WhiteHouse.gov Launched as Obama is Inaugurated

CHANGE is in full effect over at WhiteHouse.gov. The new site launched today as Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America at 12:01pm EST. The site launched with an official blog dubbed The Blog that introduced Director of New Media for the White House and blogger Macon Phillips. In his full blog post Phillips states the new website “…will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.” He goes on to say “WhiteHouse.gov is just the beginning of the new administration’s efforts to expand and deepen this online engagement.”

New media efforts will center around three priorities, straight from WhiteHouse.gov here are the highlights:

Communication
This site will feature timely and in-depth content meant to keep everyone up-to-date and educated. Check out the briefing room, keep tabs on the blog (RSS feed) and take a moment to sign up for e-mail updates from the President and his administration so you can be sure to know about major announcements and decisions.

Transparency
The President’s executive orders and proclamations will be published for everyone to review, and that’s just the beginning of our efforts to provide a window for all Americans into the business of the government.

Participation
One significant addition to WhiteHouse.gov reflects a campaign promise from the President: we will publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days, and allow the public to review and comment before the President signs it.

Get more details on what to expect from WhiteHouse.gov in Phillips blog post.  The full text and video of President Obama’s Inaugural Address will be posted online later today.