Althouse: At the Inauguration Ball...

January 20, 2025

At the Inauguration Ball...

... you can talk about anything you like.

103 comments:

Jamie said...: I just started watching, and Trump is signing the EO pardoning about 1500 J6 "hostages" (with about 6 commutations).; 1/20/25, 6:43 PM
Jamie said...: Not scare quotes, btw - just a quote from the President.; 1/20/25, 6:43 PM
Peachy said...: Melania is beautiful.

Anna Wintour is an ugly, spiteful leftist Soviet B.; 1/20/25, 6:49 PM
Peachy said...: "Very bold of CNN to insinuate the richest man in the world did a Nazi salute just three days after the network lost a bombshell defamation suit. "; 1/20/25, 6:52 PM
Peachy said...: what is that music? There's screaming.; 1/20/25, 6:55 PM
Original Mike said...: Watching Trump in the Oval Office fielding unscripted questions from the press. We have a President again.; 1/20/25, 7:03 PM
Original Mike said...: Too bad he doesn't have the resources to sue…; 1/20/25, 7:04 PM
Peachy said...: All Good Americans tell the Soviet-Democrat Press to... Fuck off.; 1/20/25, 7:07 PM
Rt41Rebel said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 1/20/25, 7:09 PM
Enigma said...: All Jan 20 Presidential Actions are showing up here. The J6 Pardon is up now.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/; 1/20/25, 7:10 PM
Bob Boyd said...: I like it when it's cold in Wisconsin. More posts.; 1/20/25, 7:12 PM
Narr said...: I watched some of the parade and the first part of Trump's speech, but a little goes a long way.

Two things stuck out: those poor Vance kids should have been left with a nanny backstage; and what's with the HCBU band drum majors and the crotch grabbing?

Reminds me of the Eddie Murphy punchline about appearing at Constitution Hall, where the black singer Marian Anderson had been forbidden from performing decades before. I'm pretty sure it's on YT.; 1/20/25, 7:15 PM
Leland said...: What Enigma provided plus the EO regarding TikTok: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/; 1/20/25, 7:18 PM
Enigma said...: HBCUs...black culture...saggy pants...showing they are ready for action right now...

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309341068128717524/; 1/20/25, 7:19 PM
Original Mike said...: Gee, thanks.
I bundled up and went for a 5 mile walk today. I wasn't bad.; 1/20/25, 7:21 PM
Original Mike said...: Withdrawing from WHO.
China's dues are $39M. Our is (was) $500M.; 1/20/25, 7:24 PM
Mason G said...: To be fair, assholes actually do serve a necessary purpose. Democrats and Biden, not so much.; 1/20/25, 7:25 PM
Peachy said...: Nice!; 1/20/25, 7:25 PM
Original Mike said...: I = It; 1/20/25, 7:25 PM
Narayanan said...: not only CNN

PBS also; 1/20/25, 7:27 PM
Narayanan said...: Professora turn from wanting 'boring' skqweeing fan girl; 1/20/25, 7:30 PM
Jamie said...: He's tireless!

Oh wait, he's finally done simultaneously signing EOs and taking ad lib questions from the press. Good Lord. Harris didn't even have the excuse of age-related dementia, but there is no way on EARTH she could've done this.; 1/20/25, 7:30 PM
john mosby said...: Laura Ingraham is on location at one of the balls. She sounds drunk. Maybe it is fatigue plus euphoria.

JSM; 1/20/25, 7:32 PM
john mosby said...: Musk’s “Nazi salute” looks more like he’s miming tearing his heart out and tossing it to the crowd.

JSM; 1/20/25, 7:35 PM
Big Mike said...: I would really appreciate it if some distinguished professor of Constitutional Law (cough, Althouse, cough) would discuss the implications of Burdick v. United States on both Biden’s and Trump’s pardons. Specifically, does acceptance of the pardon imply guilt?; 1/20/25, 7:38 PM
Jamie said...: black culture...saggy pants...showing they are ready for action right now...

Is that what it signifies? I had read somewhere that it was more related to the ill-fitting clothes of prison and post-prison, a sort of thumb in the eye to the culture of incarceration for small-time possession crimes. I wish I could remember where I read that so I could consider the bias of the source.

I don't like the fashion - let me be clear about that. But the Black Trump supporters I've been seeing and hearing are not giving off a "ready for action right now" vibe - rather, a "finally, someone who is interested in making my life better by getting government out of the way" vibe.

