We're constructing today's column on Inauguration Day. The new president called for unity so here are some observations in that spirit.
I'll start with praise for former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Vice President Mike Pence. Don't spill your coffee.
These two fine Americans stood for truth and democracy when the moment called for standing for truth and democracy. A Vice President has two jobs to do and one of them is to hold the gavel on the day electoral college results are accepted in a joint session of congress.
Unlike his boss, Mike Pence fulfilled his duties. He did on the day his boss whipped up a howling mob to attack the capital he was working in. Some of those "patriots" wanted to hang the Vice President. I hope all Americans will appreciate that.
Once the states certified the results, Mitch McConnell wanted no part of the stolen election conspiracy but watched as those delusions ensured he'd lose the only job he ever wanted. Instead of whining about a stolen election, he basically said 'Get over it. We lost.'
McConnell and Pence had a line and Trump finally crossed it. The line might have been much harder to cross than we'd wished, but at least they had one. That's a lot more than I can say for many, both national and local, elected officals from that party.
I wonder what both of them were thinking as they were sitting on the stage watching Joe Biden take the oath of office. I can tell you what I was thinking.
I was thinking I can't believe Joe Biden is taking the presidential oath and I'm happy about it. I'm not just happy, I'm ecstatic.
As a voter in presidential elections in 1976, I can tell you I've never been a fan of Joe Biden. I thought he was a good example of everything wrong with Washington.
My first reaction when Obama chose him as a running mate was 'great insurance policy because nobody wants Joe Biden to be president.' My attitude toward Joe softened during the Obama years, but not enough to want him hanging around afterward.
He did become a great meme, though.
Joe was last on my list of choices when the primaries started up. He did not get my vote in the Kentucky primary. But dang if he didn't win anyway.
The two best things I can say about Biden is he chose Kamala Harris as his running mate and he kicked Donald Trump's gold plated butt in the general election. At the moment, that's good enough for me.
Finally, you might not believe it, but I'd like to give appreciation for Donald John Trump. Because of Donald, this country found itself at one of those great moments of reflection. Those much needed moments are rare in this country and usually only come in times of great turmoil.
After a good look in the mirror, most of us said we can be better.
No one to thank but Donald for that.