Biden’s scaled down inauguration should be the new norm

Irather liked President Joe Biden’s scaled-back inauguration for many reasons, but particularly because it provided equal access for all Americans.

We could watch events live from the comfort of our homes or tune in later via a variety of platforms. It came with more than the usual number of history lessons, and we got to see such things as Sen. Mitch McConnell welcome President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to the Capitol.

Gone was much of the glitz — the balls and dinners for the well-heeled and wellconnected. The stuff that always felt more like an episode of “The Rich and The Famous” than a celebration of democracy.

Especially for those of us who were working, picking the kids up from school, worrying about paying bills or any of those daily-life sorts of things that most Americans are engaged in on Jan. 20 of any year.

Although much of the change was forced by the pandemic and, to a lesser degree, the Jan. 6 attempted insurrection, I hope this can be a lasting guide for many national events.

Last year’s national party conventions went virtual too, and also felt more inclusive — as if the speakers were talking to all of us and not just those whose vote they needed.

When live-stream inauguration commentators last week told us the traditional post-swearing in luncheon at the White House was canceled, one of my daughters remarked as we watched the motorcade head to Arlington National Cemetery that they must be getting hungry.

Don’t worry, I responded. “Dr. Biden is a teacher. She probably made sure they had snacks with them.”

We laughed out loud at the image of our new president and vice president and their families munching from baggies of orange slices and baby carrots.

But the point was not lost that we could each relate to these new leaders at some personal, human level. That we figured they got cold out in that chilly wind, that the women’s feet hurt after walking on asphalt in heels, that the glare of cameras on their every move must get tiresome.

When the president and first lady walked up the steps at the White House toward a closed door, they turned and listened to the music and hugged. Most of us didn’t realize the doors should’ve opened before they turned to go in, followed by their family.

I can open my garage door with a remote when I get it home, but other than that I open my own doors.

Yes, I get that there are protocols and security issues when we are talking about the first family. But it did not seem so astounding that the family was stalled for a few seconds before the doors opened and they piled in — probably to search out the bathrooms.

The president went to work for a while and then their evening activities, capped off with a fantastic fireworks show. There were a few mostly virtual events before inauguration day and everything concluded Thursday morning with a prayer service. You can still watch the events online.

While scaled back, it still cost millions. The swearing-in ceremony alone is usually estimated to cost about $1 million and is paid by taxpayers. Much of the cost is for security, and that certainly was higher this year because of the fencing and callup of National Guard soldiers, among other measures.

Social events are paid for with private donations, the idea of which has garnered increased scrutiny. President Trump’s inaugural committee raised $107 million – twice the amounts of his predecessors.

A bill passed in 2019 by the Democrat held house but stalled in the Senate would severely reduce the amount individuals or corporations could contribute and increase transparency. That may – and should — get resurrected in the new Senate.

If we toned down the fancy, ticketed events, a new president would not need such sizeable donations anyway.

Sure we want to celebrate a new presidential term, but the events should be for the people rather than the Washington/ corporate elite. I know inaugural balls have been around since the beginning, but they seem like a vestige of a bygone time. Do we need one just so the first lady can donate a way-too-expensive gown to the Smithsonian? I think not.

If an individual or group wants to throw a party, let them. There already are plenty of unofficial balls and parties.

Officially, a swearing-in ceremony, parade and fireworks should suffice for any president.

And maybe throw in that lunch so we don’t have to worry about whether they have snacks to get them through the day.