Opinion: Obama’s first 100 days: exclusive White House photos

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It’s been a wild ride, so far.

An economic crisis, with billions of spending and tons of controversy over bankers’ bonuses. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and maybe Pakistan, and sometimes conflicts with Somali pirates. Meetings with world leaders, questions at town halls and press conferences, campaign promises met to close Guantanamo Bay prison and open stem cell research. So many firsts -- from the first African American president to the first who fought to keep his BlackBerry. So many marvels -- the first lady’s transformation from novice campaigner to international and fashion rock star. And so many memories.

Today the White House released never-before-seen photos of President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their kids, their dog and Team Obama.

Here’s a sampling.

The first one shows President Obama, with Caroline Kennedy, looking under the desk in the Oval Office for the trap door that allowed young John Kennedy Jr. to peek out of their father’s desk during the Kennedy administration. (Click the ‘Read more’ line to open up many more photos and our video.)

Below, he meets with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, one-time rival for the presidential nomination.

As he steps out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to take the oath of office.

He nuzzles First Lady Michelle Obama as they prepare to go on stage to dance at an inaugural ball.

As he enters the Oval Office on Day One.

Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha enjoy a snow day at the White House.

The president gives First Dog Bo a workout.

White House photographer Pete Souza, who as a photographer for the Chicago Tribune chronicled Obama’s photogenic rise to the top, talked on the ‘Today Show’ about his philosophy -- when he intrudes on the First Family, when he gives them space, what it’s been like these first 100 days.

Take a look.

-- Johanna Neuman

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Photo Credit: All photos by Pete Souza/White House