Al Franken joined the masses on the Mall today to watch Obama's swearing-in.

Seated in the orange section, behind the press corps, Franken told Roll Call that he was OK with his placement.

In a statement released later, Franken said that like so many others, Obama had inspired him "to look towards the future with optimism."

Both Franken and Norm Coleman issued statements this afternoon about President Obama’s Inaugural address.

Excerpt from Franken’s statement: “Today, President Obama made clear what we all know: the challenges we face are significant, and change won't happen overnight. But today, we are one nation united and ready to get to work, with a president ready to lead us. Like so many others, I have been inspired by our new president to look towards the future with optimism, and with the knowledge that there is nothing we can't accomplish together. The next few years will call for bold action and courage on the part of our leaders and our citizens. And I know that, with all of us working together, we will meet that call.”

Excerpt from Coleman’s statement:“Today marks an extraordinary moment in the history of our country.  Watching Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States will forever be etched into the minds of so many of us as one of those moments for which you remember where you were and what you were doing when it happened.  This is a great day for all Americans to come together for the good of our country.  Laurie and I join the millions of Americans in congratulating President Obama and our thoughts and prayers are with he and his family as he assumes the office of the president of the United States.”