The singing by tenor Christopher Macchio and choirs from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Marine Band was in tune, vibrant, and clear, thanks to the indoor acoustics. The most notable number was a short first-verse-only a cappella rendition of "America the Beautiful" by Carrie Underwood, who invited the audience to participate after technical problems disabled the pre-recorded accompaniment.
It took a few seconds for Ms. Underwood to settle in, but she finished strong. Your humble blogger was moved as the camera panned over the attendees, who, regardless of their politics, knew the words to America's unofficial anthem.
As for the Inaugural speech itself, I found it disappointing. I had hoped for a soaring description of the transcendent ideals that animate the new President, with details to be filled in later at the State of the Union address. Instead, we had a mini State of the Union that went into some of the moves he will make immediately.
I understand why he chose to make the speech he did. He's a "common sense" businessman who disdains lofty rhetoric for specific actions. Moreover, he makes himself accountable, something a mere mouthing of a "more equity" platitude doesn't do. Maybe that's what we need now. although I do yearn for a little John F Kennedy:
Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage...
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty...
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.
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