Rap artists - eh, you know. There's a uniform. Not my thing, but then my thing isn't everyone's thing either.; 1/20/25, 7:39 PM
narciso said...: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy9ijwnpyg; 1/20/25, 7:44 PM
FullMoon said...: LOL. Playing the "felon" card within a couple of paragraphs of stuff 90% of Americans are glad to see happen. Lame.

"While referring to himself as a “peacemaker,” Trump said he would expand American territory and “take back” the Panama Canal, which he falsely claimed is operated by China.

He also said he would declare Mexican drug cartels foreign terrorist organizations, which could allow him to initiate military action without congressional approval or oversight. Trump, the first convicted felon to serve as president, repeated his criticism of the U.S. Justice Department and the federal government generally and also said that it is now the government’s official policy that only two genders exist — male and female."

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/bay-area-leaders-react-to-trumps-inauguration-speech/; 1/20/25, 7:44 PM
Rt41Rebel said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 1/20/25, 7:48 PM
Peachy said...: PBS newz is 100% Soviet.; 1/20/25, 7:51 PM
FullMoon said...: There is a picture in your X link of Kamala doing same thing; 1/20/25, 7:53 PM
Jupiter said...: Classy Lady!; 1/20/25, 7:53 PM
Jamie said...: which he falsely claimed is operated by China.

It's amazing that '50s sitcom housewives who willfully misinterpret their husbands have managed to take such decisive control of the left-leaning media.; 1/20/25, 7:53 PM
Jamie said...: I also thought Ingraham might have had a few. I'll allow it; 1/20/25, 7:55 PM
Peachy said...: It's been a long 4 years of total corrupt and lies. We all deserve a drink.; 1/20/25, 7:56 PM
Jamie said...: Congratulations to your daughter, Rt41Rebel!; 1/20/25, 7:58 PM
Peachy said...: fullmoon - how can Kamala pardon anyone ? - she has no power to do so.; 1/20/25, 7:59 PM
john mosby said...: At the same ball, they just played the video for Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road on those giant screens.

Only Nixon could go to China - only Trump could get a room full of righties to cheer for a video by a gay black country music guy.

JSM; 1/20/25, 8:02 PM
narciso said...: Hutchinson whampoa controls the locks; 1/20/25, 8:02 PM
Enigma said...: Saggy pants became a thing (in common awareness) in the 1990s during the wide leg jeans fashion era. I never heard the prison or "history of slavery" theme during that period -- just saw horny hiphop videos with guys showing they were eager to take off their pants and flashing Glocks/Desert Eagles/Dracos. These recent political analyses strike me as woke reinterpretations and wishful thinking for a positive spin.

You've got to be kidding me if you think that horny teenage black guys seek to make political statements more than showing interest in sex.

Black Trump supporters come into this very late and many weren't alive when saggy pants became a thing. Still, grabbing your crotch has more to do with sex than prison or slavery too.

https://designyoutrust.com/2021/08/wide-leg-jeans-the-weird-fashion-style-of-the-1990s/; 1/20/25, 8:03 PM
Jamie said...: Ok, I'm watching on Fox (I think via YouTube TV, although my husband turned it on so I'm not 100% sure he didn't go to the Fox News app). There is great rejoicing. Is anyone watching the... let's go with the "loyal opposition" sources? I'm not quite up for harshing my mellow on this the best political night since Election Night 2016, but I'm wondering if other news outlets have reporters in tuxes and pretty gowns smiling about the... let's go with the "peaceful transfer of power."; 1/20/25, 8:04 PM
Pete said...: Went to the Freedom Ball in 2017. Waited outside in line for 2 hours, then got inside and waited for another 4 hours. President Trump and entourage spoke and danced for 20 minutes. Great experience but this time I'm watching on TV.; 1/20/25, 8:05 PM
Heartless Aztec said...: How can you get a pardon for a crime that - in the eyes of the law - hasn't been committed? If you are judged guilty by a court of law then you can receive a pardon. There is no such thing judicially or legally as a "pre-pardon". It's just another in a lonnnnng line of the Biden Executive Branch illegalities. And, for all that, it's in a long line and nowhere near the front of that line of the most egregious.; 1/20/25, 8:06 PM
Original Mike said...: Brava!; 1/20/25, 8:07 PM
Jamie said...: only Trump could get a room full of righties to cheer for a video by a gay black country music guy.

