Did any of y’all catch the Biden Inaugural concert on MSNBC? I was busy typing, but Teri was watching it, and it turned out to be nothing less than magnificent.
My regular readers know that since the day it started, I have been nothing but enthused about the way that the Biden campaign chose to run their campaign in the middle of an uncontrolled pandemic. While Trump minimalized the coronavirus, the Biden campaign cancelled all large events, and the smaller events that were held required masks compliance, and social distancing. It was already refreshing to have an adult in the room.
But the Democratic National Convention was nothing short of an act of genius. While Trump insisted on packing as many people in tight places as possible, to feed his voracious ego, the Democrats went totally virtual. And in so doing, they removed the focus point from a bunch of largely irrelevant delegates crammed into an arena, and instead spent four days focusing on spotlighting, thanking, and motivating their base for the battles ahead. And in doing so, they revolutionized conventions going forward.
But the Biden Inauguration concert broadcast tonight on MSNBC made the Democratic National Convention look like a warm up act. Normally, network coverage of inauguration night activities is second only to reading a copy of Finnegan’s wake as a way to be asleep in 15 minutes or less. It is an endless whirl of pompous balls, with a bunch of rich shitpokes getting wasted, while the new President and First Lady make ceremonial appearances at all of them to share the kind of dance not seen since a high school prom.
But not tonight. This celebration wasn’t even about Biden and Harris. It was a celebration of America, and the American people who soldier on every single day to get us through a national nightmare. Biden gave a short speech from inside the Lincoln Memorial, quoting Lincolns words, and Harris gave a short speech from the reflecting pool, with the memorial lights clear in the background.
But the best part was the musical selection. Jon Bon Jovi did a serviceable rendition of the Beatles classic, Good Day, Sunshine. And another band did a rousing version of the 70’s classic Aquarius, from the musical Hair, which ends with several repeated singings of the chorus, Let, the sunshine! Let the sunshine in! The sunshine, shine in!
Notice the common theme there? Everything was about brightness and sunlight. The songs were almost all kicky, upbeat, and with a positive outlook. It was like the nation was finally able to throw off the moldy funereal shroud which has smothered us for the last four years.
Now this is how you celebrate an inauguration! This wasn’t an homage to just another politician, it was a national celebration of the concept of democracy, and the peoples will. Biden will face dark days ahead, but he will be able to carry tonight in his soul forward with him. Well done.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to check out President Evil, and the sequel, President Evil II, A Clodwork Orange . They comprise a pretty much daily report from the front of the 2016 GOP primaries, as well as the general election
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I heartily agree! It was beautiful and just what we all needed. Refreshing to see this type of statements being made, instead of costly shindigs for the rich crowd to get drunk at.
To me it was so refreshing and amazing. Beautiful,all about the American people. Loved it. Great day.
Great idea sharing the celebration with everyone and not just a few donors…..this should remain the norm and not be the exception.
I totally enjoyed it. And I’m getting tired of watching events online. But that was worthwhile.
That was totally enjoyable.
Metaphoric sunlight —> reveals corruption and incompetence —> results in defeat of corrupt president —> results in service of competent, decent president —> causes actual work to unite nation in defeating Covid —> we beat Covid.
Hum…I’m not one to ever agree with Trump, but maybe he was kinda right when he said sunlight might be a cure.
Serious kudos to the Dems. First they killed it with the virtual Convention, and now they hit it out of the park with a virtual inauguration celebration. Just fantastic seeing people and performances from across the country, Springsteen, Legend, Bon Jovi, Broadway songs, Country performances…and that finale by Katy Perry with awe-inspiring fireworks over the Washington Monument. Holy Smokes. Amazing. And lawdy, what a wonderful change from the past 28 dog years. Thank you Joe and Kamala!!!
Reminds me of how relieved i was when bilbo was about to be eaten by the trolls, & the sun came up turning them to stone. This troll is still loose but he seems somewhat stunned & paralyzed. At least he slunk back to the heart of darkness.
I watched it all on PBS and they did a terrific job. Now I’m just mopping up the floor with glee.
As always, a very good article.