“Now we have witnessed numerous heroes this previous 12 months step as much as the frontlines and serve their fellow Individuals, so we’re telling their tales, spreading their collective mild, and celebrating the very best of our nation and its folks with this prime-time program,” Tony Allen, the CEO of Biden’s presidential inaugural committee, mentioned in an announcement.
The televised particular can be the newest occasion of the coronavirus pandemic upending conventional inauguration festivities. There might be no in-person concert events as there have been earlier than Donald Trump and Barack Obama had been sworn in. Nor will there be the same old smorgasbord of inaugural balls with donors, politicians, and lobbyists glad-handing. Even the parade is about to be digital.
The emphasis on digital over in-person actions has grown over the previous week. Along with Covid-19, Biden organizers and legislation enforcement are actually extra nervous about violent disruptions from supporters of President Donald Trump following the storming of the Capitol final week.
“Our first precedence is security — so whereas many people might be watching safely from our properties, we’re creating actual moments of connection that spotlight a brand new inclusive American period of management that works for and represents all Individuals,” mentioned Allen.
The TV particular is modeled partly on the digital Democratic Nationwide Conference this previous summer time. Like that occasion, the “Celebrating America” particular may even embrace a mixture of pre-taped and dwell appearances from across the nation with notable celebrities. Three of the DNC’s producers — Obama alumni Stephanie Cutter, veteran TV producer Rick Kirshner and Rod O’Connor — are additionally producing the TV particular.
Biden’s inaugural programming will kick off this weekend with digital occasions. On Monday, the inaugural committee is internet hosting a nationwide day of service adopted by a memorial to individuals who have died from Covid-19 on Tuesday.
Biden will journey to Washington from Wilmington, Del. on Tuesday by way of Amtrak, an ode to his days as a senator, when he would commute to and from Washington each day. Particulars of Biden’s prepare plans have but to be introduced, and a spokesman for the inaugural committee declined to remark.
