E tu, Hillz? While the entertainment for Donald Trump’s inauguration might be the messiest thing to happen in Washington ever, it looks like the actual politicians of Washington are going to be bending over backwards to legitimize Trump’s presidency. And that includes the woman he defeated, Hillary Clinton. Yesterday, there were confirmations that Hillary and Bill Clinton would attend Trump’s inauguration. George W. Bush and Laura Bush will also attend. While the Clintons confirmed their attendance with an almost terse two-word affirmation by an unnamed aide (“They will,” the aide said, when asked if the Clintons would attend), the Bushes actually released this statement:
“President and Mrs. George W. Bush will attend the 58th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony on January 20, 2017, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. They are pleased to be able to witness the peaceful transfer of power – a hallmark of American democracy – and swearing-in of President Trump and Vice President Pence.”
It’s worth noting that George W. Bush seems to really dislike Donald Trump, and George H.W. Bush reportedly voted for Hillary Clinton. The Clintons and the Bushes have become much closer over the past decade or so, so much so that H.W. Bush reportedly considers the Clintons to be “family” at this point. It’s also worth noting that the Bushes seem to really adore the Obamas – George W. Bush has a history of being especially affectionate with Michelle Obama (go here to see the photos). If I’m being nice, I would say that the Bushes and the Clintons are coming out more to say goodbye to the Obamas rather than attempting to legitimize President Baby Fists. If I’m being unkind, I would say that I hope Hillary Clinton starts day-drinking and pre-partying and shows up to the inauguration three sheets to the wind. And I hope Michelle Obama is like, “Girl, pass me your flask, I need a deep swig too.” Buckle up, peeps. This inauguration is going to be a f—king mess. I really hope Hillary Clinton is attending as some sort of high-level protest/disruption scheme.
Photos courtesy of Getty, WENN.
This is what is called ‘GRACE’ and a ‘Good Loser’ (although I don’t consider her a loser at all). She probably feels that this is part of the duty of being an ex-first family along with the Bushes.
I agree I think she is there more for the Obamas than the racist cheeto.
This. And I don’t think it’s legitimizing Trump as much as assuring us and the world that we have not descended into complete chaos. Yet.
I think so too. It’s a fine line between standing behind him in order to not freak out those who are already freaking out by trying to make it okay, while still actively pursuing what is right and true by debunking his legitimacy.
I’m not being sparky, but can you explain “legitimizing the presidency” I understand when people say don’t “normalize” but the way I understand the word legitimate isn’t clicking. He’s the legitimate next president he won by the rules of the race *as stupid as they are* .
It’s a language break down, English isn’t my first language and sometimes I read stuff literally and just don’t get it.
lingling, fair question. I think normalizing is probably a better word. He might (emphasis on might) legitimately be POTUS but there is nothing normal about the way he handled the campaign or how he’s handling the job so far. The presence of the Clintons and Bushes at the inauguration doesn’t signify an endorsement of Trump on their parts, which is what Kaiser seemed to be worried about.
ESMOM, I hear you, Madame. I also think, or maybe want to believe, that this is her way of saying… “I will be watching you.”
Exactly, no matter what you think of any of these peoples (Bushes, Clintons, Obamas) politics (god knows I have my issue with Bush) they served the country and put it first, for me this is one tradition they always go if they are well, and two to show the country that it’s traditions are still in place and come hell or high water these three families will ensure it even if they have to sit next to that racist POS.
They aren’t doing this for Trump, or to make his presidency legit they are doing it for the country.
Also anyone who thinks this legitimizes Trump or any memeber of his family aren’t watching because by showing this level of grace, and commitment to traditions of the office and country they are shining a big light on how ill fit and unpresidential Trump is.
K, preach! But sadly while you and I and most sane and reasonable people know this, the Paul Ryans and deplorables of the world still don’t seem to think Trump is ill fit or unpresidential. Instead they characterize his ineptitude and petulance as “refreshing.” Grr.
@esmom thank you for the clarification. I didn’t know if I was missing a secondary definition or just an American use of the word. Not that that’s bad but there English words in canada that don’t mean the same in the states.
@esmon you don’t want to get me started on my thoughts of Paul Ryan.
Luckily the people who support and believe in trump is the minority of the country based on the approval and confidence ratings.
As for those who think he’s great good luck to you.
Ryan knows full well that Trump is unfit for the position but he will use him to push through his own evil agenda, and he IS evil, while Trump distracts and gets the blame. The minute Trump goes against Ryan on something he truly cares about, impeachment for violation of the emoluments clause will begin.
The GOP was hacked too. I really want to see Ryan’s emails prior to the convention. I believe he contemplated rule changes to block Trump but dropped it because he had no alternative candidates
Lightpurple, I agree that Ryan knows Trump is unfit for office but is too spineless to ever admit it now that he’s able to deploy his evil agenda. It’s despicable how he’s now defending him. I was listening to a clip of him Ryan seemingly singing Trump’s praises on the radio while driving yesterday and found myself overcome with rage. And helplessness. I’d love to see his emails, too.
