As I watched the official (and informal) swearing in ceremonies this morning I once again began to ponder whether we really need to have a full blown inaugural ceremony when when a President starts a 2nd term.
Certainly when a new President is taking office we ought to have a more elaborate ceremony, especially when there is a change in party. It is also quite fitting to have these ceremonies at the Capitol building since technically the new President doesn’t live in the White House until they take the oath.
But when it comes to a 2nd term I’m not as sure we need such elaborate ceremonies. Certainly we already know the agenda and policies of the President. In additional they give a State of the Union speech within a few weeks of the inauguration so there is time there for a policy speech (indeed we are already hearing word that Obama will save policy for his SOTU next month). By contrast an incoming President doesn’t give such a speech for another year.
So why couldn’t we establish a tradition of a less formal 2nd inaugural ?
The President could be sworn in at the White House and give a short speech. If he and his supporters wish to have a ball that evening it is certainly fine but why spend the time and money for elaborate ceremonies ?
Perhaps we could take the money and effort spent on this event and steer it to some charitable cause.
Any thoughts ?