I guess it could have been the Koran, but it looked like a Bible. It was hardback book sized and had those "shiny" looking pages because the light reflected off the top of the pages and there was a tassel hanging out like a bookmark.
I don't know if it was a prop, to use during the swearing in ceremony or if he regulary carries it around. I didn't notice any of the other Senators carrying Bibles, though.
I don't have anything against someone that carries, reads, prays with a Bible---I just don't like people that use them as props to make them look a "certain" way. I think of Jesse Jackson everytime, because he is one of the most un-reverendlike "reverend" I have seen.
IMO Obama is being groomed, or grooming himself, for a Presidential run.
My bet is his was using it as a prop.
I've never liked him. Started following him during his Senate run, I wanted Keyes to win, and there's just something about him that gives me a bad vibe.
I caught some of him and Keyes's debates and watching Obama talk was like watching a snakeoil salesman sell his goods. Yes, even more so than most other dems..