Good point, Esmom, I confess I hadn’t thought of it that way because I was so occupied with screaming, “NOOOOOOO!”
The Clintons have been friends with the Trumps for a long, long time though. I doubt that has changed.
I’m sure it changed when he started calling her names in public.
I doubt donald has actual friends. Acquaintances, maybe.
I doubt they exchanged Christmas cards.
Exactly, they’ve been friendly a long time. Even when he started going completely off the reservation years ago with the insane Birther thing, they stayed pretty tight with him, and at that point his vileness and racism couldn’t have been more clear or public (the misogyny has always been apparent).
The Clinton’s are pragmatists above all else. If it serves them better in NY to maintain the relationship, they will.
I imagine that friendship changed permanently when Trump began calling Hil “crooked Hillary” and encouraging his supporters to yell “lock her up.” I just hope that no idiots try to get that insulting phrase going at the inauguration. I agree that the Clintons are showing respect for the office of the presidency, not
for Cheeto-man.
Yeah I’m fairly certain persistent death threats from Trump-supporters would put a damper on their friendship.
No way are they friends now, after all of DT’s horrendous actions. Everything Giddy and Kitten said? Bringing Bill’s accusers to the debate? Please. HRC is a class act, and will behave graciously, just as she did when she lost the nom in 2008.
That hint to “Second Amendment” people to take care of Hillary Clinton probably put a chill on that friendship.
On the contrary @Giddy I hope a chant gets going only to embarrass Trump, ruin his inauguration further, and show people exactly the type of platform the orange one exploited to get here.
I don’t think that a “Lock her up!” chant will go through the inauguration because isn’t that a black-tie affair with mega donors and the like? It’s the middle class plebs that he plans to screw over who were chanting that stuff. Unless Michael Flynn is there. He’d probably start that going along with “the wave.”
That IS the word
All former presidents and first ladies, if they are still living, attend inaugurations. It’s not a personal endorsement, but routine. The Clintons, the Bushes and the Obamas ( some of the day’s events as the most recent ex-presidential couple) will attend as will Carter.
They will attend future inaugurations as will Trump after he leaves office. It’s PR tableau whereby the ex-presidents usher in the new president.
The fact that some presidential couples like each other and or become personal friends along the way is a bonus,but this is the usual drill at every inauguration.
Yes, but how many former First ladies were also opponents of the President? This is unprecedented. None of the other people ever faced off. GB didn’t run against BC. Obama didn’t run against GB. And given how exceptionally nasty this last campaign was, I think it would be highly understandable if HC wanted to ignore the protocol. If Prince William can break royal traditions willy-nilly, then surely HC can get away with it.
While it wouldn’t be unprecedented for Hillary Clinton to decline to attend – see below that Romney and Dukakis shirked tradition and skipped the inauguration of their opponents – it would put her in a tiny pool of grudgeholders and go counter to the tradition of the country. The reason she’s Hillary Clinton and not Donald Trump is because she does respect the history and traditions of our government.
Completely agree. Barring conflicts of serious health, there was no way the Bushes or Clintons would take a pass. Oh they may wish for it — kinda how we feel about the inlaws or partners boss — but they are duty bound by tradition to attend.
Timbuktu: i think HRC is not an immature crybaby. Let’s not sully her with the low hanging fruit that is William. LOL.
HRC doesn’t have to like it, but the media is making a mountain out of routine molehill.
And if she had rescinded her invitation, it would tarnish her image more than it has already been tarnished because it would look like she was not supporting country.
Her political career as such as over. This country failed her. I’d totally defend her if she chose not to come. I guess I’m more vengeful than HC. 🙂
@LAK
I wasn’t so much comparing William and Hillary (cause come on… if I had to compare HC to anyone in the Royal family, it’d be the Queen, not William) as ancient and rigid royal traditions and relatively recent and more flexible American traditions. I mean, Trump family is breaking a TON of VITALLY IMPORTANT traditions. As HC, I’d feel entitled to break a purely decorative one.
I agree with everyone’s comments and would add that I think it’s about more than just grace and class and diplomacy and dignity. It’s also about, as someone said, letting Trump know he’s being watched. If all the people who oppose him stayed away, it would essentially be letting the inmates run the asylum. More than they already are.
@Esmom
Oh, but it would be so glorious if there were rows and rows of vacant seats!
Timbuktu, Indeed! It would be sweet if it were sparsely attended. Something tells me cash might be helping fill those seats if necessary. But the fact that all local marching bands and so many entertainers are declining to participate in the celebratory portions of the event is good. And those fluffy aspects of the inauguration — parades, balls, parties — is probably all that Trump actually cares about anyway.
@Esmom
DC voted so overwhelmingly against Trump that it doesn’t surprise me!
@Timbuktu, it has nothing to do with how DC voted. They went 90% for Gore in 2000, but George W’s inaugural events had no problem selling out. In fact, the only issue I can think of is that so many people thought there was a market for tickets, Black Tie & Boots actually flooded eBay and drove down the price. Most people I knew who were trying to make a quick buck ended up going.
