Election 2012: Nail in the Coffin

09-21-2012

No, we here at Beltway Buzz aren't jumping on the bandwagon. Don't expect us to sound off the same talking points you hear everyone else screaming about the new polling numbers showing President Obama ahead of Mitt Romney.

The candidates have yet to engage in their first of three debates. And, let's be honest, there's still plenty of time for either contender to make a gaffe on the minefield, er, in race for the White House between now and Election Day.

Above all the forecasts, models, and predictions, one thing is clear. Whatever happens Nov. 6 will give way to what happens Jan. 21, 2013 - Inauguration Day.

This week, leaders of the House and Senate held the traditional "First Nail" ceremony. The event brought together the likes of Republicans John Boehner and Eric Cantor with Democrats Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Each of the seven members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (or JCCIC) pounded a nail into what will be part of the platform where the president will take the oath of office.

That rare bipartisan moment alluded to something great about this country we love -- how the American people have allowed for the transfer of power of the world's greatest democracy.

(Given how partisan things have been in Washington during this election cycle, it's a small wonder that none of participants took a hammer to the head of the person they were next to!)

"The inauguration of our president is a moment when everyone in America stops and watches," Sen. Lamar Alexnader, R-Tenn., said. "It is a powerful display of our nation's principles as we come together to celebrate a new beginning."

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who chairs the committee added, "When we inaugurate our president and vice president in full view of the nation and the world, it is a symbol to all that elections matter and it is possible to transfer power peacefully every four years."

Preparations for the inauguration will be underway leading all the way to Inauguration Day, which will be Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.

Blog Keywords: 

Blog Posts: 

Beltway Buzz