‘Showstopper’ Biden to preside over Walsh inauguration
Former Vice President Joe Biden will preside over Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s second inauguration — a “showstopper” of a guest that shows the mayor is stepping out onto a larger political stage, observers said.
Biden will preside over Walsh’s New Year’s Day swearing-in ceremony at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, according to the mayor’s office. The two pols are friends, and Walsh said he was “humbled” Biden would be at the ceremony.
“I look forward to building on our first term accomplishments, setting goals for our second term, and working to make this amazing city better every day,” Walsh said in a statement. “I greatly admire Vice President Biden’s dedication to our country and its people. I’m so humbled that he will preside over my inauguration ceremony, and be a part of this special day.”
In a statement, Biden said he was “honored” to be invited to preside over the ceremony.
“Mayor Walsh is a close friend and an incredible public servant,” Biden said. “I’m honored to be able to preside over his Inauguration next month so that he can continue his tireless work on behalf of the people of Boston.”
City Hall watchers said they couldn’t remember a bigger name in past swearings-in.
“Joe Biden is a showstopper .... It’s a big deal for the city, I think it’s pretty cool,” former City Councilor Michael McCormack said. “Joe Biden casts a big shadow over the Democratic Party, I can’t ever recall a person of former vice president stature coming to a mayoral inauguration.”
Former City Councilor Larry DiCara agreed, saying, “It’s an extraordinary honor for Boston.”
Walsh placing himself alongside Biden, a possible 2020 presidential candidate, could indicate bigger ambitions, DiCara said.
“The inauguration of the mayor of Boston has never been a national news story,” DiCara said. “I suspect this will be.”