Women won the day

As I watched the inauguration of Joe Biden today, I felt immense optimism, and a sense of imminent healing. I was struck by President Biden’s call for unity, and found these words especially poignant:

“To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you’ve placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent, peaceably, the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength.”

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said the speech reminded her of one of FDR’s Fireside Chats in that it was all about building trust and speaking directly to Americans. I was genuinely moved and inspired.

But, as good as I thought President Biden was, this day was won by women.

I am privileged to go through life surrounded by great women.

I am the husband to a smart, compassionate, and strong woman.

I am the father to two thoughtful, kind, intelligent daughters.

I am the son of a strong, generous woman.

I am the brother of a wonderful, loving sister.

I am the friend to so many strong, successful women.

Knowing all of the amazing women in my life, I was struck by the role of amazing women in the inauguration.

First and foremost, the historic swearing in of Vice President Kamala Harris. To see the first ever African-American/south Asian woman shatter that particular glass ceiling was awe-inspiring and extremely powerful.

Add to that scene Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor. Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and Latina justice to serve on the nation’s highest court, performed the swearing in of the new Vice President.

Leading up to the historic swearing in of Vice President Harris, the uber-talented Lady Gaga delivered a national anthem rendition for the ages, and Jennifer Lopez belted out a beautiful patriotic medley.

And then there was 22-year-old poet, Amanda Gorman, the first to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. Gorman’s rousing performance of her poem, The Hill We Climb, left many in awe. The poem illuminated the best of who we are while inspiring us to keep striving to be better. This closing passage was especially moving:

“…when the day comes we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar was fantastic at the inauguration and provided a great speech to kick things off.

Atlanta area fire department captain Andrea Hall who delivered and signed the Pledge of Allegiance.

Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton were also on the stage.

I was moved this morning by the leadership and inspiration of so many women. As I was watching, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s words came to mind, when she said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

So, yeah, President Biden was great today. He rose to the moment and delivered the right message for this moment.

But I don’t think there is any doubt…women won the day.