Hello all, and welcome to another edition of “Taryn gets angry over politics”. However, this time, I have fewer negatives to say because ultimately, Joe Biden is finally going to be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.

As I am writing this, I am watching every second of the Inauguration Day process. As of right now, Donald Trump walks out to the Marine 1 helicopter with his wife, Melania. Donald Trump refused to honor any of the previous Inauguration traditions, leaving Vice President Mike Pence to perform the changing of the guards in his place. For someone who used to pride himself on American patriotism, this seems contradictory.  Contradictory is an understatement, if anything. As Trump leaves the White House lawn, a small number of people gather to watch his departure, revealing truly how many of his conservative followers have lost their admiration for the now former president. It is kind of depressing to watch, and reporters are saying how this kind of disrespect has never happened in American history. He is the first president in 150 years to not pass off his role as president in the Inauguration ceremony, and the lack of people present at his departure reflects that the majority of America, including his cabinet (*cough cough* Mike Pence) have absolutely no respect left for Donald J. Trump. I think it is safe to say that Donald Trump has been one of the worst presidents in history just based on events of this past year. When he arrives in Mar-a-Lago  he will have a “celebration.”  His remarks before leaving lead us to believe that he is not done with American politics, that he might try to run again in 2024. He’d probably split the Republican vote so if someone votes for Trump in ’24 they might as well be voting for the Democratic candidate. But alas, Donald Trump takes his leave far away from Washington to his not-so-humble abode in Palm Beach. And get this: as he leaves, his rally soundtrack plays: “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival  in the background as Trump heads off to AF1.

Donald Trump speaks at Joint Base Andrews as if he is beloved by all. I’ll try to calm my heavy bias down as I am attempting to remain cordial, but I can make no such promises. I feel like my truth is also at least 50% of America’s truth right now. Although this transition of power is from one old white man to another.

To end Donald Trump’s reign of terror and transition into the Inauguration, I’d like to quote my older brother, Magnet alum, and history buff Thomas Crowley:

“The other day I watched Joe Biden discuss his policies in a conference. I was bored out of my mind, but I have never been that happy to hear an old white man talk”, and he continued,

“It was the first time I had heard actual political discussion and policy in 4 whole years”

Now, switching to the beautiful side of Inauguration day, we have the actual Inauguration to unpack! Joe Biden prepares hours before, of course, as many of his predecessors have done before him. I wasn’t near a computer during the broadcast at 12, for I was taking my new puppy for his first walk on the beach, so I will be speaking in the past tense from now on. My mom and I listened to the ceremony through NPR from start to finish. Everything went smoothly and as planned, so I’m going to provide you all with my top 5 favorite moments of the Inauguration.

5. Amy Klobuchar and “Let’s Get Loud”

I do not have much to say about Senator Klobuchar, but she did make me giggle. She lands herself  alongside Ms. Jennifer Lopez at the number 5 spot on this ranking due to one statement Klobuchar made after JLo’s beautiful medley of American patriotic tunes…and then JLo’s sudden outburst of her own song “Let’s Get Loud”…I think Amy spoke everyone’s mind by saying her now ultra-famous quote:

“Well. That was great.”

In the most uninspiring tone ever. Much love to you, Senator!

4. Bernie Sanders

We all know the viral Bernie-mitten meme, and sure, that’s part of why he made the list. King Bern is on my Top 5 list because he went to the Inauguration as if it was just a part of his day, but it wasn’t his WHOLE day. Bernie came, he saw, he conquered, and he still continues to dominate social media a whole week after his attire and demeanor went viral on Twitter.

3. Lady Gaga: The Star Spangled Banner

Not only is Lady GaGa one of the most talented artists of the past two decades, but she proved herself as one of the greatest musicians of all time with her outstanding performance of our national anthem at the Inauguration. It’s quite comical to compare Biden’s Inauguration to Trump’s, and GaGa’s performance epitomizes that.

Anyways, Gaga ranks so highly because while stating the famous line in our anthem “and the flag was still there,” GaGa pointed up to the Capitol, shading those who had stormed said Capitol almost two weeks prior. Oh, how I love myself some GaGa.

2. Amanda Gorman. Period.

Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb” was one of the most beautiful things I have heard in my entire life. The emotion, the power; what can’t Gorman do? As the current (and first) National Poet Laureate, Gorman stated the truth about the current state of our nation and how hope still stands in America. She states:

“Just-is is not always justice”

and later on in the poem,

“…Yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to find a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge our union with purpose. To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man…We seek harm for none and harmony for all”

Absolutely chilling.

1. Joe Biden Becomes President!!! Party Rock!!! #bigbiblebiden

If I’m being completely honest, Amanda Gorman MADE the inauguration. However, I have to remind myself that Donald Trump is no longer in office (and hopefully will never be in office again…) and a man who sees somewhat outside of his age has taken his place. I’m not going to sit and idolize our new president, but I am certainly over the moon that this election year, America chose a solid option. I mean, he did have that big bible, after all.

Also, we have the first MADAM!!! Vice President!!!!! And Biden’s pupper, Major, is the first rescue dog to live in the White House!!!

As I am concluding this article, Biden has already made huge strides to fulfill his promises in office, which is outstanding! But please, remember America; we must still hold all people in power accountable, regardless of if they label themselves as red or blue.

Now that I have recapped almost every event of 20 January, 2021, I think it is only fitting that I end this novel-length article here. I hope you gained some insight to some of the Inaugural events that you may have missed!