The balls aren’t for D.C. residents, they are for party regulars from around the U.S.
It doesn’t matter if this is the way things are done. It will be seen as an endorsement and it certainly will normalise the Trump reign. Period. She’s been vilified for so long that if she didn’t attend it would just be more of the same. Meanwhile, the Trumpistas will absolutely co-opt the Clinton attendance and go with it for a long time and beat the rest of us over the head with Kumbaya- Hillary did it, what’s wrong with you?
This is normalising evil by being ‘good Germans’. Yeah, it sounds radical, but…..the fascist Orange Abomination & GOP. There is no excuse.
BTW, everyone is so worried that people will see it as grudgeholding. Such faith in Hilary. The Trumpistas will always see her in a bad light. I would see her non-attendance as PROTEST, but hey, we can’t think that way, provide an alternate narrative, can we? Manners matter more. Kowtowing to what others think, too. Must conform.
GHWB lost to Clinton; didn’t matter. Romney and Dukakis never held an official position that would have put them on that podium unless they were otherwise invited. Sanders, Graham, Rubio, and Cruz, all losers to Trump, will all be there too. Kasich and John Bush won’t be unless invited
“Romney and Dukakis never held an official position that would have put them on that podium unless they were otherwise invited.”
Their official position would be as the standard bearer of the losing party and yes, there is an expectation that they attend. It was a very big deal that both skipped the event (Dukakis, infamously, to sit at home pouting and eating tuna sandwiches).
Timbuktu–Hillary can easily go the behind-the-scenes powerbroker route. She’s far from finished. 😉
Agreed + it’s showing how to be a good “sport”. She lost the electoral vote but is still holding her head up and moving forward as must we all. Imagine if she had opted to skip this, the “pathetics” on the other side would be gloating and criticizing her even more than usual.
Basically, it is their job as former Presidents to show up. They are showing support for tradition and the Office of the Presidency, upholding their own oath to uphold the Constitution, not for the person taking the office. But the Obamas will not be in attendance. The President and President-Elect traditionally have a meeting that morning, the President-Elect then goes to the Capitol to take the oath of office while the now former First Family leaves the White House. Usually, there are scenes of them leaving the White House for the last time and traveling to an airport and boarding planes while the new President is sworn in. The Obamas aren’t actually leaving Washington so not sure where they will go during this bit but they probably will not break tradition to attend the swearing-in.
The Clintons attended Bush’s first inauguration and the Bushes attended Obama’s first inauguration. The Obamas will undoubtedly attend Trump’s inauguration. The Carters will also be attending. H.W. Is claiming advanced age and will not attend.
Oops! My mistake. They attend the swearing-in, but then the leave and don’t attend the after events.
3 things the Trump family never had and never will get are class, modesty and dignity.
The Bushs, The Obamas and The Clintons have all of those things which is why they are attending.
It is not for Trump’s sake or to legitimatise his presidency. Its for the respect they have towards the president position and not for the man itself.
It’s for the respect they have for the constitution and for the American people who voted for them.
Yes, very well said.
Maya: class, or whatever, has nothing to do with it. All ex-presidents attend the inauguration. It’s symbolic theatre re-enacted at every inauguration.
For this reason, Trump will show upto future inaugurations after he leaves office, and he will stand side by side with the ex-presidents.
It’s not personal nor is it an endorsement.
Trump will continue to be unpredictable and grandstand, but he’ll do it if it’s to his advantage. Which means he probably will, but he won’t RSVP till the last minute.
Agree with Esmom–perfectly stated, Maya.
Yes, this. Ritual or not, as patriots they would do the right thing.
Class. Respect for the office, respect for the great men who have come before.
This!
It’s customary for former Presidents and First Ladies, and the losing candidate, to show up at the Inauguration. All the living former presidents, except HW (for health reasons) are attending. Hillary Clinton is attending as both a Former First Lady and the losing standard bearer of her party. While I’m sure she’d like nothing better than to stay home with Netflix that day, it’s part of the peaceful transition of power between presidents and administrations. It would be shocking of her not to attend.
As a side note, the last two losing candidates for president to sit out the inauguration? Mitt Romney and Mike Dukakis.
So, clearly, it wouldn’t be THAT shocking if Romney did it?
No, that’s not what I said at all. It was extremely unusual and childish for both Romney and Dukakis to skip the inauguration. Hillary Clinton is not that kind of politician, it would be extremely shocking of her to buck tradition and look like a sore loser, as those two gentlemen both did.
what does she have to lose? in a country of sore winners, who gives a toss what she looks like now? I mean, is Republicans suddenly discovering she has grace after screaming “emails, Benghazi, criminal, lock her up” will really be so gratifying to her that it’s worth suffering through that farce?
If you have to ask, “what does she have to lose?” it’s beyond explanation for you. You’re looking for a reason to rationalize her bucking tradition and stooping to the levels of her opponents.
