Watching the US Inauguration

Rhinestone

I am a Yankee from across the pond. This is the happiest day I have had in four years. I feel hopeful and no longer hateful.

I think that is echoed by the world tbh

I am a Yankee from across the pond. This is the happiest day I have had in four years. I feel hopeful and no longer hateful.

I was reminded of the hopes when JFK was inaugurated

I also watched Trump's event at Andrews base. There were his family and a small number of fanatical Trump supporters complete with regalia, none wearing masks. They were some young children amongst the crowd - completely unprotected.

The only masks were worn by military commanders who welcomed him to the base. It seems that mask wearing is now a political symbol in the US, so it would be interesting to see how many Trump supporters have caught covid.

I hope that none of these poor children get it. Putting a child unprotected in a crowd of unmasked people all ranting and chanting is tantamount to child abuse.

I did notice that despite the masks (most of which seemed to be slipping) and occasional fist and elbow bumps, there were a lot of people shaking hands and hugging, and despite the spaces between seats, gathering together in huddles. I do hope the memory of this ceremony will not be marred by covid cases.

savor

I'm an American and yes varian, I'm feeling optimistic for the first time in 4 years. It feels like a huge burden has been lifted and though I know what a monumental task is before our new administration, today I feel real hope. It's a wonderful feeling that I'm going to saver. Thank you tidyskatemum for this thread and thank you all for sharing your thoughts on this historic day.

Sickofweddingcake

Brilliant and inspirational speech from Joe Biden. Amanda Gorman's poem was, too. I think it had a feel of Maya Angelou's 'I Rise'.

Yes! I remember Angelou at Clinton’s inauguration - it was outstanding.

Brilliant and inspirational speech from Joe Biden. Amanda Gorman's poem was, too. I think it had a feel of Maya Angelou's 'I Rise'.

Wonderful!

If I were an American I would be feeling optimistic for the first time in four years.

Personally think when Whitney Houston sang the Star Spangled Banner at a Super Bowl, that took some beating.

I just caught up on lady Gaga, thought she sang it soooo well

Whitewavemark I lost interest anyway when the Obama's went as there was nobody else worth voting for to my mind.

They did sanitise the lectern between speakers.

Not much social distancing though, and lots of hugs.

I’ve only just started watching at the end.

I feel as if the grownups are back in charge

EllanVannin

The only one I did watch was Obama and since he didn't get a further term in office I lost interest after that as I like the Obama's better than anyone.

He had two terms? He couldn’t do more.

As it turned out today it might have been for the best Lucca.

I’ve been listening on the car radio driving home from work, tears pouring down my face listening to Lady Gaga singing the Star Spangled Banner, I’ve never felt moved to cry during the National Anthem, I think it’s a great anthem, and Lady Gaga was amazing.
Hopefully this will be the beginning of a bright new future.

The only one I did watch was Obama and since he didn't get a further term in office I lost interest after that as I like the Obama's better than anyone.

How appalling that trump wasn’t there. Such an oaf.

That young girl Amanda Gorman was so impressive it brought tears to my eyes.

I didn't even watch when it was Trump. Not interested.

It has given me hope for a better future for America and the World.
It is such a relief not to have to see and listen to Trump today.I certainly hope that continues to be the case.

Brilliant speech, amazing poem (Amanda Gorman is only 22), great and very moving singing of their iconic song and quite stunning prayers. I hope he can help America become one country again.

I hope he is the man for the moment as what happens is America will affect us here.