China News Service, January 20, US President-elect Biden will become the President of the United States at noon on January 20, local time, at a scaled-down inauguration.
Although the key elements will remain traditional, many activities will be curtailed and "redesigned" to better adapt to the country that is fighting the new crown.
The New York Times compiled seven key questions about the President’s Inauguration Day.
What will the inauguration ceremony be like?
Although many events are held online, the executive director of the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Committee Matsu Valghese said that the goal is "an inclusive and approachable celebration that will unite Americans and unite our country, especially It is such a difficult time in our country."
Data map: US President-elect Biden.
Before noon on the 20th local time, Biden will be sworn in on the west side of the Capitol under the presidency of Chief Justice John G. Roberts.
Subsequently, in accordance with tradition, the new president will deliver an inauguration speech and review the army.
However, when the new president, vice president and their families head to the White House a mile away, what will appear on Pennsylvania Avenue will not be a traditional parade, but an official guard of a city block, composed of representatives of various services.
The inauguration committee plans to hold an online parade for remote audiences across the country, including music, poets, and dancers, to "pay tribute to the American heroes on the front lines of the epidemic."
At 5:30 pm on the 19th local time, the night before Biden was sworn in, the committee will hold a lighting ceremony around the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the Americans who lost their lives in the new crown virus pandemic.
Will Tom Hanks go too?
After the inauguration of the new president, it was not a usual dance party, but a prime time TV event hosted by Tom Hanks at 8:30 in the evening. The stars in attendance included Justin Timberlake and Demi Lowe. Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, etc.
Is turmoil expected?
For weeks, Washington has been preparing for possible protesters.
But after a group of thugs stormed into the Capitol and forced lawmakers to stop formally counting the electoral votes to confirm Biden's victory, the capital entered a state of high alert.
Mayor Bowser warned that extremists who support Trump may continue to cause damage, and she extended the city’s public emergency until January 21.
The FBI and Secret Service strengthened security before and after the inauguration.
Experts warn that some extreme right-hand extremist organizations have begun discussions to launch operations similar to the deadly attack on the Capitol on the day of inauguration.
Riots on Inauguration Day are not unprecedented: during Trump's inauguration in 2017, crowds in Washington vandalized storefronts, threw stones and bricks at police, and lit a luxury car to protest Trump's election.
More than 200 people were arrested that day.
Data map: US President Trump.
Will Trump attend?
President Trump recently announced that he will not attend Biden's inauguration.
Biden called this decision "one of the few things he and I have agreed upon."
Nevertheless, for a president, skipping the ritual core of democracy in the country: the peaceful transfer of power is still a major departure from tradition.
An aide to Vice President Mike Pence recently stated that Pence will attend the inauguration ceremony of Biden, after Biden made it clear that he was welcome to attend.
Only three presidents missed the inauguration of their successors: John Adams in 1801; his son John Quincy Adams in 1829; and Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, who was replaced by Republican Ulysses Grant So he missed the latter’s inauguration in 1869.
Who will go?
Former US President George W. Bush has confirmed that he will travel to Washington to attend the inauguration ceremony with former first lady Laura Bush.
It is expected that former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton will also attend.
Jimmy Carter, 96, is the eldest of the living former presidents of the United States. He announced that he and his wife would not attend.
This will be the first time Carter has missed the presidential inauguration since he was sworn in.
Can the public participate?
No way.
Traditionally, the Congressional Inauguration Joint Committee will distribute hundreds of thousands of tickets for the inauguration ceremony to members of Congress to invite voters to participate, but this year's tickets are not open to the public.
Planners urge people to stay at home and watch the inaugural event online to prevent large crowds from gathering to spread the new crown virus.
The event will be webcast live by the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the New York Times.
Why is the presidential inauguration so important?
The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that the term of each president-elect and vice president begins at noon on January 20th after the election.
Every president must be sworn in, and cannot be sworn in without an oath.
In a symbolic sense, it marks the peaceful transfer of power from the current president to the next president.
This year’s inauguration day will be even more important, because when Biden was promoted to president, political disagreements had threatened the American democratic system, and his predecessor “taken risks” in order to preserve power.
The inauguration is also an important fundraising opportunity for the incoming president.
Although traditional activities such as dance parties have been cancelled, Biden's inauguration committee provides companies and wealthy individuals with special opportunities for "VIP participation".