This Day In History: Inauguration Day

January 20, in the year following a presidential election, is Inauguration Day, meaning that 3 years ago, Donald became president, eleven years ago Barack Obama became president, 19 years ago George W. Bush became president and so on, all the way back to Franklin Roosevelt's 2nd inauguration in 1937. Prior to that, Inauguration Day was in March. Why the change? Primarily to shorten the Lame Duck period between the election and the start of the next presidency. (Read more about that here.)

The next presidential inauguration is now 366 days away and I fervently hope that on that day, one of these people will be standing on the steps of the Capitol preparing to raise her or his right hand:

This is 2020. pic.twitter.com/bckfm5pJNt

— Travis | Text FIGHT to 24477 (@travisakers) January 20, 2020

Here's the same scene from a different angle:

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It was just 56 years ago when Dr. King told us about his dream. One where Americans would finally rise up and fulfill the meaning of our creed. Some days it feels like we’re letting that dream slip. But I’m still more optimistic than ever that Dr. King’s dream is within reach.

A post shared by Joe Biden (@joebiden) on Jan 20, 2020 at 1:10pm PST

Today is also Martin Luther King Day, of course, and in the spirit of the day, Donald sent out this heartfelt tribute:

It was exactly three years ago today, January 20, 2017,  that I was sworn into office. So appropriate that today is also MLK jr DAY. African-American Unemployment is the LOWEST in the history of our Country, by far. Also, best Poverty, Youth, and Employment numbers, ever. Great!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2020

Donald and the Vice President also made an unscheduled visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. They stayed for about a minute:

 
photo credit: CNN