Choosing not to attend a ceremony is NOT stooping to the level of Trump! Let’s not get carried away. Attending the ceremony, walking up to Trump in the middle of it, grabbing him by his privates, and then insulting him into the mic would be stooping to his level.
It’s stooping to the level of childish grudgeholders, like Romney and Dukakis (and if he’d lost, almost certainly Trump).
But just reading your comments on the matter, you seem to be in favor of childish antics, so really – we’re done.
@Matador
You said “stoop to the level of her opponents”. Romney and Dukakis were not her opponents, Trump was. If you meant Romney, you should have phrased your objection better.
It’s called making light of a horrible situation and joking. Look it up. Besides, being childish from time to time is good for the soul. I find your attitude of “beyond explanation” and “we’re done” quite condescending. It’s a gossip site, we’re exchanging opinions, not challenging the gospel. If you are not prepared to have a debate, then why come here? To spread your wisdom and put down those who fail to see the light?
Romney was seen as a cry baby. Not attending was big news. Hilary has class, she has people who need to see she will be there watching, that her political career is over but she’s still with American people.
If she stays home she’s just a petty B word, and honestly it would just set feminism back and make women on a whole look weak.
I think the hit that feminism took when Trump was elected was so big that HC’s non-attendance wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar in the grand scheme of things, however big a deal it becomes on the day of the inauguration. I honestly don’t remember anything about Romney’s non-attendance, and I followed that election pretty closely.
Well let’s not put anything else on women. The all is lost attitude is a bad one to have.
And if you don’t remember that’s okay, but a ton of other people in this thread and plenty of easily Googled news coverage do remember mitt Romney as an incredibly sore loser.
Hilary Clinton can always be counted on to lead by example, we should ALL look to her as an example of how to act in the face of adversity.
I’m going to point out, as I did above, that losing candidates McCain, Kerry, Gore, Dole, Poppy Bush, Carter, Ford, McGovern, and Humphrey had job-related reasons to attend the inaugural, not just, well, the losing side attends. They were either members of the outgoing administration or members of Congress, attending in THAT capacity . There is no regular tradition of the former or sitting governor of Massachusetts attending so no reason for Romney or Dukakis to attend.
“There is no regular tradition of the former or sitting governor of Massachusetts attending so no reason for Romney or Dukakis to attend.”
Yes, there is – as the standard bearer of the losing party it is absolutely tradition that they attend the Inaugural. I can only guess that you are not old enough to remember it being major news when Dukakis refused to attend (yes, of course he was invited) and the same with Romney just four years ago (yes, he too was invited). Being the standard bearer of the losing party *IS* the reason they are invited *and* expected to attend.
Michele and George are seriously the cutest.
Those photos are amazing. Sweet but a little sad, something about W seems a little off to me.
He should start feeling better. Soon he won’t be known as the worst president of the 21st Century.
ST, Lol. Seriously.
GW Bush is a lazy simpleton with mean, coarse instincts and a heartfelt dependence on right-wing ideologues. Iraq, Katrina, theocratic programs, the Great Financial Crisis, “Mission Accomplished.” No passes for him.
Thank you, Who Are These People! Yes, he might pale in comparison soon, but let’s not excuse him, either.
Amen Who ARE These People?
You guys are right. My friends and I have to remind ourselves occasionally that the fact that W seems a little addled and paints now doesn’t negate his appalling legacy.
My depression over our looming nightmare is setting back in. I pushed it deep down during the holidays.
I was sick over the holidays, now I get to be healthy and feel it properly.
I feel like Obamas and bushes relationship had so much respect and I know people blame bush for a lot, but Obama blamed “partisan politics” man had grace, understood how hard the job is and gave bush respect. I’ll be sad to see that type of class and unifying force leave.
I didn’t live in the states under Clinton, but I appreciated the opportunities, education and freedoms I was granted under both bush and Obama. I flourished under both, I hope to continue to enjoy all the privileges being American can bring. I’m not going to dump on a country that has given me so much or lose faith in it just because of one turd.
Hillary Clinton will be practising her best “poker face” for that day. Because the cameras will be watching her and if she so much as closes her eyes for a second or slightly raises an eyebrow. Fox News and similar sites will make a big deal about it( Hillary is not showing respect! or something equally silly)
The thought of Michelle saying to Hillary ” Gurl, pass the flask” makes me giggle
She’s damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t, much like every other choice she’s had to make while in the public eye. To me this isn’t ‘bending over backwards’ to legitimise him so much as showing respect for the office.
For once this isn’t about politics. As a former first lady Clinton has to attend. All ex-presidential couples attend. It’s part of the inauguration ceremonies.
I’m not saying that Clinton is suddenly besties with Trump or that there isn’t beef, but as part of an ex-presidential couple, her invitation was already in the post no matter outcome of election. Ditto all the Bushes, the Obamas and Carter. Once he leaves office, Trump will be doing these events as part of the ex-presidents.
