Today is a watershed moment in American history as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

Never before in the lifetime of many Americans has such a frenzy been made over a new president. More than 2.5 million people are expected to attend the Inauguration ceremony, according to CNN.com.

While it is important for Americans to put their party affiliations aside and try to support the new president, it is also important to have realistic expectations for Obama’s presidency.

Once all the fanfare dies down and the crowds in Washington thin out, Obama will be left to make good on all the promises he made to the country.

Though both houses of Congress are currently controlled by the Democrats – which will make pushing his platform of change forward much easier – Obama alone cannot be expected to be the savior of the American people.

A president depends on thousands of bureaucrats in order to carry out his duties. Some Cabinet members will no doubt become embroiled in scandals or fail to live up to their expectations.

No president can be expected to be perfect. Even the best laid plans don’t always produce the ideal result.

It is good to see the American people have faith in their new leader and Obama does have a strong chance to change the country for the better.

However, it is important not to get caught up in the moment and to realize a lot of work remains to be done.

Change will not be a quick and easy process. The country needs to be ready to endure the growing pains it will take to get there.

Associate Editor David Hall for the editorial board.