Hello, and welcome to the Political Jungle for January 20, 2013. Today, we are in Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration. This is Political Jungle.
We begin, of course, with the Inauguration. President Obama took the oath of office today, and that is basically all he did. The First Family and Chief Justice Roberts walked into the room, the oath was administered, the President greeted his family, and then they all left. Now, Vice President Biden took his a little differently. After he, his wife, and Justice Sonia Sotomayer walked out, there was more than the oath. There was also a prayer before the oath, and following the oath, Vice President Biden made a few remarks.
Tomorrow, is the big day. There will be musical performances by Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor. Then, there will be oath of office for Vice President Biden, administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayer. The biggest part of the ceremony will be the actual oath of office, which will be administered to President Obama by Chief Justice John Roberts. Afterwards, President Obama will give his second Inaugural speech. According to sources, President Obama will touch on the partisanship in Congress, and how more Americans should get involved. The address has also reportedly not been finished. Some are saying that the revising will go on until he gives the address.
One thing that people are looking at is who won’t be there. For the first time since 1988, the loser of presidential race will not be attendance. Since then, the loser has had a role. John Kerry and John McCain were Senators, and Al Gore was Vice President. Mitt Romney was also reportedly not even invited.
Also, two Presidents are not attending the Inauguration. Former President George H.W. Bush was just released from the hospital on Monday, he was being treated for bronchitis and a cough. George W. Bush will be spending time with his father. But, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter will be attending.
Well, surprise, surprise, there is other news coming out today. Sen. Chuck Schumer said that this year Senate Democrats will pass a budget. Senate Democrats have not passed a budget since April 2009, a point often made by Republicans.
Well, thank you for joining us on Political Jungle. Please continue to stick with TKNN for continuing coverage of the fifty-seventh Inauguration.