# Is Biden being foolish to insist on an outdoor inaguration? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 14, 2021, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539 "2021-01-14T17:48:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/21 "2021-01-15T03:25:45Z")
There was also the [Iraqi journalist that threw his shoes at GW Bush](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU0RaRvJ0PQ) … but that was more an insult than an attempt to actually hurt him. I am more concerned than I have ever been of an inside job. I don’t know if any Republican congress people are invited to witness the swearing in, but I wouldn’t consider it out of line for all the guests to be subject to a metal detector, and if they don’t like it, well, then they can just contemplate for a minute what it’s like for the rest of us (especially the non-white rest of us) to be subject to that. I think at least some of the Pubs have shown they can’t be trusted by their behavior, so they’ve earned it. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/22 "2021-01-15T03:32:37Z")
No, he’s not foolish. For the same reason that Congress didn’t postpone the electoral certification to another day and didn’t meet in an “undisclosed location” for the vote… Fuck 'em. Traitors and insurrectionists don’t get to dictate how the United States welcomes a new President. They don’t get to think they’ve intimidated a civilized nation into hiding away from them. Biden should proceed with a public inauguration in front of a large a group is possible with Covid restrictions. And we should celebrate, as a nation, the successful transition to a democratically elected responsible adult after four years of a whiny toddler-in-chief. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/23 "2021-01-15T03:33:28Z")
Honestly, I think the bigger risk to Biden is that he’ll pull a William Henry Harrison and give a long inaugural address in cold and wet conditions. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/24 "2021-01-15T03:54:09Z")
Thankfully, according to the National Weather Service, the long-range forecast for next week says that Wednesday in DC should be partly sunny, with a high of 47 degrees. [https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.8904&lon=-77.032#.YAERhhZMFPY](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.8904&lon=-77.032#.YAERhhZMFPY) ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/25 "2021-01-15T04:12:46Z")
Even if something happens to Biden and Kamala, what do you get? …President Pelosi. There’s nothing for D’s to worry about. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/26 "2021-01-15T16:45:12Z")
Aren’t areas of Washington no fly zones? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/27 "2021-01-15T16:53:44Z")
Flights within the Washington area are [highly restricted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_DC_Metropolitan_Area_Special_Flight_Rules_Area) at any time. I imagine they will be even more so during the inauguration, and any airfield nearby will be monitored. > [@](#): > > ### Flight Restricted Zone[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington,_DC_Metropolitan_Area_Special_Flight_Rules_Area&action=edit§ion=3)] > > Within the ADIZ is an even more sensitive zone designated the _Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone_ (DC FRZ). The DC FRZ extends approximately 13–15 nmi (15–17 mi; 24–28 km) around the DCA VOR/DME. Flight within the FRZ is restricted to governmental, certain scheduled commercial and a limited set of waivered flights. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/28 "2021-01-15T17:09:02Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Even if something happens to Biden and Kamala, what do you get? > > …President Pelosi. > > There’s nothing for D’s to worry about. So you think that if Biden and Harris were killed on Jan. 20 we’d have a nice, orderly transition to President Pelosi. Have you been paying attention the last couple of months? ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2021, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/29 "2021-01-15T21:20:22Z")
An “inside job” could still happen at a small indoor ceremony. I think the “normal as possible” as important, although it’s far from normal. A private inauguration would only serve to further the “illegitimate President” talking point, and it’s not a good look. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/30 "2021-01-16T01:04:51Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Aren’t areas of Washington no fly zones? Of course; as I mentioned, the problem would (potentially) lie with having a large number of small planes, and the question of whether they could all be intercepted. As Colibri wrote, small planes aren’t silent, and it’s possible that if one did get through, there would be enough warning (due to the sound) for Biden and Harris to be moved to safety. Of course there we get into the issue of possible complicity by armed persons (Secret Service or Capitol Police or DC Metro Police or National Guard–I think that’s the list!) I agree with those who say a secret ceremony in some secret indoor location sends a bad message. But I do hope that someone is thinking about all the contingencies, and preparing for them. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/31 "2021-01-16T02:17:40Z")
There is probably a 1920s style Death Ray mounted on the White House roof that could defeat an armada of kamakaze Cessnas. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/32 "2021-01-16T21:25:01Z")
Maryland is declaring a state of emergency for the Biden inauguration. So disheartening that this is less like a celebration and more like a war. > **[Maryland Gov. Hogan declares state of emergency in advance of President-Elect...](https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-hogan-emergency-20210116-pdnnsewxxfd4hic53mmmipemie-story.html)** > > Move allows the state to tap its emergency resources, including the Maryland National Guard, within Maryland from Saturday through Thursday. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/33 "2021-01-16T21:27:40Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#): > > So disheartening that this is less like a celebration and more like a war. Thanks, Republicans! ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/34 "2021-01-16T21:30:27Z")
I’m seeing a meme circulating around some conservatives on Facebook: “If you need 25,000 troops to protect your inauguration, you probably didn’t win.” I mean, if they would look in the mirror, they’d realize why the 25k troops are needed. But yes, this sure doesn’t have a celebratory feel to it at all (and Covid had already sucked most of anyone’s joy out of it to begin with.) ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/35 "2021-01-16T21:32:45Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > “If you need 25,000 troops to protect your inauguration, you probably didn’t win.” Now there’s some impeccable Republican pseudo-logic! ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/36 "2021-01-16T21:38:55Z")
I’m a little worried that, with all the assholes swarming around the scaffolding, that an explosive devise could be planted. One congresswoman is concerned about some of her colleagues. It would have been easy for one of them to plant a handgun for later. Or bombs under desks. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/37 "2021-01-16T21:48:02Z")
The timing would have to be too precise for it to do any good. Otherwise there is a legal order of succession that would overrule any Trumposity. Taking out Biden doesn’t do them any good because that would just piss off EVERYBODY in the country except their little group and bring to power the already sworn in former Attorney General of California. They’d be toast before the eggs were done. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/38 "2021-01-16T22:16:17Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I’m seeing a meme circulating around some conservatives on Facebook: “If you need 25,000 troops to protect your inauguration, you probably didn’t win.” FFS, he couldn’t even win the popular vote against Hillary. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/39 "2021-01-16T22:22:17Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Plus there are now more soldiers in D.C. than in Iraq & Afghanistan combined. In that case, I think we should keep a close eye on the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Aghani soldiers milling around. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539/40 "2021-01-16T22:27:01Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > A private inauguration would only serve to further the “illegitimate President” > talking point, and it’s not a good look. > [@Sherrerd](#): > > I agree with those who say a secret ceremony in some secret indoor location sends a bad message. But I do hope that someone is thinking about all the contingencies, and preparing for them If the ceremony is held in the Congressional chamber or the Oval Office or the East Room of the White House and is streamed to every computer, phone, and TV in the whole world, that is hardly _secret and private_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-being-foolish-to-insist-on-an-outdoor-inaguration/930539.md?page=3)