Commenting from Texas, I disagree - plenty of righties who are happy to listen to good music that they like no matter the personal characteristics of those performing it. But I will agree that playing it at the Trump inaugural ball is a pretty great repudiation of the "righties are all racist homophobes" message of the left.; 1/20/25, 8:08 PM
Original Mike said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 1/20/25, 8:09 PM
Aggie said...: The most important question is the mystery: How do they do it? Hidden suspenders? Safety Pins? All that weight, hanging from an elastic waist band. Tell us the secret ! I might convert my Farmer Johns.; 1/20/25, 8:10 PM
Jamie said...: Gotta say - in my prog days, I would never have dreamed in a million years that I'd be enjoying the current country moment. I confess to a guilty liking for bro country... I don't quite know what to make of that.; 1/20/25, 8:12 PM
Original Mike said...: Nah, I'm sure it's ugly. I mean, they're already pulling the Nazi shit again. Can they really not help themselves?; 1/20/25, 8:12 PM
Original Mike said...: Welcome to the dark side.; 1/20/25, 8:14 PM
Narr said...: I made two walks today for a change. I can't brag about the distance, but it's a new start.; 1/20/25, 8:14 PM
Peachy said...: Like his 28th Amendment that was totally fake.
Good news- if the pardons cannot stand -then everyone pardoned can be investigated and charged.; 1/20/25, 8:19 PM
Original Mike said...: OK, I'm watching Maddow for a little bit. Joe Biden is leaving Donald Trump a rose garden. Remarkable economy, lowest crime in decades, etc., etc., etc. And she is indeed pushing the Musk Nazi salute.; 1/20/25, 8:22 PM
Original Mike said...: Pushing the J6 pardons, not a peep about Joe's pardons.; 1/20/25, 8:27 PM
Original Mike said...: "How can you get a pardon for a crime that - in the eyes of the law - hasn't been committed?"

It's hard to understand. Or defend.; 1/20/25, 8:34 PM
Mad Anthony Wayne said...: So, for those watching the inaugural balls, has JD Vance disappeared to watch the Ohio State - Notre Dame game?; 1/20/25, 8:37 PM
Mad Anthony Wayne said...: So, for those watching the inaugural balls, has JD Vance disappeared to watch the Ohio State - Notre Dame game?; 1/20/25, 8:37 PM
Jamie said...: Welcome to the dark side.

Imagine my bemusement when I discovered that my kids had been paying attention to my belting out "Save a horse, ride a cowboy" in the car all those years ago.; 1/20/25, 8:38 PM
NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...: Yes, that was a total knee-jerk reaction from the News Barbies at CNN. Not a good move considering they just lost a defamation suit. They better pray Elon doesn't sic his lawyers on them.; 1/20/25, 8:40 PM
rehajm said...: Joe shoulda taken Amtrak back to the compound…; 1/20/25, 8:43 PM
pacwest said...: I noted the peacemaker/expansionist dichotomy too. I'm guessing Trump realizes there's nothing he can do to stop China from taking Taiwan. There's also nothing China can do to stop us from taking control of the Panama Canal. The Art of the Deal. Greenland is a different deal entirely.; 1/20/25, 8:44 PM
NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...: I believe that accepting a pardon carries the implication that a crime was committed.; 1/20/25, 8:47 PM
pacwest said...: My understanding is there is a fair amount of Chinese influence pedaling at the locks. And that terms of agreement have been violated (although I haven't researched that, just that US Naval terms are not being followed.) Just float our navy into the canal and walla! I hope he doesn't trade Alaska for Greenland.; 1/20/25, 8:56 PM
Rt41Rebel said...: I had to remove content about the stage work at the Inauguration Ball due to security policy. Still proud AF.; 1/20/25, 8:59 PM
Eva Marie said...: The problem with the Nazi salute story is that all of Silicon Valley knows Elon Musk. They may have believed the stories about Trump because they didn’t know Trump and they were familiar with the news media. But they know Elon so red pilling is very much in effect.; 1/20/25, 9:19 PM
Rory said...: Trump signing all those executive orders brought to mind the old Night Court episodes where they had to finish 200 cases in one night.; 1/20/25, 9:31 PM
Mason G said...: It (the "nazi salute") sure seems to be a weird thing to fixate on. The people there didn't appear to read anything into it. On the other hand, the MSM didn't have much trouble sniffing it out but then again, what is it they say about those who hear the dog whistle?; 1/20/25, 9:32 PM
Christopher B said...: Most of the reporting I've seen indicated that's he said something to effect of "my heart goes out to you" when he made the gesture.

