webfact Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Despite showman reputation, Trump inauguration shaping up as low-key By Ayesha Rascoe REUTERS Preparations are finalized on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, where Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as America's 45th president, in Washington, U.S., January 15, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Theiler WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump made his name with opulent hotels and a dramatic reality TV show, but his inauguration on Friday as the 45th U.S. president is shaping up as a more understated affair, with big names in entertainment staying away. Like those who came before him, Trump will take his oath on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building and lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, but there will be fewer official balls and less glitz and celebrity talent to welcome in the new president. Inaugurations have been star-studded affairs since 1941, when President Franklin Roosevelt held a gala with actors Charlie Chaplin, Mickey Rooney and other stars of the era, said Jim Bendat, a historian who has written a book on U.S. inaugurations. But this year, several singers – including Elton John and Charlotte Church – declined invitations to perform at inaugural events. Trump, a New York businessman and former star of "The Apprentice" TV show, won with a populist platform that included promises to build a wall along the Mexican border, restrict immigration from Muslim countries and dismantle Obamacare. Broadway star Jennifer Holliday said yes to performing, but backed down after a backlash from fans. "You can't really find precedent for that," Bendat said in an interview. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, singer Jackie Evancho and the Rockettes dancing troupe are among those slated to perform, although individual Rockettes will be allowed to opt out of performing if they so choose. Trump's inaugural committee has said it is intentionally avoiding top entertainers. "We're fortunate in that we have the greatest celebrity in the world, which is the president-elect," Tom Barrack, inaugural committee chairman, told reporters at Trump Tower in New York last week. "So what we've done, instead of trying to surround him with what people consider A-listers, is we are going to surround him with the soft sensuality of the place," Barrack said. Trump is slated to attend three official galas. Other modern inaugurations have had around 10 official balls, which the president and first lady would attend in rapid succession, typically dancing during each appearance. Then-President Bill Clinton held a record 14 balls during his 1997 inauguration, Bendat said. On Thursday, a series of choirs and marching bands will perform at the Lincoln Memorial, followed by a concert featuring country music star Toby Keith. Trump, who is entering office with unusually low approval ratings, has repeatedly pushed back against reports that his inauguration may be lacking in star power or have low attendance. "People are pouring into Washington in record numbers," Trump said on Twitter on Tuesday. "Bikers for Trump are on their way. It will be a great Thursday, Friday and Saturday!" Officials expect about 800,000 spectators for the events – down from the estimated 1.8 million who flocked to Washington for Obama’s 2009 inauguration. Just 40 percent of Americans said they had a favourable view of Trump versus 55 percent who had an unfavourable view, according to a Gallup poll taken from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8. At a similar point before he took office in 2009, Obama was viewed favourably by 78 percent of Americans. Before taking office in 2001, President George W. Bush had a 62 percent favourable rating, according to the Gallup data. "What is most likely to distinguish Trump's inauguration is the number of protesters," said Brian Balogh, co-host of American history radio show BackStory. The National Parks Service has granted permits to protest for 27 groups. On Saturday, the National Mall will draw what organizers estimate will be about 200,000 people to a Women’s March to protest Trump. The Women's March, which is expected to be the largest protest, is aimed at bringing attention to human and civil rights issues. Honorary co-chairs of the protest include activist Gloria Steinem and actor Harry Belafonte. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) -- © Copyright Reuters 2017-01-18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 We can only hope the protesters behave themselves and show respect to the incoming POTUS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becker Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Of course it's gonna be low key - hardly anyone will attend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelomsak Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 I believe in the wait an see how he does. A lot of people may be changing their minds about him as time unravels what he can achieve. I hope he lives up to his promises I would love to see all the celebrities who think the are so important cowtow to him in a couple of years. And suckup like nothing happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 " "We're fortunate in that we have the greatest celebrity in the world, which is the president-elect," Tom Barrack, inaugural committee chairman, told reporters at Trump Tower in New York last week. "So what we've done, instead of trying to surround him with what people consider A-listers, is we are going to surround him with the soft sensuality of the place," Barrack said." Nice try, no cigar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawan Dok Krating Daeng Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 49 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: We can only hope the protesters behave themselves and show respect to the incoming POTUS The same respect that you have shown the outgoing POTUS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optad Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 These guys weren't invited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 27 minutes ago, Becker said: Of course it's gonna be low key - hardly anyone will attend! I'm guessing he really doesn't give a fig and will just push him on the get rid of much as Obama's legacy as possible. Hardly anyone is saying Obama anymore, because he did very little good and the harm he did will be repealed. He will go down in history as the man who tricked the country into believing "yes we can" but going out with a whimper saying "no we didn't". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotheruser Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 So Team America and F.A.G. won't be attending? Alec Baldwin after all is the greatest actor of all time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 hour ago, uptheos said: I'm guessing he really doesn't give a fig and will just push him on the get rid of much as Obama's legacy as possible. Hardly anyone is saying Obama anymore, because he did very little good and the harm he did will be repealed. He will go down in history as the man who tricked the country into believing "yes we can" but going out with a whimper saying "no we didn't". He doesn't give a fig? Then why were they trying time and time again to get top performers on stage here? And when that didn't work they tried to get second rate performers, but that also didn't work. The second part of your post if off topic and does not warrant an answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuamRudy Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 hour ago, uptheos said: I'm guessing he really doesn't give a fig Five minutes spent reading through his twitter feed will show you just how incredibly childish and thin skinned the man is - I am sure he is incredibly dumfounded by the reaction, hence the nonsense comment from his flunky about 'the greatest celebrity in the world'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opl Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 2 hours ago, Boon Mee said: We can only hope the protesters behave themselves and show respect to the incoming POTUS Do not worry so, Trump is about to be overwhelmed by the tsunami of his popularity - "People are pouring into Washington in record numbers," Trump said on Twitter on Tuesday. "Bikers for Trump are on their way. It will be a great Thursday, Friday and Saturday!