While there was a lot of celebrating going on at Inaugural parties Tuesday night, there was also a lot of hoping.
Americans from all walks of life are looking to President Obama to be the change they want to see in the White House.
The hopes of so many now sit squarely on Obama's shoulders.
Tim Burke, chairman of Hamilton County's Democratic Party, was one of the 260 people at the Cincinnati Inauguration Gala at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley.
"I think what everyone is hoping at this time is that this economy can get turned around – that people can start keeping jobs instead of losing jobs – and then we've got to get out of that war in Iraq," said Burke.
At Northside Tavern, where a donation to the Freestore Foodbank got you into their inaugural party, there was hope for a more inclusive administration.
Stacey Czar, with "Cincy Rocks Obama," helped organize the event.
"I'd love to see this administration support and bring about a culture of inclusiveness where everyone can claim their equal place in society," said Czar.
Eric Appleby founded "Cincy Rocks Obama" as a way for bands to raise money for the Obama campaign.
He says while there's so much expected from President Obama, there's also more expected from all of us.
"I think he really wants the American people to be hopeful, to be optimistic," said Appleby. "But, to do so understanding what's before us – and it's not just a job for him to do – it's a job that all of us have to be a part of."
There was also hope Tuesday night at a place not usually full of hope.
At the Drop Inn Center downtown, the television was tuned to the inaugural speech.
"Yes, indeed," said Jamal Darden, who's been homeless for about a year, "people were standing on their feet".
People standing in front of the shelter Tuesday night said they hope for jobs and more opportunity.
They say President Obama has lit a fire inside of them to believe not only in him, but in themselves as well.
Keith Walker, who's trying to get out of the cycle of drug addiction and homelessness, had tears in his eyes as he talked about Obama and the hope the new president has instilled in him.
"Don't say that you can't go from dope to hope, don't say that you can't go from homelessness to a home," said Walker.
Mark Chambers, who says he's been looking, but can't find work, simply said Tuesday night, "I hope he changes the world. I hope he changes the world, that's all I can say."