Will Trump? I mean Nixon didn’t…just a hunch I don’t think he will. Possibly former president pence (shudder) but not sure about Putin’s BFF.
Also regardless of any of that I also just don’t think Trump will respect that tradition and since I can’t see him getting in good with the former president club he’ll probably buck tradition. It’s not like he values our country or its institutions.
K, I cannot even fathom thinking of him in the ex-President’s club considering it’s still surreal to think he’s in the actual President’s club. But I’d say all bets are off. If he can’t be bothered with intelligence briefings, why on earth would he bother to attend anyone’s inauguration but his own?
She doesn’t have to attend. Attendance isn’t mandatory, however it is a symbolic tradition in this country and she would get so much flack for not going. It’s simply out of respect for the office and the country.
Nixon was fired from the job. You can’t compare what happened to Nixon with something that may not happen to Trump.
Nixon was unwelcomed anywhere and that was accepted. If Trump is run out of office or does something that gets him fired, THEN he might be unwelcome, but may i remind you that George W finished out his tenure under such a cloud yet he has was never unwelcomed.
@LAK that was my point about Nixon and Trump and the potential President Pence. I don’t think he will last 4 years, and will go out in more disgrace then Nixon. Like I also said I could be wrong and if he does actually complete the term I don’t think he will show the grace or respect for tradition and attend as it won’t be about him.
I don’t think Trump will be welcome when all is said and done. And no you don’t have to remind about W I know full well how that ended, I don’t know how to make this clearer but I think with his violating the constitution, is bizarre relationship with Russia and his refusal to acknowledge the hack or Intelligence officers he will be impeached.
I’m sorry, but i don’t believe anything from an agency whose raison d’etre is lying, propaganda, obfuscation, assassinations, death squads, kidnapping, regime change and war mongering across the globe. And a 50yrs + record in those arts.
That same agency was so sure we had WMD in Iraq and off to war we went. No bueno. Sorry.
ITA @Bex. It’s annoying to me that’s she can’t win in this situation. She is either attacked for “legitimizing” Trump or she’s attacked for being a sore loser. I think she’s doing the right thing. Not only is she showing grace and class and respect for the office of the Presidency, she is supporting the peaceful transfer of power. I feel like Americans under-estimate how important the peaceful transition of power is. Many countries would be unable to accomplish it after such an ugly election. I’m very proud of Hillary. She’s a patriot that cares more about her country than her own hurt feelings.
They are all doing their jobs and ensuring that the Republic doesn’t descend into chaos.
I haven’t heard anything to the contrary, so I assume all members of Congress, including Bernie Sanders, will also be in attendance.
The Clintons and the Trumps have been friends for many years. Their daughters are good friends and Donald and Bill are golf buddies. Of course she and her family would be there for Donald.
That is not the reason the Clintons are attending….because they are good friends of the Trumps. They are attending out of duty to their country.
Samuel L. Jackson golfed with Trump too. They aren’t buddies. Trump is fortunate Hillary Clinton will even deign to acknowledge his fetid existence on this planet.
They WERE good friends–Google the wedding coverage. I do NOT think that’s the case now. It went way beyond the normal political BS that goes with a campaign.
This is going to be a mess. I would probably have to be drunk or medicated in order to sit through that.
I won’t watch. She has to do it. That doesn’t mean there won’t be trouble ahead for p*ssygrabbling corrupt conman Trump. I am still hoping for impeachment or jail time for comrade Trump and his Natasha lookalike porn model wife.
I read “They will”in my Severus Snape (Alan Rickman RIP) voice
hahaha 🙂
While I’m having all kinds of fantasies hoping that Hillary and Michelle go to the Inauguration on the cute side of tipsy, I know they will both conduct themselves as they always have-impeccably. But I’m not going to watch. There’s nothing to see here. I’m going to save my energy to help my friends in the US organize against the regime that’s been established.
The ‘Clintons’ and the ‘Bushes’?!
Is America a hereditary monarchy or a multi-family republic?
I am sure Ivanka will be making her way to the next presidency as well. The Trumps will join the ‘Clintons’ and the ‘Bushes’.
All signs indicate that the ‘Obamas’ will be missing unfortunately.
Ivanka may soon be making her way to federal prison.
Not a monarchy now but an oligarchy. Is that really preferable?
It’s a rwitocracy now.
Is it wrong that I hope she pulls a Kanye? “Imma let you finish, but I received nearly 3 million more votes than you, so…”
Whatever the reason, I think it’s important that she’s there for the sake of the country, but I will not be watching.
Omg, I just choked on my tea. How amazing would that be? Lol.
lol
After all the scrutiny of her health, I hope he staggers, falls, can’t keep his eyes open, etc.
If he keeps impugning the intelligence and integrity of the intelligence community, who knows…
In my head, Hillary walks in to a standing ovation and orange walks in to cries of “lock him up, lock him up.”
Saying “the inauguration is going to be a effing mess” is nothing compared to what this presidency might bring to the nation and the world.
