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Governor David Paterson was just sworn in and gave his first address as head of the state. And boy, was he excited. It was hard not to get giddy for him, even though he took about ten minutes to introduce everybody that came to see the event (Hillary Clinton! Chuck Schumer! The governors of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts! (The last of whom is also black!) Mayor Bloomberg! Paterson’s stepdaughter! Yaaaaay!). Every dignitary in the audience seemed to be wearing at least one piece of ridiculous green flair, which added a comical air to the proceedings. Paterson allowed himself only one swipe at Spitzer, saying: “[My wife] Michelle and I have a different kind of marriage,” before pausing for laughs. His speech was centered upon the theme of moving forward “in spite of obstacles and regardless of circumstance.” He also challenged party leaders to work together on issues, unlike in the past. To close his speech, he couldn’t resist a moment of triumph. “Let me reintroduce myself,” he shouted. “I am David Paterson, and I am the governor of New York State.” We wondered whether it was too much, but then, as the standing ovation stretched toward two minutes long, we realized it wasn’t. This guy is going to be fun.
