Times political editor Adam C. Smith caught up with former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist after the inauguration.

"It was just beautiful and a great speech. I was very impressed, really impressed," said Crist, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Carole, and Monday night was headed to a black tie ball and later to a reception at the White House.

The Republican-turned-independent-turned Democrat said he's optimistic Obama and the GOP-controlled U.S. House will work more cooperatively in his second term.

"I think the re-election is a reaffirmation, and some of the actions weve already seen by the Republicans in Congress bear that out," said Crist, citing the extension of the debt ceiling and deal on taxes.

"The American people and the people of our state spoke, and they said, 'Forward.' " said Crist, who was spotted in an FSU sweatshirt and jeans Monday afternoon on his way to buy a long overcoat.