As the opening act of Obama’s fledgling presidency unfolded, the country — and the
world — kept a close eye on the 44th
president’s every important move.

Health secretary nominee Tom Daschle admits being “deeply embarrassed and disappointed” by revelations that he failed to pay $140,000 in taxes on time, and withdraws. Obama, who staunchly defended his nominee to the bitter end, tells NBC News that he erred by applying a double standard after promising to change the way Washington operates. “I screwed up,” Obama says. Obama later nominates former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to take Daschle’s place.