Various Networks, 8:00 a.m. ET
Today’s political events will start super-early, with outgoing President Donald Trump taking his First Lady, and as many invited guests as will show up, to Joint Base Andrews for one final farewell flight on Air Force One. No matter what he says in his presidential goodbye speech – and it’s doubtful it will be framed that way at all – the image likely to dominate, and resonate, is his goodbye wave as he ascends the stairs. It’s an image that will pair him forever with resigning President Richard Nixon’s wave at the steps of the helicopter before leaving the White House, and his job, in disgrace. But then, tune to your favorite news network to the official inauguration of Joseph Biden, who is scheduled to become the 46th President of the United States, at noon ET today, with Kamala Harris as his Vice President. Because of the attack on the U.S. Capitol two weeks earlier, the National Mall is all but closed off, and security is ultra-tight. Yet the decision to replace what would have been a throng of onlookers with rows and rows of American flags – well, it’s as artistic, and as visually beautiful, as a Christo installation, as was last night’s unveiling of the reflecting pool lights honoring those Americans who have died thus far from the pandemic. So there’s a grumbling Trump goodbye party thrown for himself at the Four Seasons Airport (okay, Joint Base Andrews), then the highly symbolic and slightly intense outdoor inauguration of President Biden, then some more celebrations and ceremonies, including a prime-time party that will be held virtually, and be “attended” by lots of performing celebrities. If that sounds awkward, so did a virtual political convention, and the Democrats hit that one out of the park…
