Can We Have an Inauguration Groundhog Day, Please?

President ObamaI’ve never been a very political person but like much of the country I’m feeling energized and hopeful about the presidency of Barack Obama. On January 20, 2009, after a long play date with 2 toddlers, I sat down with a cup of coffee in one hand and my remote control in the other to watch the recorded inauguration.

Were my expectations too high for the event? I had never watched an inauguration before. I was certainly impressed by the sea of people spreading across the mall. Crowd: Fox News PhotoI imagined myself as one of the crowd at this monumental event. Because I have an amazing imagination I immediately felt a bit claustrophobic and my head began to pound from the overwhelming roar of the throng. Ick, back to the couch and my disappointment.

I’ll admit I wasn’t paying a lot of attention to Katie Couric at first. Then she introduced Vernon Jordan and referred to him as “the consummate Washington insider.” Assuming that is an opinion shared by more than a couple of people I expected to hear something insightful from the man. I listened carefully. I took notes.

Vernon Jordan words of wisdom at the inauguration of our 44th president:

• “It is a huge moment. It’s inexplicable and it’s unexplainable.”
• “It’s difficult to anticipate the unexpected.”
• “This will top all of the campaign speeches because this is the beginning. The campaign is one phase but the beginning of your term as president is, ah, is new.”

Really? I feel enlightened.

Next, there was the Oath, I mean Oaf of Office. President Obama is a phenomenal speaker yet he could not give a 42-word, uh, pledge without several fumbles. Chief Justice John Roberts can share some of the credit for the blunders. I don’t mind.

And finally, I would like to mention the very dull reading of an uninspiring poem. Ok, fess up, somebody must have seen her behind the Capitol Building scratching that one out while the ex-presidents were taking there seats. Check it out.

Someone is stitching up a hem
Darning a hole in a uniform
Patching a tire
Repairing the things in need of repair
- excerpt from Elizabeth Alexander’s Praise Song for the Day

And yes, I listened to it twice to include a quote. Surely the poet is not suggesting that President Obama’s duty is to patch holes.

The Hat: LA Times photoOh, lest I forget, Honorable Mention goes to The Hat that wore Aretha Franklin. Come on now people, that was hideous! My favorite tweet from twitter on The Hat was @gaidheil: I'm so glad that Aretha Franklin is so committed to the President's wind turbine plan that she wore one on her head.

Ok, so I’m disappointed by various parts of the inauguration. And, yeah, I’d like to see a do-over. But does it really matter? Not in the least. It’s a ceremony and it’s over. Barack Obama is our President and I’m excited and thankful for that. Change, she is a comin’ and I can’t wait to see where she leads!