Together we shall write an American story of hope not fear of unity not division of

light not darkness a story of decency and dignity love and healing and greatness and goodness

may this be the story that guides us.

On Wednesday Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

I'm here in DC this week and let me first say that things feel different from the last

time I covered one of these.

That was for President Obama's second inauguration back in 2013.

DC was humming with energy and excitement and of course lots of pride from folks celebrating

the election of America's first black president to a second term.

People from all across the country poured into the city and filled the national mall.

Standing shoulder to shoulder.

There are parties and toasts of feeling of deep tradition but also something fresh and

new.

Now of course this year things are different because of the violent insurrection at

the Capitol building two weeks ago that attempted to stop this peaceful transition of power

from ever happening.

There are military personnel at every corner and because of the pandemic there's an

eerie silence.

No more rubbing shoulders or big crowds.

Instead there's the stress of who's wearing a mask near you and who's not.

There's also a sense of weariness that's accumulated over the past four years of Trump's

presidency but there's something else.

...