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becker Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 hour ago, uptheos said: I'm guessing he really doesn't give a fig and will just push him on the get rid of much as Obama's legacy as possible. Hardly anyone is saying Obama anymore, because he did very little good and the harm he did will be repealed. He will go down in history as the man who tricked the country into believing "yes we can" but going out with a whimper saying "no we didn't". The only thing the man-child gives a fig about is himself and what people say about him. His handler (Putin) must be having the time of his life. I'm surprised he wasn't invited to the inauguration. Maybe too much too soon? PS. What has the lack of guests at the man-child's inauguration got to do with Obamacare??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgordo38 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 6 hours ago, webfact said: "We're fortunate in that we have the greatest celebrity in the world, which is the president-elect," Tom Barrack, inaugural committee chairman, told reporters at Trump Tower in New York last week. Shovels and boots please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 7 hours ago, Boon Mee said: We can only hope the protesters behave themselves and show respect to the incoming POTUS We can only hope the new POTUS behaves himself and shows respect to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, craigt3365 said: We can only hope the new POTUS behaves himself and shows respect to others. If they in turn respect him and the office he holds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/17/donald-trump-inauguration-protests-expected-to-bre/ Quote Record protest crowds expected to greet Donald Trump at his inauguration The magnitude of the protests is expected to blow past the record set at the 1973 inauguration of President Richard Nixon, when more than 25,000 activists marched and dozens were arrested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: If they in turn respect him and the office he holds. He's the president. It starts with him. He sets the example. He is disrespecting the office he will soon hold with ridiculous tweets and disrespectful comments towards others. NO denying that. He started this mess. Respect is earned, not given freely. Edited January 18, 2017 by craigt3365 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, craigt3365 said: He's the president. It starts with him. He sets the example. He is disrespecting the office he will soon hold with ridiculous tweets and disrespectful comments towards others. NO denying that. He started this mess. Negative. The left-wing press has castigated him from the get-go and he's not done with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike324 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 5 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: Negative. The left-wing press has castigated him from the get-go and he's not done with them. If one person can generate so much negativity around himself that says a lot about his own character. The press can only twist and distort the truth to a certain extent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, mike324 said: If one person can generate so much negativity around himself that says a lot about his own character. The press can only twist and distort the truth to a certain extent. And they have done a mighty fine job of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 15 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: Negative. The left-wing press has castigated him from the get-go and he's not done with them. Negative. Trump's mouth (and tweets) has gotten him in trouble from the get-go. And he doesn't seem to be calming down. Sadly. And sad Trump supporters don't see this. Just blame everybody other than Trump! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 7 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: And they have done a mighty fine job of it. He's an easy target! He sets himself up! Stop with the rude comments and the "left wing press" will leave him alone. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Early Days The Trump years (8) will put accuracy back in the expression "fundamentally transformed" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up-country_sinclair Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 7 hours ago, Boon Mee said: We can only hope the protesters behave themselves and show respect to the incoming POTUS Yes, I think everyone hopes that the protests are peaceful. But what many people hope for is that the incoming POTUS deserves the respect of the office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DM07 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 6 hours ago, uptheos said: I'm guessing he really doesn't give a fig and will just push him on the get rid of much as Obama's legacy as possible. Hardly anyone is saying Obama anymore, because he did very little good and the harm he did will be repealed. He will go down in history as the man who tricked the country into believing "yes we can" but going out with a whimper saying "no we didn't". "He really doesn;t give a fig"? Seriously? A man with a completely overblown ego, doesn't give a fig, that no one wants to join his big party? Seriously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike324 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 " Trump's inaugural committee has said it is intentionally avoiding top entertainers. " Based on the facts, its more like top entertainers are intentionally avoiding Trump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Mee Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 minute ago, up-country_sinclair said: Yes, I think everyone hopes that the protests are peaceful. But what many people hope for is that the incoming POTUS deserves the respect of the office. Well, he's already off to a great start not even being in office yet - bringing scores of jobs back to America Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) There are times when I think that Thailand and its political leaders have clearly lost their marbles. But looking ahead to Trump's inauguration day surely has to be one of the most embarrassing political moments for the U.S. and the American people in my lifetime. The nation deserves a big "Stupid is as Stupid Does" badge. If his performances thus far as a candidate and president-elect are any indication of how the coming four years are going to go, Trump's going to do untold damage to the country and the U.S.'s standing in the world. But Russia's sure going to be happy about it with the U.S. presidency that they helped buy. However, unlike Trump's various failed business enterprises, even he as president can't simply have the U.S. declare bankruptcy to make up for his mistakes. Edited January 18, 2017 by TallGuyJohninBKK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 7 minutes ago, Boon Mee said: Well, he's already off to a great start not even being in office yet - bringing scores of jobs back to America That's not what a majority of American's think. He's approval rating is the about the lowest ever. Whether he's able to bring back jobs is yet to be determined. And please, don't reference Ford. That's fake news from Trump: http://www.snopes.com/ford-from-mexico-to-ohio/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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