Justice Rehnquist’s participation had been in doubt until the last minute because of his battle with thyroid cancer.

He has missed Supreme Court sessions for the past three months while receiving chemotherapy and radiation. During that time, he has worked mainly from his home in suburban Virginia. But he announced more than a month ago that he planned to administer the oath and he made good on that.

The 80-year-old Justice Rehnquist gripped a cane in his right hand as he walked slowly without assistance down to the Capitol stage where Mr. Bush took the oath. Justice Rehnquist shook the president’s hand, then returned to his seat.

A scarf hid a tracheotomy tube that was inserted in October to help Justice Rehnquist breathe. He wore a black beret, which he took off during the short swearing-in.

– Associated Press

KERRY, DEMOCRATS ON HAND FOR INAUGURATION

Senator Kerry, who had hoped to be taking the oath of office, yesterday stressed the importance of cooperation in a democracy but also emphasized sticking to beliefs.

“Democracy means working together for the good of our country; it also means keeping faith with your ideals, never retreating from core convictions even as you work to find common ground,” Mr. Kerry said in a statement released yesterday morning. “We have strong differences and we argue and fight with all our hearts and energy, and our system endures because we Americans expect nothing less.”

The man who lost in November took his place on the platform with other senators to watch as President Bush was sworn in for a second term. The four-term Massachusetts senator was attending the ceremony with his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry. They had no plans to join in any other inaugural festivities.

In a broad show of bipartisanship and the nation’s enduring democracy, Mr. Kerry, two former Democratic presidents, and a host of other congressional Democrats were gathered on the stage at the Capitol Hill ceremony. Presidents Clinton and Carter were attending, along with their wives, Senator Clinton and Rosalynn Carter.

Several Democratic leaders – including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Senator Dodd of Connecticut, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California – met with Mr. Bush at the White House as part of a formal escort that traveled with him back to the Capitol.

– Associated Press