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On a chilly night in Washington DC, Bruce Springsteen stood alone on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall with just a guitar and microphone. The Boss had the honor of launching the final event of a hectic inauguration day and he did so by announcing that he was there to sing “Land of Hope and Dreams”, a song whose lyrics much hope reflects this moment in American history.
“Leave your sorrows behind,” sang Springsteen. “May this be the last day. Tomorrow there will be sunshine, and all that darkness will pass. Big wheels roll through the fields where the sunlight flows. Find me in a land of hope and dreams.
So began United america, a 90-minute production produced by Glenn Kirshner and directed by Glenn Weiss (director of the Virtual Emmys and National Democratic Convection) that featured a host of renowned performers and actors, all in the name of the celebration of the new administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Hosted by Tom Hanks, the all-star program was a marked departure from President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump has regularly and viciously attacked Hollywood stars, especially A-listers and award winners, while also having a rabid Tinseltown fan base thanks, in part, to the likes of Jon Voight, Dean Cain, Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson. and Kid Rock.
With Trump now out of DC and living in his resort town of Mar-a-Lago, it’s clear that Hollywood stars are welcome back to the White House again and, perhaps as importantly, eager to do everything they can to a democratic administration. But Wednesday night’s show was far from an elite affair. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a traditional black-tie inaugural ball, usually a hard-to-score invitation, has been replaced by a television program for the masses that has allowed the country to celebrate as a united audience.
United america was broadcast live by ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, MSNBC and PBS in addition to streaming on PIC’s social media channels and partner platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, Fox’s NewsNOW , AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV. With United america, the inaugural presidential committee closed five days of programming including events for National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a moving COVID-19 tribute to the 400,000 lives lost, this morning’s official dedication ceremony and Tony Goldwyn – hosted virtual Parade across America.
The goal of United america was to “showcase the resilience, heroism of the American people and a unified commitment to come together as a nation to heal and rebuild,” according to the inaugural presidential committee. These themes resonated in just about every segment, from interstitials featuring everyday heroes and frontline workers to musical anthems performed in multiple cities by a wide range of musical acts and genres, including John Legend, Bon Jovi (from Miami), Justin Timberlake with Ant Clemons (from Memphis), Yo-Yo Ma, Tyler Hubbard with Tim McGraw (from Nashville), the Foo Fighters (from Seattle), Demi Lovato (from LA), the Black Pumas (from Austin) and a medley with Broadway stars, among others.
After Springsteen, Hanks, who appeared to be chilly as temperatures in DC hovered around 30 degrees, offered a brief introduction. Although Trump was not mentioned once by name, his legacy did impact the storyline. “Over the past few weeks and years we have witnessed deep divisions and a disturbing resentment in our country, but tonight we are reflecting on the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our Constitution, the hope and dreams we all share for a more perfect union, ”said the Oscar winner. “Inauguration Day is much more than the swearing in of our next national leaders. This day is dedicated to witnessing the endurance of our American ideals.”
Hanks then announced that memorable passages from previous presidents would be shared as he chose Franklin D. Roosevelt to bring the American people together; John F. Kennedy who inspired a new generation to serve; Ronald Reagan who spoke about a peaceful transition of power in his farewell speech which included the well-known “shining city on a hill” line; and Abraham Lincoln who worked to unite the country after the war.
The Hollywood Reporter Columnist Kareem Abdul Jabbar recited Lincoln’s words, Dolores Huerta offered the FDRs and MLB’s first female CEO Kim Ng attended Reagan’s speech. That left Kennedy’s remarks to a young college student named Brayden Harrington, 13. He made headlines last year after a meeting with Biden during the election campaign in which Biden comforted him when he learned that they both shared the same struggle in trying to overcome a stutter. The New York Times reported tonight that Harrington is writing a book, Brayden speaks, for HarperCollins.