I know W was a dum-dum, but even he can see that Il Douche is going to be a nightmare. And W had Dick Cheney as VP.
Just when I think I can’t respect HRC more.
I have no idea how she could even handle to be at the swearing in. God bless her and her husband.
The US election has been one of the most depressing things I have followed in many years.
This. I can’t even bear to watch, I don’t know how she will get through actually being there.
+1. I am literally amazed at her humility and again just amazing.
All ex-presidential couples attend the inauguration.
Hilary doesn’t have to like it, but the attendance of the ex-presidential couples is part of the inauguration ceremonies.
I wouldn’t be able to do it either (I can’t even watch it as a regular citizen) but if there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, HRC is tough as nails.
Here’s hoping about the time of the actual swearing-in, both Clintons whip out paper bags (with eyehole cut outs) and put them over their heads — you know, like disgruntled sports fans watching a sh*tty home team.
that is a Fine and decent gesture that the Clintons are doing towards people that don’t deserve it ( Namely the American public/press/political institutions or That Orange Crap said Americans took on their own country) and one that I won’t be watching under any circumstance (well unless it descends into proper chaos and at that point i’ll just be on repeat everywhere for my titters). But I mean Good for them, this week Month im all about Celebrating my One and Only First Family, I’m buying them Time special editions for me and my family and reposting anything Pete Souza releases of Behind the Scene family pics, and listening to Essence Gant in nobody knows anything talking about the black hair experience of My POTUS and FLOTUS
I have the Time special edition, the Essence, the Ebony, the Rolling Stone, the Conde Nast, the Wired, and any future ones that appear. And getting out my dvd and photo books of the 2008 inauguration. Good, but bittersweet, memories.
I don’t know. I know it’s a custom, but we’re a Republic, not a monarchy, for God’s sake, and I say customs are for breaking. I wish she declined to go. I’d even be alright with Clinton going alone. I realize that it IS damned if you do, damned if you don’t for her, very much, and that Republicans would call her a snowflake who needed safe space, but after the campaign, is there anything they can say that she hasn’t heard chanted before? I just fee like either 1) I hate to see this brave woman take yet another public hit while carefully maintaining a poker face or 2) worry that she truly is friends with Trump.
She could call in sick … but then they’d have it in for her, all over again. Maybe Chelsea could need her for some last-minute childcare.
Haha…that’s what I was thinking: claim a stomach virus.
People are making it seem like she has a borderline-legal duty to attend but she could get out of it if she wanted to.
I still think she’s doing the right thing by going though.
But saying this custom is ok to break because we don’t want them to be there and they (I’m talking all former first families) don’t want to be there makes it easier for trump to buck major traditions.
Let’s never forget a lot of the systems and ways we as a country are use to and use to function as an honest healthy democracy are not laws but customs.
It sucks and I hate it but I want my institutions and customs respected and followed.
It is a symbolic custom. There is no conflict of interest, no ethical problem, no extra expense to the taxpayer, unlike a lot of customs that Trump is choosing to break. After all, how many more former first ladies will run for the office of President? I’d guess not very many, perhaps none. Michelle doesn’t seem interested, Melania sure won’t. I say we owe this one to her and if HC could get over that loss, we as a country could get over a small breach of protocol.
I understand the difference and am not comparing the severity of the breaking tradition. What I’m saying is these traditions while some ceremonial are important for our democracy and should be respected.
The fact Hillary is doing this shows that she values the country, institution and is as citizens more then her ego. The fact all of them are following this tradition after all he’s done does and puts him in even further negative light.
She is showing grace and dignity and respect and that should be applauded.
This really shows she cares about ALL Americans regardless of who they voted for. She is leading by example.
Very well put
She’s between a rock and a hard place where this stuff is concerned. It’s common for previous nominees and presidents to attend out of respect. She shows up, and we sh*t on her for validating the presidency. If she doesn’t show, she’ll be called petty and validate people’s ideas that women are too emotional to be president.
(On a side note, I am boggled by people asking why she isn’t doing more to “stop Trump,” as if it’s acceptable NOW to burden this woman with our fears when we had no problem tearing her down when it really mattered. Maybe we should stop to consider that women her age are burned out, and it’s time we picked up the fight.)
Agree, Veronica.
You’re so right on all accounts.
+1000
When it was time to support her people found all kinds of reason to hate her. A nation deserves the leader it gets, maybe Trump is a more reflection of us as a country than we care to admit.
+ 10000000 in agreement … and the nation that Russia thinks it deserves as well.
OK, but only if she wears a black pantsuit.
In fact, I think all the Democratic women should wear black.
I’ll laugh for days if she wears black instead of the standard blue or red! 🙂
I like that!
@MellyMel
but black is classy! HC and MO should totally go black. For fashion reasons, of course. 🙂
Laura should wear black too. They should all wear black pantsuits. I’m wearing one that day
I hope she has good body armor on.
I’m going to leave this here because for one moment in time – Barbara Bush was my spirit animal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I1GISC5Buk
Maybe they’re only attending so they can hurl rotten tomatoes at him?