Saw at least one meme (Instapundit) where you can find pictures of Obama and Hillary making similar salutes during speeches (pretty sure that, like Elon's, they were part of an extended movement); 1/20/25, 9:36 PM
Hey Skipper said...: Nixon was pardoned before any crime was charged.; 1/20/25, 9:38 PM
rhhardin said...: Do inaugural balls wind up with the guys at one end and the girls at the other, like proms?; 1/20/25, 9:39 PM
Jim at said...: It (the "nazi salute") sure seems to be a weird thing to fixate on.

I, for one, am glad that's what they're screeching about ... as it proves the left hasn't learned a damn thing.

Difficult to resolve a problem when one refuses it even exists.; 1/20/25, 9:42 PM
Caroline said...: Renaming the Gulf of Mexico is a terrible idea. Conservatives don’t rename stuff to keep up with the times. Leave it be.; 1/20/25, 9:43 PM
walter said...: Someone do a wellness check outside liquor stores in Royal Oaks, MI.; 1/20/25, 9:45 PM
Christopher B said...: Presidents issuing pardons for crimes neither charged nor convicted has a long tradition, going all the way back to George Washington who issued a blanket pardon to participants in the Whiskey Rebellion. More recently Carter did the same for Vietnam Era draft evaders. Usually the persons pardoned are unnamed (I think Trump's J6 pardon is the same except for the list of those with commuted sentences rather than pardons) but the crimes and time period are specified. It is (or was, til Biden's Reign of Error) unusual but not unheard of for a pardon to be issued to a specific person for unspecified crimes. Ford's for Nixon is the most famous but GHWB's pardon for Cap Weinberger didn't specify the offenses, and I've seen mention of a couple of others before now.; 1/20/25, 9:47 PM
Eva Marie said...: Gulf of Trump; 1/20/25, 9:49 PM
Eva Marie said...: Melania has moved up to #6 on the Amazon best seller list.; 1/20/25, 9:50 PM
Eva Marie said...: Amazon best seller list:
#5 Hillbilly Elegy (paperback)
#6 Melania
#7 Fahrenheit 451
#8 1984
#11 Animal Farm
#23 Hillbilly Elegy (hardback)
#24 On Tyranny
#28 The Handmaid’s Tale; 1/20/25, 10:00 PM
Jamie said...: I can't believe this is the first inaugural day I've paid attention to, but it is. And so, I'm wondering what the Commander In Chief Ball was like when Biden was inaugurated.

I'm a military dependent. I remember, in outlines, what things were like, based on the position on the US military and on US foreign policy, when administrations changed. But I don't remember in enough detail to extrapolate to what it was like when Biden entered office.

I enjoyed Trump dancing with the ?Space Force? ?specialisr? (or whatever she was).; 1/20/25, 10:06 PM
Curious George said...: The Ohio State Buckeyes are National Champs! Woot!; 1/20/25, 10:27 PM
Big Mike said...: Ohio State 34 - Notre Dame 23. Completes a magical day for JD Vance; 1/20/25, 10:29 PM
TobyTucker said...: Compare and contrast: Joe Biden often called a 'lid' on his public appearances at 9 am. Today, now PRESIDENT Trump started the day early and has been going strong ever since. Currently he's giving remarks at the Commarder-in-Chief Ball and probably won't call it quits until he makes appearances at other venues. While only 4 years younger, the difference between his and Biden's energy and cognitive ability is quite extraordinary. Sure, he's had time for naps (if needed) between events, but still...; 1/20/25, 10:34 PM
Yancey Ward said...: LOL!!!!; 1/20/25, 10:44 PM
Yancey Ward said...: I finally got around to reading Trump's speech from this afternoon (I don't like watching such things). Damn- he took a flamethrower to Biden, the Democrats, and Never-Trumpers. It was such an indictment I am going to have to actually watch the delivery tomorrow just to see the reaction of those forced to sit there and hear the critique.; 1/20/25, 10:47 PM
Jimmy said...: very busy, eventful day. Trumps impromptu press conference in the oval office was nice to see-Biden, nor Harris, ever dealt with a room full of reporters like that. and Trump was, as usual, on top of things.
He got a lot of things done, and he did it so everyone could see-that was nice.
anyone surprised that NPR or whoever decided that Musk is a nazi?? I look forward to NPR losing all of its federal funding.
Trump set the tone early, when he let biden, harris, and pelosi have it in his speech.
Melania also set a good tone. pretty clear she hated everyone of the bidens, obama, and others who raided her home, went thru her and her sons private quarters, and did everything possible to kill her husband.
It is nice to have a real President again. Mushbrain biden did less in 4 years, than trump did on his first day.; 1/20/25, 11:07 PM
Original Mike said...: Watch how he has his back turned to Biden throughly most of his speech.; 1/20/25, 11:11 PM
effinayright said...: I covered that in a previous post. To repeat: it does not LEGALLY imply anything, but it can imply guilt in public opinion.; 1/20/25, 11:19 PM
TobyTucker said...: We have 2 America-class Amphibious Assault Ships available. They look like carriers but obviously do more than just launch aircraft. Send these babys in and the Panama Canal is ours, easy-peasy.

