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Two weeks after pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol, America reclaimed its citadel of democracy Wednesday with the latest transition of power — but Joe Biden’s inauguration, coming amid unprecedented security threats and pandemic woe, was unlike any other.
For one, his twice-impeached predecessor Donald Trump was absent, having fled Washington hours earlier, leaving Vice President Mike Pence to represent the White House in the two-century-old process that ensures the continuity of government.
Also missing: the massive crowds of people who normally converge on the National Mall on Inauguration Day, replaced by thousands of flags representing the 400,000 Americans who have died from the coronavirus, and those unable to attend the inauguration.
The Capitol’s front lawn was in effect deserted, save for a few hundred diplomats, official guests, and family who braved high winds, chilly temperatures, and a snow shower to see Biden sworn in as the 46th president.
“That mall is not empty,” House Democrat John Garamendi insisted to AFP as he eyed the flag-covered expanse.
“In the age of Covid, in the age of Trump, we can’t be here,” he said, but “that mall is full of America’s hope.”
Beyond a black metal fence ringing the Capitol grounds, rows of National Guard troops stood at attention, heavily armed sentries preventing any repeat of the violence that rocked Capitol Hill on January 6.
Bleacher seats normally reserved for high-profile guests were one-third full on account of social distancing measures that relegated lawmakers like House Republican Jim Jordan and Senator-elect Jon Ossoff to a level below the stage.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden receive a Presidential Escort to the White House during Inaugural celebrations, on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Biden was sworn in as as the 46th President of the United States. Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images/AFP
Upon the inaugural platform, Marine Corps musicians trumpeted the arrival of Biden, who fist-bumped Barack Obama, whom he served as vice president for eight years.
Pence was seen chatting with former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
“We are turning the page on these last four years and now we need to unite this country to defeat this virus and get economic relief to the people,” he said.
For former US House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican driven out by more right-wing factions of his party in 2018, the security detail was “surreal.”
But he encapsulated what many at the inauguration were no doubt thinking.
“I’m just happy to have 2021 and say goodbye to 2020,” Ryan told AFP.
“It’s important to pay respect to our process — which stood against tests we’ve never seen in our lifetimes, and it passed those tests.”
BreYhana Johnson, a 23-year-old Senate staff assistant, and member of Harris’ historically black Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority said she was “so grateful” to see Harris make history — and to witness the transition of power after the Capitol riot.
“Even though we went through such an… act of domestic terrorism, the show must go on,” Johnson said. “We’re still carrying on here today and hate is not going to win.”
The ceremony, dramatically scaled back as it was, did include some star power.
Lady Gaga, clad in a socially distance-appropriate red dress and gripping a gold microphone, belted out the Star Bangled Banner.
And as Jennifer Lopez sang “This Land is Your Land,” she paused to shout out in Spanish: “Justicia para todos!”
