DemDaily: Update on Inaugural!
December 21, 2020
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has released more details on the inaugural festivities surrounding the historic inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our 46th President and Vice President.
PIC Inaugural Teaser (CLICK)
In a short teaser video released Friday, however, PIC says "while things may look different this year, the inauguration will honor our traditions and bring Americans together," offering a preview of the innovative program the country will watch, safely, from home.
The 59th Inaugural, themed "Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union," is expected to profile the vision of the Biden-Harris Administration through a series of events, profiles and performances much like last Summer's Democratic National Convention, the first virtual national event of its kind.
| "In one month, we will showcase the strength and diversity of our nation and open this new chapter in American history -- together. We're grateful to have you with us -- no matter where you live -- for that historic day." - Biden-Harris Presidential Inaugural Committee |
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), which is responsible for raising millions of dollars to fund the program, also released the inaugural finance packages with a suite of VIP options ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.
The predominantly virtual slate of events reflects the committee's determination to protect the health of all participants, with just one in-person event at a future "date to be determined."
Even the photo ops with the new President, Vice President and their spouses, will be virtual.
Federal law does not require the disclosure of donations to inaugural committees until 90 days after the event, but Biden's inaugural committee said it will disclose the names of its larger donors in advance of the January 20th ceremonies.
Although there are no legal limits on the dollar amount of donations the committee can accept, PIC is voluntarily limiting corporate donations to $1 million and individual donations to $500,000.
It will also forgo donations from fossil fuel companies, registered lobbyists and foreign agents.
A coalition of 50 progressive organizations organized by Demand Progress recently sent a letter to PIC CEO Tony Allen urging the committee to expand their contribution ban "to encompass all major corporate sectors" in order to prevent them "from wielding undue influence."
The Bidens in 2013. No Balls this year (Chip Somodevilla)
In the interim, the committee is discouraging travel to the nation's capital for the official ceremonies, which will be live-streamed and broadcast worldwide.
The number of tickets for swearing-in on the West Front of the Capitol have been cut from 200,000 to just two tickets for each of the 535 members of Congress.
| As with the Democratic Convention, there will also be dozens of virtual events held by outside groups and in the states nationwide, and featured on the DemList Inaugural Calendar, which will launch after the new year. Watch for announcements! |
DemList will keep you informed.
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