From what i can tell, the people of Greenland aren't all that opposed to American investment and a military presence. Ideally, the citizens of Greenland would vote their independence from Denmark and then sign a Compact of Free Association with the US, like we already have with several islands if the Pacific. No payments to Denmark or trading of Alaska needed.; 1/20/25, 11:30 PM
effinayright said...: FullMoon: "...Panama Canal, which he falsely claimed is operated by China."

Did he say " operated by"? How about these facts: China is:

* Operating ports at both ends of the canal through Chinese companies

* Engaging in Infrastructure projects including bridges and port facilities

* Making Panama part of China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2017

* Making substantial investments in Panamanian telecommunications and banking
************
Do you hate your country so much that you are down with that?

And if you think there's nothing the US can do to prevent China from invading Taiwan, you are a solid-gold electrostatic asshole.; 1/20/25, 11:31 PM
effinayright said...: Never mind what it reminds you of: those cases and Biden's EO decrees have been public knowledge for 4 years or more.; 1/20/25, 11:36 PM
Narayanan said...: they say appears to be Nazi/fascist; 1/20/25, 11:40 PM
Michael Fitzgerald said...: Do you mean the Gulf of America?; 1/20/25, 11:42 PM
Original Mike said...: Don't be an idiot. Those aren't Full Moon's words. It's a quote from the lefty media piece he linked to.; 1/20/25, 11:42 PM
Zev said...: this made me laugh, he's such a performer; 1/20/25, 11:46 PM
TobyTucker said...: At least in the case of those pardoned for the Whiskey Rebellion and the draft-dodging actually did something that could be charged. I find the pardoning of people for crimes as yet uncharged very problematical. If nothing else, most people will assume that those pardoned must have done something illegal otherwise there would be no need for the pardons. I, for one, feel cheated, if that's the right word, by not knowing exactly what crimes these people were guilty of.; 1/21/25, 12:01 AM
Aught Severn said...: But I will agree that playing it at the Trump inaugural ball is a pretty great repudiation of the "righties are all racist homophobes" message of the left.

Which some clearly believe (without evidence) as evinced by JSM's comment.; 1/21/25, 1:58 AM
gadfly said...: It’s not gonna happen. … And even if I wanted to do that, that is a rocket sled to Palookaville to try to switch. I would make a pretty bad Republican,” said Senator Fetterman.

Palookaville, the movie starring Vince Gallo, is like Bottle Rocket and Goodfellas having a baby. Fetterman was one of the most noticeable attendees of Trump’s inauguration, attending the prestigious ceremony in a hoodie and shorts.

So, he is not talking about a permanent life of crime. Neither is he is talking about a momentary shift in lifestyles, so no interest in the imaginary good life as a Republican. No breaking through the wall into a jewelry store only to find himself in the hidden back room of the neighboring bakery instead - where sweet treats will have to do.; 1/21/25, 2:50 AM
wendybar said...: Obama, Hillary and Kamala
https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1881471022991581565; 1/21/25, 3:36 AM
Lawnerd said...: Trump is not fucking around this time. It is a sight to behold!; 1/21/25, 3:55 AM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: This inaugural is more like a class reunion than a prom.; 1/21/25, 3:58 AM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: I take it Trump didn’t sign any constitutional amendments into effect? That Trump is such a dictator. 😉; 1/21/25, 4:01 AM
pacwest said...: @effinayright
That was me saying I don't think there is anything we can do to stop China from invading Taiwan if they want it badly enough. Threats before and sanctions after but engaging in a military conflict near their shoreline seems a fools errand to me. How am I wrong about that?; 1/21/25, 4:16 AM
Enigma said...: I take this as Trump's "the best defense is a good offense" play against Biden's recent woke renaming of military bases, etc. But, Trump is a 1990s Democrat who didn't move left with the Party. He is not and never was a conservative. He's a centrist deal maker at heart.; 1/21/25, 4:23 AM
Enigma said...: Watch how Biden was either sleeping or in tears during Trump's speech. "Everything I've done, up in flames in one day."; 1/21/25, 4:24 AM