Completing what likely will become known as the most remarkable political comeback in American history, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office at noon Monday to become America’s new president.
He was president No. 45 in his first term, and now is No. 47, following Joe Biden who was No. 46.
Unfortunately, the almost-new president ignored the opportunity to make an inspiring, perhaps unifying speech, to the entire country. Instead, he rambled through a long speech of the familiar promises, grievances and insults he used on the campaign trail.
Moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda because of bitterly cold weather, the president had a live, handpicked audience of about 600 who rewarded him with numerous standing ovations, almost on cue, like a cheering section.
Another 1,300 watched the proceedings in an overflow room in the Capitol. The ceremony was televised live around the world.
Trump’s inauguration committee had issued more than 200,000 tickets to those who would have watched the traditional outdoor ceremony. He no doubt was disappointed by the smaller audience on his big day.
Trump was gracious in greeting outgoing President and Mrs. Biden and other Democratic ex-presidents – Clinton and Obama – who preceded him in the Oval Office.
But there was no grace or unity in his speech which vilified the Biden Administration and most federal agencies. All of which was spoken with Biden sitting about six feet away.
They were accused of what Trump described as willfully incompetent handling of immigration, education, national defense, the economy, energy, foreign affairs, the environment, natural disasters, and inflation, among others.
President No. 47 boasted of the multitude of executive orders he would sign to keep his campaign promises to fix all of the ills of the United States and return us to preeminence as a world power.
Keeping those pledges could become a challenge with tiny Republican margins in both houses of Congress and numerous expected court challenges.
But I’m taking the high road by acknowledging that he is the president of all of us who love America. I hope – and pray – he will be responsive to the needs of all Americans. The future of our free country depends on it.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
