Obama is in the house

6:09 p.m.: President Obama enters the chamber, followed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Not to be too trivial, but the president looks pretty good in a red-and-white rep tie which really pops. "Good to see you, man!" "Hey, how are you?" he says to legislators, which we can hear thanks to CNN microphones along the aisle.

He hugs Jesse Jackson. California Sen. Barbara Boxer rubs his back affectionately. He kisses Hillary Rodham Clinton. He pays his respects to the Supreme Court justices. Greets the joint chiefs of staff. Mounts the podium to cheers and yells of approval, and even whistles. The president, for those who are keeping count, is wearing a flag pin tonight.

-- Robin Abcarian

President Obama arrives in the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington to address a joint session of Congress.

Credit: Charles Dharapak / Associated Press