What inauguration stood out to you the most and why?
“2008’s inauguration, Obama’s first term, stood out to me the most. The other inaugurations I went to, 2004 and 2012, were second-term inaugurations.
“His message was for hope and change. People felt that and wanted to feel the hope. With second terms, you know what to expect. But this was a new message and people wanted to see the change.”
How do you feel Trump’s inauguration will go? Do you have some hesitance in going?
“I do feel hesitancy. In 2004, my dad and brother were conservative, so it was a victory lap for them. We had talked to two older democratic women and they spoke to us about the importance of peaceful transition of power. The bottom line is that I felt that I needed to support the democratic process, and that’s how it’ll be this year even if I don’t agree with Trump.”
Why did this become a family tradition for you?
“What started it was my grandpa had connections with Dennis Hastert, former speaker of House. He was able to get us tickets in 2000, but I didn’t go to that one because I was too young. The conversation with the democratic women at the 2004 inauguration made us want to go. Obama’s inauguration was a revolutionary event and a good thing to witness. It just became a tradition.”
Do you hope to continue attending inaugurations in the future?
“Yes. I think it’s interesting to see all the different people that come together. Either because their party’s victory or because they just want to go.”
Are you interested in politics or do you go because it’s a family event?
“I’m super interested now as I have gotten older, but I wasn’t prior. Also, I’m a journalism major so it’s good to be in the loop.”