Other recognizable faces appeared during the everyday hero segments, people who received media attention or went viral for their philanthropic efforts or, quite simply, doing their job well. There was UPS driver Anthony Gaskin who was celebrated by a neighborhood on his way to Virginia for his unwavering dedication; Cavanaugh Bell, 8, of Maryland, who made care packages for the elderly and opened a pantry with food; Mackenzie Adams, kindergarten teacher, Glenwood Elementary School in Washington, who has gone viral for videos of her energetic distance lessons; Sarah Fuller of Texas, the first woman to play and score on a Power Five college football team; Morgan Marsh-McGlone, 8, of Wisconsin started a virtual lemonade stand that raised over $ 50,000; Michelin-starred chef José Andrés who has collected massive meal donations through his World Central Kitchen; and Sandra Lindsay from New York, director of intensive care at Northwell Health, who became the first American to receive a COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial.
Biden and Harris both delivered remarks, separately, while standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The president appeared first and called the experience humility out of respect for Lincoln and the “office we now share”. He reiterated remarks made earlier today by saying that democracy, while precious, has once again prevailed. He acknowledged the challenges the American people face, from the pandemic to climate change, but said he was more optimistic than ever.
“It’s a great nation. We are a good people. And to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, we need the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity. It forces us to come together in common love. that defines us as Americans: Opportunity, Freedom, Dignity and Respect. And unite against common enemies: hatred, violence, disease and despair, “said Biden. “The question is, are we up to it? Will we meet the moment as our ancestors did? I believe we must, and I believe we will.”
Harris later came to the program following an introduction by football player Fuller. She said the current moment and its challenges require courage to see beyond the crisis. “In many ways, this moment embodies our character as a nation. It shows who we are. Even in dark times, we don’t just dream, we do. We don’t just see what has been, we see what can be. We aim for We are bold, fearless and ambitious. We are convinced that we will win, that we will rise again, ”said Harris, repeatedly referring to the American“ aspiration ”. “Great experience takes great determination. The will to get the job done and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting. The same determination is being made in America today.”
There is no doubt that the Biden-Harris administration has a hard way to go in repairing the damage caused by four years of division. However, they can count on former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The trio appeared together during a taped segment and each offered their best wishes for the new administration. Again, Trump was not mentioned by name, but his impact was felt in that he broke with tradition by not showing up at today’s inaugural events.
Bush said, “I think the fact that the three of us are here talking about a peaceful transfer of power is a testament to the institutional integrity of our country. America is a generous country, a kind-hearted people. The three of us have been fortunate enough to be the president of this country. “
“One of my fondest memories of the inauguration,” said Obama, for whom Biden served as vice president, “was the grace and generosity President Bush showed me and Laura Bush showed. to Michelle. ” He ended his remarks by offering their support. “Joe, I am proud of you, and you and Kamala should know that you have all rooted us here for your success, keeping you in our prayers, and we will be available in any way we can as citizens. To help you. to move our country forward. We wish you good luck. “
Other highlights of the fast-paced show include Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria; Lin-Manuel Miranda reciting The Cure at Troy by Seamus Heaney and ending the last line in unison with Biden who was spliced at the end; a group of Broadway stars performing a medley of Seasons of love and Let in the sun; a mini Pass the microphone moment with DJ Cassidy which starred Ozuna and Luis Fonsi; an exciting interpretation of Beautiful day by Demi Lovato; John Legend’s moving cover Feel good; and Florida Georgia Line star Tyler Hubbard team up with country superstar Tim McGraw on original track Undivided. This latest performance was also notable in that Hubbard and his FGL collaborator Brian Kelley are working on solo material amid the rumbles of a political split.
Then came the real show stopper. With less than five minutes to enter United america, the producers performed the show as if it was July 4th by handing over the closing duties to global pop superstar Katy Perry. Dressed in all white, Perry performed her hit “Firework” with the Washington Monument in sight. As she capped the # 1 hit, the DC skies lit up with colorful fireworks.
Minutes later, with smoke from the massive fireworks still hanging high in the air, Hanks summed up the evening and congratulated America’s top officials one last time. “It was a unique historic groundbreaking day. Once again, congratulations to President Biden and Vice President Harris. Good hope for your efforts.”
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