Might the inauguration have had an impact on President Trump’s political personality?
Just watching from behind a laptop computer is a daunting experience-let alone trying to write about it. It isn’t just a spectacle for the sake of finesse and artistry--though both are achieved. It is the permeation of history, guided by philosophy, sharpened by adversity and sustained through sacrifice. The choruses glamour and the echo of the murals, the presence of Presidents past and future, and crowds of citizens young and old, all privy to the harmonious “passing of the torch” as President Kennedy alluded to in his inaugural address, take part in a tradition meant to be an example to the world over.
Democratic civilization and citizenship, liberty, the Presidency, and the way these things are tied together are far greater than any one human being. The President’s role is that not of a conqueror of this mandate, but that of servitude to it. The inauguration ceremonies are a testament to a consciously upheld system in which the President is called to fulfill their role--the opposite of a celebration of an individual. I hope that it be impossible that anyone, even someone of the, if I may be blunt, often arrogant history of President Trump’s political personality, could fail to be moved to this conclusion.
If any positive externality were to be found in the ugly nature of this campaign season, it is the refusal of many celebrities to perform at the inauguration. Indeed, the very idea of celebrity seems to fly in the face of the humbling purpose of inauguration. No testament to democracy and everyday citizenship should be a display of stratification. A ceremony meant to highlight the precious innocence and purity we are responsible for protecting and the anonymity of the individual to be found in unified effort shouldn't be reliant on “A-Listers.” The tradition takes precedent. I find it to be far more endearing and befitting an inauguration when I don’t know the names of many of the performers.
Of course, there are special seats reserved for people like former first ladies and Presidents, Chiefs of Staff and Supreme Court Justices. But, even this serves a humbling purpose. It shows that one person’s power is only so limited in scope of what they have control over and how long they may reside as bearers of the torch of elected office. It is no secret that after a while, a President may think his/herself a philosopherking/queen after the memory of this event may begin to be overshadowed by political struggles of the time and their privileged burdens. The attendance of former Presidents shows that this always ends with them losing their power, as it should. The turnout of senators and members of congress, many of whom strive to the Presidency, few of whom will make it there, is demonstrative of how coveted the Presidency, which depends upon the will of the people (and the electoral college) is.
One day, we might be able to see the letter President Obama left for President Trump. May we hope his reading of it put in perspective for him what his role means and the traditions he has been called to uphold. The immediate grandeur of the context provided by the ceremony will fade away quickly. That is why, as citizens, it is our role to hold him to that calling.