*wistfully* wouldn’t it be lovely? I volunteer to pre-rot some tomatoes for them.
If she chose not to attend, I would have supported her. She displays again why America was wrong in this election.
Thanks for the link of the Obamas & the Bushes – actually very cute!
They kind of have to. She deserves a medal for doing it, though. In the end, it benefits her to show, once again, how strong she is. This is going to be painful for her, to see what she wanted so very much and the orange man-baby in her place.
Both Bushes don’t want to be there either. They despise him. But past presidents usually attend.
People forget Trump battled a Bush and trashed all of them to get the nomination. They all skipped the convention. And Poppy is citing age, not any particular health issue for not attending but Carter is about the same age
Gotta admit that I’ve kind of grown to like Bush in retrospect. Not as a leader, but as a person. I’ve gotten the impression that Bush isn’t *really* a racist or a bigot, just an old white guy who was very out of touch and ignorant during his time in office because he didn’t know better. At least the man had the sense to maintain composure as the president, and not run his damn mouth about every perceived slight against him. It’s heartening to see that in recent years he can see where he went wrong with regards to certain decisions he’s made.
I really want to see the inauguration just to see how ridiculous and disastrous it’ll be.
I think he’s become a half-decent person in recent years, but he was a mean, entitled frat boy bully well into his 50’s.
He’s a war criminal as far as I’m concerned. Despite recent revisionism, while he’s no world class intellect, he’s not a moron who can’t be held accountable for his own actions. He knew what he was doing and what he was allowing others to do, and his choices cost hundreds of thousands of people their lives. If the world were fair he and Blair would have at least stood trial.
Amen.
+1000 Although I do think he was pretty inexperienced and gullible, and susceptible to manipulation from the evil cabal around him, yes, he should have been held accountable for any and all decisions he made.
He golfed and played air guitar at a political fundraiser while New Orleans drowned. Unforgivable
Having lived in Dallas for over 30 years until 2014, he was known to be both fun, respectful and low key in his post presidency years, He’d show up unannounced and without media tipoffs to greet military personnel arriving at DFW airport. When horrific shootings struck at Texas military bases, again he showed up quietly. He showed up at the hospital that deal with Ebola to support their beleaguered employees. You only knew about it after the fact because those he visited spoke or released photos….with gratitude for his support. Not an unkind word.
Cute family story. My adult step daughter is blonde, beautiful and quite full of herself. She offices in a building where he kept offices, She worked late one night, went to elevator to leave, hit the down button, It opened, and there were 2 burly guys blocking the entrance and told her to get the next one, She threw a temper tantrum of verbosity , and from the back of the elevator came a distinct Texan drawl : “oh for gods sake, let her on so we can all go home to supper tonight.”
Yep. W. 😜
Lol. Love your daughter’s story😂
Ha! I saw a news item stating he spends a lot of his time painting portraits of POWs. I have trouble reconciling the seemingly low-key gentle soul we see now with his presidency.
I realize I misspoke. Portraits of soldiers wounded during his administration. Perhaps a means of assuaging his guilt.
His own words:
“Over the past several months, I’ve painted the portraits of 98 wounded warriors I’ve gotten to know – remarkable men and women who were injured carrying out my orders. I think about them on #VeteransDay and every day. Their paintings and stories will be featured in PORTRAITS OF COURAGE – a book and special exhibit – next spring, and I am donating all my proceeds to @thebushcenter and our Military Service Initiative’s work to honor and support them.”–GWB
At the same time, if I ever achieved the position where my mere presence might make someone feel better even for a few minutes, one would have to be a Trump or a royal not to use that power for good, especially when you’re wealthy, retired, and don’t have any more pressing things to take care of.
But of course, compared to Trump, he was a saint.
I actually voted for 41 in my very first election…my only republican! lol. I was way too young then to actually know what I was voting for…and we didn’t have the internet and social media like we do today because I am a die hard dem and will be til the day I die. Am I naive to say that Republicans then seemed kinder and gentler?? Anyway I really disliked 43 but I have to say that my opinion of him has gone way way up since leaving office. I can say I admire the way he has conducted himself during Obama’s presidency. And I always liked closet Democrat Laura;)
Hillary shouldn’t hide…I am glad she will be there. And I hope all the women wear black!
No Rs were definitely different then, and we must be about the same age, because I did the same, voting for HW shortly after I turned 18. (Well, if you were talking about the second term he lost, anyway.) My first, and likely last, Republican vote. (Even more ironic for someone who voted Bush in November, I’d voted for Brown in the primary in June, just a couple days after my birthday; which was really dumb, because I think Clinton had already won the nomination, so …)
We actually got to meet W at a White House event and both my husband and I are diehard Democrats who thought he was a pretty horrible President at this point. He made a few jokes and my husband said as if he were shocked, ‘Wow, he’s really nice.’ (And tall. So much taller than you think.) At the time I kind of rolled my eyes and was like, ‘Yeah, honey, because most politicians are real ass****s’ Equating charm and the ability to engage positively with others as necessary political tools. … Little did I know what we were in for, eh?
