Clinton puts accent on 'the people'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
WASHINGTON - Bill Clinton is planning to use his inauguration in January as a show-piece of his commitment to remain close to the people, riding to Washington by bus and closing the ceromonies with a mammoth hand-shaking session at the White House, writes David Usborne.
In a gesture reminiscent of his campaign bus tours, the president-elect is planning to travel by bus from Monticello in southern Virginia, which was the home of Thomas Jefferson, founder of what became the Democratic Party, north to Washington DC, making several stops on the way.
The bus journey, according to plans unveiled yesterday, would end on the Sunday, three days before the inauguration on Wednesday 20 January, with a public celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. On the day after inauguration - five days and dollars 20m (pounds 13m) of expenditure later - Mr Clinton will host a 'public reception' in the White House, which any member of the public can attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with the stamina to queue will be met by Mr and Mrs Clinton in a hand-shaking reception line.
Throwing open the White House in that way will doubtless evoke memories of a similar, disastrous, invitation made by a former president, Andrew Jackson, in 1829. His guests ransacked the presidential home and became so boistrous that Jackson was forced to escape from the melee by crawling out of a window. Announcing the plans in Washington, Ron Brown, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said the public openness of the occasion was meant to symbolise the new Clinton style. 'Bill Clinton is absolutely committed to being an accessible president, to being fully in touch with the American people,' he said.
On inauguration day, there will be no fewer than 10 balls in honour of the new president. About 65,000 people are expected to attend events, by invitation and on payment of dollars 125 per ticket. Though expensive at dollars 20m, the Clinton festivities none the less seem destined to be more modest than those that marked George Bush's inaugural. His bill came to dollars 30m.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments