Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Reflections On The Inauguration: Trump 2.0

Now that a couple of days have passed, some reflections on the Inauguration:

Majestic setting: The Rotunda! It gave the whole event a proper and inspiring sense of majesty. 

Best opening prayer: Reverend Franklin Graham's stirring  plea to the Almighty was passionate, heartfelt and unabashedly Christian, invoking Jesus Christ Himself. By comparison, Cardinal Dolan's prayer was ordinary and mostly uninspired.

Overwhelming moment I: Christopher Macchio's operatic tenor delivering the stirring "O, America!" This was a masterstroke.

Overwhelming moment II: The US Naval Academy Glee Club marching in and delivering the classic "Battle Hymn of  The Republic." Lincoln was in the room!

Cutest moment: Vice President J. D. Vance's kids brought up to the podium to witness their dad take the oath. Precious!

Poignant moment: Vance's mother watching him take the oath while his wife, Usha, beaming with pride, held the Bible. 

Stunning entrance: Melania. No one can top her! 

Most intriguing: Barron. What did he say to Joe Biden?

Bumbler in chief: Seemingly clueless Chief Justice John Roberts rushed the presidential oath, beginning it before Melania had a chance to properly position the Bible as the Trump clan jockeyed for places. Putz!

Sourpuss: This was a tie between Kamala Harris, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton and it was in abundance during Trump's address. But we'll give the edge to Harris. She actually seemed to be in pain atg times.

Seemed to be enjoying it all: Interestingly enough,  Bill Clinton. He appeared to be relaxed, smiling, genuinely engaged, comfortable, even pleased. Bubba gets that this is theater, and he's on.

Lone wolf: Barack Obama, again! What's going on (or not going on) between him and Michelle? 

Big slob: John Fetterman. His failure to dress for the occasion (again!) is an insult to the institution, the nation, our storied history, everything and everyone! Disgusting!

Spectacular save: Carrie Underwood sang the National Anthem a capella after a technical glitch and delivered it with aplomb!

Beatific benediction: Rev. Lorenzo Sewell of Detroit roused the crowd as he channeled Dr. Martin Luther King on King Day with a peroration that reaches a breathtaking crescendo. Yowza!

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