Oh and, you know what? I was honored to meet George W Bush. Because he was the President, and I respected the office, even if I didn’t think he was the greatest holder of it. I would never have turned down the invitation, or taken it and been rude to the man just because I didn’t vote for him.
But Trump? Yeah. Him I would refuse. I still wouldn’t make a scene, but if given those same offers we had in 2004 this year, I’d politely decline.
If only Hillary was there because SHE was actually going to be inaugurated instead of the dump truck. Sigh…
All, I know is that I wont be watching or attending the whole Trump circus, but will be joining friends the next day on the Million Women March through D.C. I was disappointed to hear that they would attend, but all former US Presidents and spouses usually attend. The Inauguration is a ceremony about the transition of power and respect for US Constitution and the Office of President. But this year I can’t attend or watch on TV, because it is to difficult to watch and I am definitely not excited about the future. I have watched or attended many Inaugurations, since I was a little girl.
YES! Do not watch as cheeto in chief will hate low ratings and march in a city near you!
Absolutely! I plan on doing both.
So the Trumpacabra will have quite an audience…maybe they will shake hands and make nice…they have known each other for a long time.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
It might not be unprecedented, but it would definitely be noted if the living ex-presidents and/or their spouses didn’t attend the inauguration. I’d be truly shocked if Hilary WANTS to go, anymore than she WANTED to give that concession speech, but it’s a social obligation and she’s a grown-up and that’s what you do. She’ll be polite. She’ll probably smile. She’ll pose for pictures, if required, and she won’t say anything untoward in public.
I’m not gonna watch the inauguration, but me not doing so won’t shine a spotlight on myself or create a media firestorm, so, yeah, there’s a huge difference, and her going is no more an endorsement of Trump’s policies and temperament than my not leaving the country when he won. (Which, by the way, I think is the dumbest sort of threat/promise, and I never did/would.)
The Clintons have devoted their lives to public service. You can disagree adamantly on how much value they’ve provided as public servants, but you can’t deny they’ve done it. This is just another thing they need to do because of who they are.
My hopes for the Inauguration: as I stated before, I wish for a messy “wintry mix,” which will do a number on his hair. I also hope he does a walk about, slips on ice, and falls on his butt in a slush puddle, splashing Ivanka and Melania.
It has been said he is writing his own speech and will invoke “Reagan’s city on a hill imagery.” It is actually John Winthrop’s phrase, quoted by Kennedy, but Reagan stole it without attribution and Republicans have been claiming it as his. So yes, I hope he plagiarizes a whole Reagan speech and gets caught.
I hope Melania drops the Bible
I hope Roberts screws up the oath again and that, instead of correcting him, as both Obamas did, Trump screws it up even more.
I hope at some point during his speech Rosalyn Carter, Laura Bush, and Mitch McConnell are all caught rolling their eyes on camera at the same thing.
I hope Paul Ryan is seated near a young Trump grandchild who poops early in the proceedings and Ryan has to sit there smelling it for the duration.
I hope Pence falls down the stairs.
I hope during the luncheon that Ryan and Trump get into an argument and Trump dumps his plate into Ryan’s lap.
Wiping a tear from my eye at the sheer beauty of your thoughts. *sniff*
May I add that I hope a giant bird swoops down and craps on the Cheeto-man’s head. May he insist on not wearing a hat and not only get crapped on, but catch flu which goes into pneumonia. May the Secret Service take away his iPhone and may his resulting tantrum go down in history as the most petulant and childish temper display of a President ever seen. May a large group of women along the parade route wear shirts that say “I’m With Her” or just “Nasty Woman”. May a White House prankster put Krazy Glue on the Presidential toilet. And may he have fear and nightmares the rest of his life when he finds out that KGB Putin does nothing for free.
Sadly, I don’t think the Krazy Glue scheme will work because Trump can only poop in his special gold toilets. That’s why he has to go back to NYC every night. But if he has to stay in DC for any time, that will result in a serious case of constipation.
They’re laboring under the illusion that they’re still relevant.
I hope this is the lowest ratings ever seen for an inauguration. His massive ego could not handle it.
I doubt it. People will tune in to see if says anything outrageous. I know I will.
It’s her choice to go or not go, and it’s none of our business really to judge her either way. The presidency, for the next four years or until Donald is impeached, is a joke anyway. So if she did decided to buck tradition and stay home watching Gilmore Girls, I wouldn’t blame her one bit. I also don’t blame her for deciding to go. She may really respect that tradition or have other plans up her sleeve that necessitate the continuing playing of the game. I’d guess it’s a decision she and Bill made together, and why question it? She’s a grown woman who can make her choices. I do very much hope she and Michele pass a flask back and forth and giggle like high schoolers though; I wouldn’t even care to see some subtle mean-girling of Melania (I’m wrong for that, I know LOL)