"For the last four years, the tone from the White House was contemptuous of Washington, dismissing the permanent establishment..."

"... the longtime politicians and former administration officials who call it home — as the 'swamp' or 'deep state.' The social arbiters, traditionally respectful of a new administration, quickly found themselves between a Trump and a hard place: To invite or not to invite?.... Trump went to a handful of galas but his attendance — even the prospect of it — often brought controversy and protests.... Without Trump, the White House correspondents’ dinner — typically a night of mutual good will between the administration and the press that covers it — became an awkward defense of the First Amendment.... Back to normal will mean more state dinners, a prestigious and glamorous way of reestablishing global ties. And it means that Washington events traditionally attended by the president and first lady for the better part of five decades — the Honors, the Alfalfa dinner, the Gridiron, Ford’s Theatre gala and the correspondents’ dinner — will likely return to their former glory."

From "Washington’s establishment hopes a Biden presidency will make schmoozing great again" by Roxanne Roberts at WaPo. Another way to say that is: Washington's establishment hopes a Biden presidency will make Washington great for Washington again. 

The columnist assumes what we like is insiders coming together in a mutual love fest — with glamorous, prestigious parties and helping each other feel good about themselves. What's "great" for them is great for us? And isn't it kind of disgusting to be enthusing about gala socializing when We the People are told we can't even do a humble Thanksgiving dinner with our deplorable relatives?

I'm happy to see the commentariat at WaPo resists. The top-rated comment is: