From now, we will probably see a slew of executive orders coming down from President Biden, including rejoining the world health organization, rejoining want paris climate agreement, reversing trumps ban on migrants rfm majoritymuslim countries, et cetera. So, you know, im looking ahead a little bit. And i think very quickly, well be into the politics of this presidency after whats been a very nice day, and thus far, thankfully, no incidents of violence or unrest. Woodruff so, eliana johnson, are you forecasting a very short honeymoon that will end with the signing of these executive orders that yamiche tells us is coming . What did she say, 17 executive signing statements in the next hour or two. I think biden will have a bit of a honeymoon. Certainly, you can see in the medias response already there is a different relationship between the white house and the press corps, a friendlier and more congenial one. But to get anything meaningful through, in terms of legislation, biden and harris will need to partner with congressional leaders, most importantly, Senate Minority leader mitch mcconnell, and theyre going to have to strike some cooperation if they want to move forward. And thats sort of back to complicated politics, as usual. Woodruff amy walter, pick up on that. Just i mean, talk about the nuts and bolts of getting things done beyond executive orders. What looks realistic in coming weeks and months . Right. I mean, as we know, in the senate, a majority is not just having 51 votes. A majority means you actually have 60 votes, a you can prevent filibusters from gumming up the works. And right now, that would mean that joe biden would need to find nine or 10 republicans to go along with him. And that seems just very unlikely. Weve already seen pushck from republicans on everything from the president s now stimulus legislation, or his promotion of the stimulus. And on his immigration legislation. Now, again, in the old days, you put out these trial balloons. You put them forward as the party in charge with as much as you can get, and you go back from there, right. And lets see if that will work, to say, okay, im putting everything out that i want. Okay, were going to have to agree we agree on moving this out. Well put this back in. And see if that works. But still gettng 10 votes on that becomes challenging. So instead, i think what were going to find is a president who is probably going to do as much, if not more than what president s obama and trump did with executive orders and using a process called reconciliation where the senate can actually pass something with 51 votes. But you only get one or two bites will at that apple. And so, i would not look for big, sweeping legislation to make its way across to the president s desk. The real question in my mind is can we even make small changes . Is that going to be enough . To be able to put legislation forward that doesnt maybe move the ball 40 yards down the line, but at least moves it five yards down the line in a bipartisan way. Judy, i also want to bring up one other thing, which is what jonathan reflected on. One is on sacrifice. And the other is on how long it took joe biden to get here. And i think it was exactly a year to this date that i was sitting in our standing or shivering, actually, in iowa, traveling around the state, checking in on the caucuses. And joe biden did not look like a frontrunner. Joe biden was having a very challenging time getting the size of the crowds that his competitors were getting. There wasnt enthusiasm around him. We know that he would come very far behind in that caucus, and then the next primary in new hampshire. There was not a sense a year ago at this point that this was someone who was going to have the sort of longstanding ability to make it to this place. And so, the fact that hes done that is quite remarkable. Woodruff quite remarkable, and youre exactly right, to remember that, amy walter, that it was just a year ago when he was struggling. He was struggling in the iowa caucuses, which is another whole story there about what happened. But beyond iowa and new hampshire, the nevada count, and then on to South Carolina, where joe biden was finally able to emerge victorious and to clarify the race. We are watching very closely now, as president the new president , the new Vice President , and three former president s are gathered together at Arlington National cemetery for a very solemn moment, the laying of a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns. It used to be called the tomb oc the unknown soldier. It is now known as the tomb of the unknowns. And we will be quiet as that ceremony begins. I believe we are moving. We are moving closer. As we do, im going to ask senator jack■c reed of rhode island to join me. Hes on the telephone. And, senator, if you will, once the ceremony gets under way, i may interrupt, but i as someone who has served in the senate, who knows joe biden, what are you expecting from him as president . What are you taking away from today . Will with, i thought todays speech, judy, was both inspiring and genuine. He communicated the fact that he cares about the people of this country and the country more than himself. This presidency is not going to be about joe biden. Its going to be about moving the country forward. And that sincerity, that genuineness, is going to be extremely helpful to change the direction of the country in a positive way. I think he did a superb job, in a very difficult situation. Woodruff weve been talking, senator reed, about the difficulty he will face in getting legislation throgh. Yes, he will be able to sign, were told, 17 executive orders today, moving aggressively on the border, on the Paris Climate Accord, the travel ban, and a number of other things. But when it comes to legislation, how hard do you think its going to be to find the votes necessary there in the senate and the house . Well, its going to be challenging. We have a 5050 divide in the snate, but with the Vice President , we will be in control organizationally. But as your commentators have pointed out, a cloture vote is 60 votes. So we have to get 10 votes. , you know, first of all, theres no one who has got more sort of inside experience working with the senate coming into the presidency than President Biden. That will help. And i think, also, too, hes a realist. I mean, i think he will announce and promote sort of a bold program, and then work hard to get the guts ofhat program through, if you will. And its going to take reaching you out. And its also going to take, frankly, engaging the public. The one thing that moves votes in the senate is the American People. If the constituencies in states that are both red, blue, and purple are engaged and they want it, then that puts a lot of pressure on individual members to follow through. He knows that. So this will be, i think, an experienced and practical, pragmatic approach to legislation. And hopefully, he willucceed. Because we do need to get lots of things fixed. Woodruff as we we are talkig with senator jack reed of rhode island, we are watching the scene, very solemn scene at Arlington National cemetery with former president s. Were waiting for President Biden and Vice President harris, i believe to arrive, and either come down those stairs or to approach. Senator reed, you used the word realistic, and you said hes a pragmatist. Is joe biden going to end up more on the progressive end of the Democratic Party scale, or somewhere toward the middle at the other end, i mean, moderate other end . Where coyou see him coming down . I think hes going to try to lay out a vision for the country that goes to all the things he spoke about today, the systemic racism, the need for truthful dialogue between the American People and the political leadership, the challenges of the environment. But i think whats going to drive the program to the center is the fact that, you know, we have a 5050 senate. If we want to get things through, were going to have to go ahead and attract colleagues on other side of the aisle in the house, the majority that Speaker Pelosi has, has been reduced. So i think thats going to be the driving factor. But i do think the president is going to challenge us to think boldly, and then act as aggressively as we can. Woodruff senator jack reed of rhode island joining us as we watch the newly swornin president , joe biden, the newly swornin Vice President , Kamala Harris, make their way to a ceremony at Arlington National cemetery at the tomb of the unknowns there being joined by three former president s as they lay a wreath. Lets listen and watch. ■c ■c arms halt. Present arms. star spangled banner present arms. taps ■c■c woodruff and e three former president s of the United States, bill clinton with his wife, former secretary of state, hilary clinton. Forme president george w. Bush going in the door just now with his wife, laura bush. And of course, president barack obama with his wife, michelle. All going in, they were there to witness within a few feet as the newly sworn had of in President Joe Biden, and newly swornin Vice President Kamala Harris, laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns, that most sacred place at the Arlington National cemetery, where americans have been laid to rest for decades and decades, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, who have served in the United States military, in the different branches, whove put their lives on the line for this country. The next this was the first ceremony to take place outside the capitol after the swearingin, which weve been watching. Its now about quarter of 3 eastern time. From here, the new president , the new Vice President will go to the will go to the white house. But there they wont simply pull up to the white house. Theres going to be a small ceremony moving from fenth street, which is about two blocks from the white house, with a military escort, and they will walk that block and a half, two blocks. Im here with jim fallows, who has watched so many inaugurations, as have i. And they are all steeped in ceremony and tradition. And, yet, everyone brings a fresh perspective. Its true. Im thinking back to the first inauguration, where we would have met, which was jimmy carters, back in 1977. It was so bitterly cold. I think it was in the 20s that day, and the newly inaugurated president and his wife lked quite some distance in ways that are not possible now. Woodruff i remember it very well, jim fallows, because i had just moved to washington from atlanta and i was standing there freezing, in my wonderful wool coat, but standing across from the viewing stand, because they did have a parade that year, and we were standing across from the white house, and waiting for hour after hour after hour fromthe beginning of the day through the afternoon and into the late the preadz often go as late as 6 00. And then, on a traditional Inauguration Day, you would have balls. In the evening there would be a number of balls representing different states, different organizations, but of course none of that is taking place. What the biden team is doing instead is having a virtual evt with a starstudded group of entertainers from bruce springsteen, jon bon jovi. Tom hanks i believe. Woodruff tom hanks is the host and so on. I belie hes on the phone, are we going to get to see your smiling face, senator cory booker of new jersey. There you are. You are watching all of this and paying close attention. What does it mean to you what youve been seeing today . I think that this has even deeper meaning than i think the normal sense of patriotism i think for all americans when they witness this incredible, cherished sort of tradition. And i think the reason why and i i had a lot of conversations when i was sitting on the bleachers with colleagues i think all of us felt such a deep sense of hurt from january 6, and this was the beginning of healing and the rekindling of hope for who we can be as a nation and where we can■c get t. And bidens words so resonated well, i think, with the hearts and aspirations of many of us on both sides, that somehow we can bring an end to what he called the uncivil war and find Common Ground and get things done that better america. Woodruff what gives you hope, senator■c booker . What is it, either in what he said or what you know about him and Vice President harris that gives you hope, that we can move beyond this . Ive been blessed to get to know both of them, and, you know, i was in a kind of political combat with joe biden. I dont know if you remember, judy, but i ran for president. Woodruff i sure do. laughs and i will tell you, all of us who ran and ive had this nversation with everybody from pete buttigieg, to andrew yang, to Elizabeth Warren we were all kind of struck by joe joe bidens ability in private moments to rise above it and be a states person above all of us. He has this natural sense of grace and decency and kindness. And i know and im not naive. Seven years in washington now, im not naive to the sense of manufactured outrage and cynicism that drips often in washington. But i think he is the right person for the right moment in history, where many of us, after the rancor and destructive politics of the last four years, i think he is the right person and is up for the task, along with us to try to bring humility and grace and decency back to our politics. Woodruff is it enough, senator booker i dont mean to be challenging you more but is it enough to have i dont know, a good approach, and as you say, grace and a willingness to engage in this almostpoisonous atmosphere that weve been witnessing and living through . Well, look, we will never escape it. And i was giving a tour to some of my nieces and nephews and showing them the place where the caning of sumter happened, literally somebody beat down in the old senate chamber. And you never escape that. Were seeing it already with josh hawley almost mocking joe biden by telling him that he was going to, as a single senator, hold up the rapid confirmation of one of his Key National Security people. So its not that were going to escape that in washington. But i cobelieve this appeal to the betterangels of our nature is coming after a time where you saw such a brutal breaking, and even a defeat of our country. You know, maya angelou said we must face many defeats but never be defeated. We faced a defeat on january 6. We eulogized yesterday on the senate floor brian sicknick, an officer who gave the last, best measure of his devotion, dying for his country, in defense of his capitol. That has had an effect on our body. That has had an effect on members on both sides of the aisle. And so, often out of tragedy whether it was four girls dying in a bombing in birmingham, or goodman, cheney, and swawrner dying in mississippi, often from low points like that comes a reawwaking that we are still one people and one nation and have to find a way, as joe biden edged us on today, have to find a way to give the greatest testimony to our nation, is our ability to find that Common Ground and move together to the higher ground. Woodruff beyond these executive orders that hes signing today involving masking and the Paris Climate Accord and the border wall, rescinding the ban on the the travel ban on predominantlymuslim countries. What do you see as the most urgent things that he needs to tackle, get done . I mean, he mentioned 400,000 americans dead. We lost 600,000 or so in the 1918 pandemic and were fast heading towards 500,000 dead. This is the urgent moment that congress and the president have to rise to. And its not just the death. Many people not only have lost their lives, but many others have lost their livelihoods. We are in a time of great economic pain and hurt. And so i think all of us recognize that were not out of this. We may be able to see the end of the tunnel, the light at the end of the tunnel, but we have a long tunnel to go through. And so i think theres going to be a lot of work. Hes already talked about an ambitious vision for the next pandemic relief package. So i think were all going to bc scrambling to meet the pain with promise and possibility. And im excited to be a part of that. Woodruff cory booker, because you are one of only two black senators, United States senators, you and tim scott of South Carolina, who, of course, is a republican, what do you what do you think■c is the pressure on Kamala Harris as our first, not only woman Vice President , not only first asian person of asian descent to be Vice President , but also first person of black descent. Her father was jamaican. What sort of pressure is on her because of her special place in history . So, ive actually had this conversation with not just her but also tim scott. We are very, still very different in this institution. I am the fourth black person ever popularly elected to the United States senate, after barack obama, who was third, and tim scott, who was the fifth. We have had this conversation. And what i love about kamala and really admire about her is that she has her feet firmly planted in two places. One is this reference for what had to transpire for her to be the kind of glassceilingbreaker she has been every step in her career,ent as the second black woman ever to serve in this institution. That humility she has, understanding all of that. But then shes got her other foot firmly planted in the foothold of this, understanding that i will not be the last. I may be the. If but by every way possible, im going to make sure that the way gets easier for those who come behind me. And that balance between those two steps of humility and audacious determination are what makes her perfectly rea to be the fir in amerian history. D i know and im confident in this that she has now joined the panthon of great black women in history from ella baker, fanny lieu hammer, sojourner truth, rosa parks. She is now part of that pantheon and she will do honor to that legacy and the generations to come. Woodruff and finally, because she ran for president before, do you expect shes going to run again . And what about cory booker . Well, i will say abo Kamala Harris, gods got plans for her. And anything is possible. And as far as me, this boy from jersey, who just got reelected to be a United States senator, please, let me focus on these next two years because im going to tell you this in about an hour, i will go to the senate floor and be the escort to be sworn in of a man named john ossoff, as he stands next to raphael warnock, a black guy and a you, as i get to stand behind them, and the sena will shift power as well. And i will get to lead subcommittees on issues of such pressing urgency. We will get to determine the Senate Agenda and finally bring to the floor bills that should have been voted on a long time ago, commonsense background checks, raising the minimum wage, and as i said before, meeting the urgency of the pandemic. I know wt my plan is for the next future. And am excited god has given me the ability to dod work of my state of new jersey. Woodruff thank you for reminding us that youre engaged in all kinds of other history today. Senator cory booker of new jersey. Thank you very much. Who was, as he reminded us we didnt need to be reminded he was hielf a candidate for president not so long ago. Senator booker, thank you. Thank you, always. Such a fan of your show. Woodruff thank you, thank you. We appreciate it. Jim fallows, its fascinating to hear senator booker remind us theres history being made in the senate. Georgias first black senator will be sworn in this afternoon. Raphael warnock. John ossoff, first jewish senator from the state of georgia. Everywhere we look, history. And Chuck Schumer will become majority leader. Have there been will he be the first jewish person in that job . I dont know. Woodruff i dont know. Thats a good somebody out there i know is listening who has an answer. Well have it tweeted to us or emailed to us any minute. Separately, from all this that were talking about, like Vice President harris, activist and tennis legend billie jean king, also knows something about break glass ceilings, and she■c joinss from palm desert, california. Billie jean king, it is so good see you again. Thank you for joining us. Youre watching wuf been part of making history. What do you think about today as another day of history . Well, thank you, judy, for having me. Its been wonderful watching pbc today. And today for me, as i watched history unfold, its one of the greatest days of my life. Fantastic ever since i was 13 years old and i decided i would always champion equality, this is a day i have waited for, forever. Ive thought about it. Ive envisioned it. And here we have, finally, i can say, Vice President Kamala Harris is our first woman, south asian, as you said, jamaican descent, and firstgeneration american. And her mother always took her to, like, rallies for civil rights, for the womens movement. And she talks about she was so tiny and young, that she just saw a sea of legs and heard a lot of noise when she was young. And one time, when she was i dont know, three or four years old her mom says whats wrong . What do you want . And she says, freedom, freedom. So she already was ted up for this moment when she was talking about freedom as a child. I dont know if she knew what it meant, but she certainly had heard it enough times. And i thought what was so important is if you can see it, you can be it. And thats what were seeing today. Its the first ti in my life that i have felt that our leadership is starting, just starting to look like america. We need we need diversity. We need inclusion. And the message today with President Biden was so clear its all about being united, being together as a country. I think he is the right person at the right time. I think Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time. They are the righleaders for us in this new chapter, since particularly january 6, with domestic terrorists invagd our capitol. And i think, hopefully, this will bring us more together and not apart. And this is where congress and their leadership is going to have to stick together. Were going to need republicans to come alongside the democrats and the independents, or else were in big trouble. But, you know, what . I always feel like when things happen like january 6, with the domestic terrorists, i always feel like its it can be a turning point for good. I think it woke up everyone in this country, that things definitely we thought they werent right, but they are definitely not right. We cannot have this happen again. And then to hear Amanda Gorman speak, the 22yearold poet, was phenomenal. And she basically said the same thing. I think she said ive written it down because i dont want to forget it theres always light if were brave enough to see it, and theres always light if were brave enough to be it. Talking about seeing it is being it. And amanda has been so inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris, that she wants to run for president. Woodruff thats right. In 2036. And she said her inspiration is Vice President harris. I thought we would have a president by now. But we dont. So this is a step forward in the right direction. Woodruff its a step in that direction for sure. People will be remembering what young Amanda Gorman had to say for a long time to come. Billie jean king, i want to ask you a version of the same question i asked senator cory booker, which is how much pressure will there be on Kamala Harris, because shes the first, so many firsts, but especially the first woman. I mean, you know that very well. I know were we are 2021, but its taken us this long to get here. Well, thats that reminds me that en■c you read history, it looks as if it goes really fast with progress. But when you live it, it is very, very slow. Change is sl. And so, thats why its important■c that kamala will handle the pressure. I have this saying that pressure is a privilege. And it is a privilege for her to be in this position. And i know that she knows it. I had the privilege of meeting her in 2017 at an h. R. C. , at a Human Rights Campaign gala, and talking to her and doug, of course, the second gentleman, doug emhoff, her husband, behind stage. I remember listening to her present out but when she came back, i was so impressed with her. I could not believe it. And he is a fantastic human being. He will do a great job as second gentleman. But i looked apt her and i said, have you thought about running for president . And i thought, three years later she did. But she is a total winner. She has that it factor that you look for in leadership. I think she has great judgment. I think shes the i think i know ive heard her say she wants to be a bold leader. I think she will be. Shes the type of person that she shows up, she stands up, and she speaks up. And thats what we need. We need to see more strong women. And, remember, women lead everyone. Whats happened to women through the years at least to me personally is that when i have led, they always think im leading for girls and for women. And i never think like that. I think im leading for everyone. Whatever you do, youre helping the world, whether its a boy or a girl or we dont live in a binary world anymore or theys or all genders. So its very irtath for me and i think for many women that were always put in this were only leading half of the country, or half of whatever. But that keeps our marketplace half as big. And we cannot do that anymore. Woodruff good point. We need we need girls to think of leadership as leadership for all, the way men have always assumed, and we need men to understand and women and all genders understand that when well lead whoever that may be it affects us all. So i hope that is the beginning. Because i was just i cannot say how happy i am today. I have dreamt of this day probably since i was a 13yearold child. And i remember that althea gibson, who was the first black to ever win a major in tennis, was cindy sheehanroe. And i celebrity with her book, i always wanted to be somebody. And since then i have fought very hard for race and gender and all of us, because we all are in this together, and she must, must, must be kind and good to each other. And i think i think Kamala Harris, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden have those qualities to bring us together and to see kindness and to see and to reveal great character. Because characters revealed. Its revealed. Ask they have revealed agreement character along the way so far, particularly President Biden with all the loss, personal loss he has had in his life. And i think when he was in arlington today, i was thinking that he thought i think he always thought beau would be the president , the child he lost. So its its really amazing how he keeps bouncing back and how resilient President Biden is. Woodruff it is. It really is. And i admire him so much, and he truly, truly cares about people. He has empathy and compassion, as does Vice President harris. Woodruff billie jean king, the one and only billie jean king, speaking passionately about how long shes waited for this day. Billie jean king, so very good to see you. Thank you for joining us. Thank you so much. Thank you for all you do. And you, also, are a pioneer, so i want to thank you so much for setting an example for all of us. Woodruff well, thank you. Thats very appreciated, but youre the one. Were going to keep the focus on you. Thank you, thank you so much. Billie jean king. And as shes been as she was speaking, we are continuing to keep an eye on Arlington National cemetery, where we are waiting■c for President Biden ad the Vice President Kamala Harris, former president s to come out of a building there on the grounds of the historic cemetery, waiting for them to make their way to the white house where there will be a short walk,■c iful, from 15th street over to the white house. I want to come back to two of our former president ial speechwriters who have now had some time, michael gerson, who wrote speeches for former president george w. Bush, david litt wrote speeches for president obama. Michael gerson, you have had a little more time now to think about and maybe look at what joe biden had to say. What is whats staying with you . Its staying with me that he has made an accurate description of a deep divide in america, a divide not just a political divide, but a cultural one, and People Living in different universes of truth. And he realistically describes that. You know, he you dont want this to be become you know, he said, is this a foolish fantasy . I think a blunt analysis. And if you look at Franklin Roosevelts first inaugural, he talks about the terrible depression. But he comes to this moment and says, our difficulties, thank god, concern only material things. And you look at our situation now, and our difficulties dont just concern material things. Woodruff ye. They actually concern very deep things about america, the character of our country. So im im encouraged that he sees the problem. I think coming to solutions is a tremendous challenge, the challenge of American Life right now. Woodruff michael gerson, who, as we say, wrote speeches for president george w. Bush, who we believe is still there at arlington with two other former president s, clinton and obama, as well as the new president , george w. Bush. Theyre beginning another 21gun salute. This may mark the time, the end of their time there at the cemetery. Were going to lisn to that. But david litt, how much does it matter, as we listen, at least lend one ear to this 21gun salute, how much does it matter that a president acknowledges the difficult realities that exist . Yes, its important to look ahead with optimism and hope, but its also important to call out the things as they are. Well, its so important for a president to live in the reality that americans are living in. One of the first things you need to do, if youre writing a speech, and if youre giving a speech, is to let people know that you understand what theyre going through, and that you see the same world that they see. So when President Biden was talking today aout the divisions that were seeing in our country, the threat that our democracy is under, most people watching didnt have to wonder what he was talking about. The people say, okay, he gets it. He understands the scope of the problem, but then he also talks about what it will take for all of us who lift ourselves up and get past that problem together. And thats to me what leadership is. And i think one of the most important things that President Biden did in his inaugural, now that ive had some time to think through it, is that he really made it clear who gets to say what unity look likes. I think he made it clear. If you stormed our capitol to overturn an election or you voted to overturn that fair and free election, then you dont get to decide when were unified and when were not. Instead, he talked about the common objects of our love, this idea that we are united, even if our politicians dont always recognize it, or even if some of the figures in our countrywould rather divide us for their own purposes. So i think thats such an important recasting of unity. Unity isnt every politician in america getting along. Unity is the bulk of america, the majority of america, working to continue the democratic tradition that we all cherish, and to move us closer to the kind of union where we can protect and expand on the things we all love. It was a really powerful speech. Woodruff a really interesting point. I want to bring in our speechwriter who is here with me at the table, jim fallows. Thats an important point. It depends on the president gets to decide. And i agree with what david and michael were saying. Me about the speech in the last hour or two, i have thought about. One is, as many commentators pointed out, ere are very few quotables to point out. Its one of the marks of an effective speech is it sounds■c authentic to that person. This is the way you can imagine joe biden sounding. If he were reading lines from barack obama, it would not seem authentic in the same way. The other thing is the kind of optimism he was expressing. It wasnt naive, complacent optimism that things will get better. Its saying they can get bettered. We have been tested before so i thought it was impressive. Woodruff i want to ask each of you about the delivery of the speech. We dont think of joe biden as a great orator. How did he do as a speaker today . Well, i agree with jim. I mean, this was his speech. You can tell that he made it his own. He had. Producing it, but it really reflecting his goals and character. He was essentially saying, trust me and who i am in this moment. And, you know, its an interesting appeal. The contrast to the previous president is so stark, that i think americans are going to give him a chance. I think theyre going to give him an opportunity to lead. And that, i think, is ly good for the country. Woodruff were watching the motorcade from the Arlington National cemetery to the white house where joe biden will arrive for the first time as president of the United States. His new home. David litt, to you, quickly, on how joe biden did as a speaker today. Well, i agree with what jim and michael have said, which is that the authenticity is the key to a speech, that this was his speech. And i would just point out two sort of things i think about as i watch joe biden speak. There are two elements of a joe biden speech. One is the softness. So a moment that another politician might say very loud, thats a moment when biden will lower his voice. Hell kind of bring you in. And often tord the end, theres this kind of righteous resilience and a crescendo. Obama was a speaker who would reach a k crescendo, but theyre very different. Joe biden has this kind of toughness, grit, a sense of he always says, you knocked me down, t im getting back up. And i think you saw both of those in that speech today. Joe biden is most people dont think of him first and foremost as an orator, but he has a rhetorical style, and i thought he made really good use of that in his inaugural address. Woodruff how did he do . One, i agree with that. One other point about the delivery. There was a fabulous article in the atlantic abo how jubds young life was marked by his profound stutter. I noticed one little micromoment where it sound as if he were stuttering. But somebody marked by a speech impediment giving a president ial inaugural address was something to note. Woodruff it is. James fallows in the studio with me, michael gerson, a speechwriter for president george w. Bush, as we watch the motorcade with the president , the new president , the new Vice President , making its way within just a mile or so from where they are to the white house. And were going to continue to follow. Lets bring in our lisa desjardins, who covers the capitol for us, who had a very good view of everything that happened today. Lisa, what wisdom are you bringing us . Can you believa what a lucky reporter i am . Seriously. Im also one of the last reporters here at this point. But im happy to be here. A few things, judy, coming from some of the great conversations that youve had. I can confirm that Chuck Schumer will be the first jewish majority leader of the u. S. Senate. And even more, he will be the first jewish leader of either chamber in congress. Before now, producer kate grumpky and i hae ascertained that eric cantor, want numbr two republican in thhouse at one point, was the highest ranking jewish member of congress. Thats y another first that we will have. And as senator booker told you, we do expect the senate to change hands in bout the next hour or two, when those new senators are sworn in. Thats going to be a very big deal. I also want to pick up a note from what yamiche said, it was fascinating that was the first time she had been tested at the whe house. I, too, everyone here on capitol ground was tested. I have my band here they got covid tested right there. Thats something weve gone through here for months and months. And so it is a very significant change that now the white house is on board. And the press corps is very happy to know that, because it mas everyone in washington safer. Moreotes for you, judy. I think its important i hear such great optimism from your many guests, and, obviously, theres reason for that from what President Biden is■c hoping to accomplish. But i want to issue a note of caution. Talking to some republicans here today, that while they would like to think that joe biden is going to govern for them, they still have such deep disagreement, and they feel that they are under attack, some of them feeling that theyre to blame getting the blame for last weeks riot. That is leading to i think, some very difficult divides, senses of betrayal and counterbetrayal. Theres even divides over basic issues. I was talking to representative brian mast oflorida, republican, he feels strongly that the public should have been here today. He didnt think the Security Threat warranted closing down the mall, keeping the public away. And there was one line in President Bidens speech that i thought was very important about this kind of divide. President biden said he wants to make america a force forood in the world. This was early in his speech. And of course his team must have realized that was in contrast to President Trumps make America Great again. D i think those ideas of putting America Great, making america first, which is something republicans talk to me about today here, versus using american ideals to make the world better, those are those are very different ideas. And i think both sides hear in the other problems with those ideas. A couple of other quick things i want to remind folks of. The Capitol Police here today are still wearing black bands around their badges because of having lost one Police Officer here at the capitol, and another by suicide after the riot. So, again, with this optimism, i just have to kind of stress, here at the capitol, it doesnt feel that same way. It feels very solemn, very sober, not the kind of celebration were used to for an inauguration. I do want to add, finally, a little bit more uplifting notes. I dont know if you noticed, judy, i brought my father was a navy captain. I brought his binoculars from when he was out at sea. Very helpful to identify members of congress. Also very helpful when watching the crowd. And i have to say, there were some incredibly touching, personal moments. The biden family, the older children tried to help the baby grandchild, who, obviously, was struggling. The Harris Family hugging each other, so proud. And one that i didnt expect, jennifer lopez, when she finished her song, went back obviously being congratulated sat in the very back next to Alex Rodriguez. He gave her just such a warm hug of congratulations. And yocould see her start to cry with sort of i think relief and just such a great feeling about the importance of the moment. Both of them had a very emotional moment together that i spied on. But it was very touching. And it was hard to see probably from afar, but with this platform, with very few people on it, really just family members and the people that you saw at the microphone and a few senators, it really had that feeling of something special, i think, something personal, for the people who were sitting there. Woodruff lisa desjardins, eyes and ears that just dont miss a thing, including the hug that Alex Rodriguez gave they are for real, yes. Woodruff it sounds like it. It sounds like it. Were talking to lisa, learning all this, as we watch the president ial motorcade make its way closer to the white house. You can see it coming along the street. I cant tell if thats pennsylvania avenue. Coming up 15th. Woodruff its coming up 15th street. Thank you, just got that help from james fallows. I believe, gretchen whitmer, the governor of michigan is on the phone. Am i right . Youre in person. Governor whitmer, thank you so much. Were watching the newly swornin President Biden make his way to the white house. Were going to continue to do that. As we turn to you, someone who has seen a lot of unrest in your state as this year has gone by. So far, how have things gone on this inaugural day in lansing . The reports are good. I have to tell you, i am in washington, d. C. Sphwhroo oh, okay. My two daughters are here so that we could see this historic moment. Its after everything weve been through as a nation, especially over the last 12 months, it was a moment that i think many of us felt overwhelmed. And ive been checking in at home. We had a few protesters show up, but all is well in lansing, and im awfully glad to have been here in d. C. At this incredible moment. Woodruff youre the first governor we have spoken to this afternoon since we listened to the president s inaugural address. What did you hear that makes you think you can work with■c him, that you think is a challenge for him . What did you hear today . Well, im fortunate that ive gotten to know joe biden quite well over the last few years. And President Biden is he is what you know, he is who he is, right. He is a man who is deeply committed to his faith, who cares about his fellow americans, who wants to get things done. Many president s enjoy a honeymoon after they are sworn in, but this president and Vice President harris wont have that luxury. Theyve got a lot of work to do. Theyve inherited a lot of big issues to attack first and foremost helping the states get our arms around covid and get vaccines we so desperately need and help americans get back to work and get our kids back in school. And i really believe this administration, these are the right people at the right time. And i heard a lot of optimism today, a lot of pragmatic problemsolving grit, that i think is exactly what we need right now. Woodruff were watching, as we speak, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer of the state of michigan. Were watching security. Were watching police on morcycles. Were watching the motorcade of President Biden as he makes his way toward the wte house where he will be making a short walk from 15th street, which goes alongside the Treasury Department, and where it really is official territory from there on. The treasury sits adjacent to the white house. Governor whitmer, while i still have you, michigan, like the rest of the country, facing a terrible time right now with this pandemic. What difference do you think President Biden can make just in the early days of his administration to give you and other state leaders what you need to fight this pandemic . Well, first and foremost, he is going to stay tethered to the science, and thats going to be a real big leap forward for us as a nation, working to procure and purcse every vaccine that he can get his hands on and get them to the states. We have the capacity to do 50,000 vaccinations a day, but up until now, weve been getting 60,000 a week. At this rate, it would take years to veacts everybody. Its unacceptable, and i know the Incoming Administration is laser focused on this. Weve had ongoing conversations with him, but this is first and foremost. And a relief package is something President Biden is committed to as well. These are all important components. I just want to acknowledge the incredible work of the president ial inaugural committees. There were a lot of people who did thoughtful and important work to deliver an inauguration that was mindful of our great traditions in this country and kept people safe and what a wonderful way that they accomplished all those goals. And im proud to have been affiliated with them and grateful for their work. Woodruff well, its certainly gone smoothly, as far as we can see. And we are all so grateful hat there havent been any of the kind of Security Threats that we were very worried about and very focused on as we approached Inauguration Day. Not just in washington, but as weve been saying, governor, around the country. Governor gretchen whitmer, of michigan, thank you very much. We appreciate it. Of course, Governor Whitmer was one of those in the running to be the Vice President ial pick. So you were right up there at the top of the list, governor. And i know that relationship with the president will be something for you to work with in the months to come. I am proud and honored to be close to both esident biden and Vice President harris. I support them 100 . I know theyre going to be a great partner for us in michigan and for americans everywhere. Its a great day. Woodruff Governor Gretchen Whitmer of michigan. Thank you so much. And now, as we watch the motorcade actually, we watch the parade, the military parade, make its way closer to the white house, lets go to our amna nawaz, shes on the National Mall with a view of all of this from her perspective. And, amna, you pointed out now twice, this was to be a day with, you know, massive crowds, thousands of people, and instead, its security. It is a very different scene than inaugurations past down here on the National Mall, judy. That is past down here on the National Mall, judy, that is for sure. Just a handful of us reporters here, we have seen the National Guard troops around who we are very gratel to for helping to keep us safe, moving around, getting their mres getting something to eat after a long day for them i did want to pick up on other issues we have been reported on as mentioned by a number of your other geseses. And as lisa mentioned earlier about some of the challenges aheafor the Biden Administration beginning right now on day one. We know that they want to move quickly on some big issues. As does every administration when they first come into office and we have already seen what one of those major plans will look like in the form of one of the most comprehensive immigration bills that they have already rolled out on day one, sent to congress. There have been a number of reports about what is in there already. This is one of those things that experts and people who work in this world will tell you, this is not something that President Biden will be able to executive order his way out of. The Trump Administration went to Great Lengths with executive actions and a number of new rules for both the department of justice and the department of Homeland Security to really restrict immigration both illegal and legal mi graition. And that will take a great amount of work to unwind and unravel, make some of those go through the courts and figure out what the biden path forward will be. But as part of this major bill that they have already prepared to send to congress, the centerpiece of this is an eightyear past citizenship, this is something that has been hotly debated and contested for years and years. Basically allows people who have already been here, so they say they want to avoid people rushing to the border to take advantage of, people who have already been here at the end of last year to begin the process. A long eight year process of qualifying and meeting certain restrictions and qualifications to then be able to apply for a green card. And of course several other major steps they want to do to roll back some of the trump restrictions put into place including illegal broader enforcement down on the border that relies on technology, and of course as President Biden has previously signaled, stopping construction of that border wall immediately. But i will say this, one of the other things that i think the challenge ahead of cour is that a when you look at immigration its been one of those issues that we havent really seen a major push for. Any kind of sweeping potential proposal since 2013. And back then the senate was able to pass their version of the bill that fell apart in the house which was controlled by republicans. So again what we see in Congress Ahead will be this tight balance of democrats with slight majority in the house and of course the 5050 senate split. This is not going to be an easy path forward for the Biden Administration. The last thing i will mention is that everyone we talked to on the expert front and some of those involved in the transition, who are deeply concerned about some of the agencies they are stepping into having been gutted, not having had steady leadership over the past several years, Homeland Security alone has had a lot of turnover at the top during the Trump Administration, theyre very worried about not being able to see through some of the things that they know, there is bipartisan support for. The clear example of that is Something Like family separation. You look back at one of the cruelest policies of the Trump Administration, there was unanimous consensus that this is something that does not represent the American People. It has to be mixed. President biden said he wants to put together a task force right away to continue to reunit the families who remay separated. The hundreds of family who remain separatedded to this day. Experts told me Something Like this will be one of the first big tests for the Biden Administration f they are unable to get congressional con sen shus consensus, to get the suort thed need to push through and see through Something Like this, it does not bode well for some of the other big plans they have for the years ahead this will be a central issue to watch early on. Amna ma waz there on the mall doing much more than reporting on the mall, following the issue of imgraying for us the policy of separatek families at the border for the last three, four years. Amna, you have enlightened us time and again on this and it is such an important reminder that this is going to be an early test of what this president is able to do. Nick schifrin you are on the streets of washington, i feel funny saying on the street, out on the streets but that is where you are. Monitoring security in a way you have done as a Foreign Correspondent for many years. Yes, sadly a little too family. We are about a mile or so northeast of where amna is, and ask you see not only police tape right next to me but the fences and razor ware above that. Beyond those fences, judy as we have been talking about so often, there is a level of deterren, unpress donted show of force. 25,000 plus National Guard closures, of not only these streets around us but the bridges, i just got a text from the city reiterating that the bridges in and out of d. C. Actually remain closed and restrictions on protestors. Earlier, right around here there was a bit of a faceoff between protrump and probiden protestors. No violence, just some yelling. We talked to some of those protestors just recently. And that was about it today. We visited a quote unquote free speech zone that was set up for protestors and it was completely empty. That will give you the sense of how much restriction, how many, the inability really for protesters to get through this security. And thats as it was designed, judy, as we talk about. The military, the city, the Biden Transition Team all wanted to make sure that that unbroken commitment to a peaceful transition happened today. And that meant this unprecedented show of force throughout this city. That extended to capitols. You were just talking to Governor Whitmer. My colleagues have been following the capitols throughout today and really there has been very ttle, very small protests, a lot of security, including in michigan. Governor whiter in whitmer deployed the National Guard to lancing outside the State Capitol there. Many governors deploying National Guards and really seeing very few people come out. And the expertthat were all talking to point out to a few things. One the fbi hit the alarm a few days ago and said look, there will be armed protests on the 17 and today. And then that increased the security. Two, the protestors themselves seeing some of this military presence saying it is not worth it and so the military back here, just to bring it back to washington d. C. , is saying look, this is what we wanted to happen. Yes, a lot of troops, a lot of security that meant very few protestors that meant no spectators on the mall, but it also meant that this day, this absolutely vital day for democracy passed without incident both in d. C. And in capitols around the country. But as you have been pointing out, judy, the threat of right wing extremism goes on and many of the senior biden officials who will take over these agencies know that and are focused on that. Nick schifrin reminding us of how huge a role preparation played in keeping this day as safe as it has been up until now. It is now about a little after 3 30 in the east. And as we have been talking to nick and listening to nick we see President Bidens limousine, the president ll limousine there paused in front of the Treasury Department. They just turned off 15th street and they are now on pennsylvania avenue. We were told, we have been told they had planned a military escorted walk by the president and the first lady from where they are right now to the white house. Their New Residence but they are holding inside the car. We dont know what thats about. Whether that is a phone call that he is on in the car or there is some other reasonful i can imagine there are a the lo of people who want to reach him on the phone to wish congratulations but im purely guessing and speculating which is always dangerous to do. Were going to keep watching this because we do want to see as he makes his way into the white house for the first time as president of the United States, and as we do that, lets go back to our Yamiche Alcindor. Yamiche, im talking to you but we have another eye on President Biden at the same time. Well judy, im talking to you and listening to you. And i have an eye right over my shoulder because im waiting for all these military officials to get a view of the president and Vice President walking into the white house for the first time. This will be the culmination of todays events but really it is the culmination of 48 years of Public Service for joe biden. This was not a moment that came easy to him. He had a lot of tragedy in his life. He had that, of course, really tough primary season. But he was able to pull through, really by leaning in saying that he was going to heal the soul of this nation, exposing himself. Saying that he is someone who understands losing people that he loved in the middle of the pandemic, understands heartbreak, understands losing his wife, his young daughter, his son beau who he said would be the person that he thought would be president of the United States. You talked a lot to your guests about cory booker about the incredible pressure that Vice President harris faces. First the pressure joe biden faces, when he walks into these doors of this new lee cleaned white house, he is walking into a building where aides of his are already at work, where people are already in the offices having meetings about covid19 because they realize that without getting that pandemic under way they can really do no other work. And all the other work that they have and want to do. The other thing is you are talking about Vice President harris being the first black woman, first south asian, first woman to hold the job of Vice President. I recall talking to her about that moment, about being a first. She has been a first in so many different ways, with the California Attorney general and so many ways, she told me that her mother taut her the number one thing approximate being first is not to be the last. To continue to pull women up. And you see her, have her office filled with women, carol mosely braun, the first black woman to serve in the senate, she was also reflecting on vase president harris. And she said one of the first things she felt was that incredible pressure. She said s was surprised by all the expectations on her shoulders. I tell you judy, when both of them walk into this white house, there are so many expectations because this is a country that is struggling. Woodruff enormous expectations coming off the controversy and the deficit and the strife of the last four years. Where you were a supporter of President Trump or not a supporter, a journalist, the name of the, really the identity of these last four years has been controversy, has been strife, has been disagreement, yut right conflict, political and otherwise. Were continuing to watch President Bidens limousine move closer to the white house. We were told he was going to walk. Now it looks as if he is staying in the car a little bit longer. I believe hes pulled up closer to what is called the east gate of the white house which makes it a shorter walk. Still a walk if he is going to the Northwest Gate which is a little farther along, closer to where yamiche is standing there on the white house grounds. But it looks as if he is moving closer and we are watching as he moves very carefully guarded by secret service and the much, much security around him. We know there is a military escort that was going to be part of this next tableau if you will, as we watch this Inauguration Day play out. There wont be a parade. That had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, because of security concerns, it was already going to be cancelled but now there is nothing. Instead there will be a series of performances that will appear online and well direct you to that when it gets under way. Oh, we are carrying it on tv, im being reminded. It is not just online. We will show that on television once the president goes into the white house. Michael beschloss, historian who joins us only on important days and at important moments. We dont know what is going on inside the car but we assume it is a good reason this walk has been delayed a little bit. Tell us what you are thinking, taking in, soaking in today. Well you know, if you came from another planet and saw what was happening today, you would know that things had changed very much from previous inaugurations. Here we have the new president getting out of the car near the white house. Shall i keep on talking or would you like some quiet for a moment. Woodruff no, you keep on talking, you can describe what is going on and give us a little Historical Perspective at the same time. Sure, the new president is getting out of his car which is now adays called the beast. President s have been using automobiles since thee door Roosevelt Theodore roosevelt in 19023 who took his firth ride in hartford, connecticut, and since then have become more and more armoured especially after the time of john f. Kennedy assassination of 1963. But the scene that we are seeing shall judy, is a sub suit for what we usualliee see at inauguration which is the new president and his spouse and his family walking into the white house not from the car but from the parade viewing stand, as you know there is usually an inaugural parade that goes past the white house, down pennsylvania avenue, oftentimes lasts for hours and the new president and family usually watch it for a long time and then only once the parade is over do they go into the white house. Usually that scene is proceeded by something that we have seen since 1977. And that was when jimmy carter began this tradition of a president and first lady walking at least part of the way. So that is what we are seeing right now which is theyre walking down a little piece of pennsylvania avenue which is fairly safe because its well guarded. In 1977 when jimmy and roslny carter which you remember from covering them and knowing them very well at the time, when they walked down pennsylvania avenue at the capitol, they walked for Something Like about a mile. And there were crowds along the way and people were shouting. Theyre their walking was a huge surprise. Now it has been made into almost a part of the ceremony. And so you now see the president and first lady walking down, are they on pennsylvania, judy . Woodruff yes, they are, chael, they are right across, right now, hes going over to say hello to the press. He is saying hello to al roker of nbc which is a tradition. President s and Vice President s tend to do that. So he is now coming back. Woodruff now coming back and going, heading toward what we call the Northwest Gate. This is where the press typically comes and goeses at the white house. Michael, this is a day that is fraught with steeped in tradition as you say and yet that tradition has shifted over time, hasnt it. It sure has. Because you know going back to carter in 1977, everyone felt fine in letting him walk for about a mile even though it was only 14 years after John Kennedys assassination. Ever since then the walk has gotten shorter and shorter because the Security Threats were greater. And i think the headline on the scene that were looking at is that even despite of all the Security Threats that exist today in the wake of the january 6th attack of two weeks ago, you have a president and first lady and their family walking in public, outside the car, taking a risk to show that our american democracy is undaunted. And arguably on the most protected street in america right now. Pennsylvania avenue between 15th street and 17th street. Those two blocks where the white house sits, where the Treasury Department sits. Veryvery protected area. Here we see, lets see if we can hear anything. President biden running over to the president. He may be the oldest president ever to take office at the age of 78. People keep reminding us older even than Ronald Reagan at the age of 69 and donald trump at 70. But he can speed it up. Here we go, hes talking to reporters. Maybe we will hear a little bit of this, but maybe not. All right, that was mayor Muriel Bowser of washington, that wasnt the press but it was somebody who wasnt part of the family. As Michael Beschloss has been saying, we are watching the new president , members of his immediate family, his children, his grandchildren children, all there in the group. And some of their significant others. There you see hunter biden with his wife and their baby. Now here he is. President biden going over to say hello to some children. Were trying to get a look. The sun is in his eyes, maybe as he goes in that direction. Its were trying to figure out what to make of this because as were all saying, it is a break for tradition. There is no parade there is no reviewing stand am but they wanted a semblance of it. They wanted a little bit of a walk. So he is walking these two blocks, making his way from 15th, almost over to 17th street before they turn. Right now theyre starting to turn. This is what is called the Northwest Gate. Those gates are usually closed, slammed shot shut. And you have to show credentials and give blood, not really, before you go into the white house. But the doors are open. The gates are open and yamiche, you are there, you are going to try to throw him a question, yamiche, pick it up. She may be not able to hear me because of all the noise. Now we see President Biden for the first time, here we go, first lady, dr. Jill biden walking, their first walk up to the white house. Their new home for the first time as president and first lady. They have clearly spent a lot of time at this place. He was Vice President for eight years under president obama. He came there many times as a United States senator for 36 years. Starting in 1972. This is a place hes familiar with. But he will get to know it now in a very different way as the occupant of the white house. Will not only have an office there in the west wing which he did as Vice President , he will be living there with his wife. And perhaps some of the members of family. It looks like the press is trying to get him to say something. Lets listen, lets see. I think i just hear the Biden Advance Team yelling lets move, lets move. Its just before, 10 minutes before eastern time. And military, he wont get this kind of reception every time he arrives at the white house but is he certainly getting it today. Followed by the press, closely by the press. Who will become identified with this administration. I dont remember another president having this kind of a walk right up to the door. I mean well see which door he goes in he is walking up towards the west wing which is the official working end of the white house. And they call it the north portico. Well see if he goes there or does he walk over to the residence. But we know he has some business to conduct. There are supposed to be documents, now they are walking up im sorry, the main building, the center of the white house, what is called the north rt ico. They passed by the west wing and now they are at the center of the white house. You will see coming up the stairs and walking in the door for the first time. Got to be a little bit of emotion with this. Woodruff hail to the chief, god bless america, yal itch alcindor, thats music that joe biden will get used to hearing, isnt it. That is the mus thaik joe biden will get used to hearing. This is the moment that he has been waiting for, for 48 years. Here is he, a new day at this white house that has seen so much chaos, that has seen so much division, now is he here to usher in a new administration, one that is going to be focused on both the covid19 pandemic as well as the racial reckoning of our country, as well as the Climate Change issues that are before us. He is going to be a president that has some big expectations on him and some big things to to solve including the fact that he is going to be trying to rebuild our alliances, this is a building, of course, that President Biden is very familiar with, because of course he served as Vice President for eight years, but now he is coming in a new roll with his people, with his message, with his to do list. This is also a moment that feels like a sigh of relief for a lot of americans. This was a white house before in his predecessor, that was really turned uide down, that had so many norms broken, but now he is walking into this white house, with the sort of traditional view of this white house, also recognizing that he is going to have to try to unify a country that is still so,ot only deeply divided but in some ways traumatized by the events that weve seen in the last few wee which of course two wednesdays ago, the attack on the capitol, one wednesday ago, President Trump impeached for a second time and now this wednesday, President Biden walked into this white house with a completely new era in american politics. Woodruff Yamiche Alcindor reporting on the president. She will begin to cover, as of right this minute, after four years of covering the trump presidency. Yamish, we are watching some pictures house as the motor said motorcade with other dignitaries, perhaps the Vice President and others making its way towards the white house as well. Were going to ask all of you who are watching now that joe biden and First Lady Jill Biden are safely inside the white house, were going to ask you to stay with us, please. Im going to be stepping away to prepare for the pbs newshour but we ask you to stay right where we are. We are going to continue to broadcast this unique virtual parade with all 50 states represented. Were told that 50 states and the territories hosted by actor tony goldwin who played the president on the show scandal. Hes going to be hosting it. Jon stewart is involved. We know who he is. The band earth wind and fire and much more. Were going to take a break. We hope will you join us again. We have another newshour special starting at 8 00 tonight, a virtual concert and event. The Inauguration Committee is calling celebrating america. We hope will you join us there and on the newshour coming up soon. Thank you so much for joining us. Were so delighted that you were able to catch up with us and we will hopefully catch up with you later. So if you will, its time to kick off for the first time in our nations history an god willing, the last time we wont be able to be together. Here it is. Our virtual parade aCross America. Im tony goldwin, have i got to tell you i played a president on tv a few years ago and i never got a parade from shonda reims, anything like the one you will see today. As jon stewart noted our parade aCross America features americans from across the country. Joining us from their hometowns, in fact, over the next hour or so you will see participates and performers from all 50 states in every u. S. Territory honored to be part of this day committed to the ideal of an America United. Simply put, it is a virtual road show. Weve got marching bands, baton and flag twirlers, dancers, equistrian, drill team, musical performances as well as tributes to some of the American Heroes living right next door to us who have been making a difference in their communities during this terrible pandemic. Americans united on this historic day. Even though it is a bit different, this parade remains faithful to its most treasured and beloved traditions and one of those traditions is a performance by a group of musicians who have been featured at every inauguration for almost a century. We are the United States coast guard band in connecticut. We are honored to have performed in every inauguration since 1929. The coast guard band is here today representing the United States coast guard and the department of Homeland Security. We are a Community Based organization that helps kids lake me achieve our dreams. When he advice sited our home state he invited us for the celebration. I met joe and i know that he cares about making opportunities for everybody in america. Congratulations President Biden were the Culver Academy black horse troop he quest are recent from indiana and this will be the 18th inaugural parade were participating in dating back to president wilsons first inauguration in 13. Today we have 71 members and 67 horses joining us. Congratulations, mr. President and madame Vice President. Hello america, we are go to for the school in italy. Here nearly 70,000 militaryconnected kids and 150 schools around the world. Schools in 11 countries, seven states and two territories. There are more than 50,000 of us overseas, wherever our parents serve, we serve too. On behalf of all of us, we would like to say welcome aboard to our new command are and chief President Biden and Vice President harris. As part of our parade aCross America, we are shining a spotlight on local heroes from different states and different backgrounds who went above and beyond to support their friends, and to strengthen their communities during this challenging past year of the covid19 pandemic. For me, each of these heroes next door demonstrates the spirit, the resilience, the compassion and the caring of our people. Our first hero is from georgia. Hey jason, how are you doing . Good, how about you mr. Ben thorp. My name is jason. I am 7th grade, and i am 12 years old. And i have been playing the trumpet since fourth grade. My name is karen, and jason is my son. I came across this video of this trumpet player from the new york filharmonic playing off his rooftop, i think it was right after shift change, we happened to live across from the hospital so i suggested is this something he might want to try to do. My mom asked do you want to come and play for the hospital here. And i said yeah. And then we came back the next day. I wanted to come play at the hospital because i wanted to give the hospital workers and people a bit of joy at the end of their day. One of my favorite things from playing at the hospital was the ambulances driving by and flashing their lights and also the people in the parking deck waving and saying great job. It was really always his decision. That commitment that he showed to show up here 100 days just gives me this immense sense of pride as his mother. Doesnt matter how old you are, you can make your community better. When i first heard jasons sorry story i knew i wanted to connect with him. Never in a million years did i think that whether st in the concert hall or up here from rooftop to rooftop or from new york to atlanta, seemingly small gesture would have such an impact and travel so far. It looks like you are over at the hospital, where you have been playing trumpet for awhile. Yeah, i am. Ever since i saw you play there i wanted to play a duet with you. What do you think, should we do it . Yeah. Lets make it happen. applause we are the massachusetts vet reasons foreign wars honor guard paying secial tribute to the greatest generation of world war ii and the newest greatest generation of todays allvolunteer United States armed forces. The freedom and opportunities we enjoy are thanks to their sacrifice. We salute our commander in chief, the 46th president of the United States. Joseph r biden. Present arms. We are proud to be part of the 2021 parade aCross America. Mark time. March, forward march. Welcome to de moins iowa, we are the drilling drum korp. Within were based in durham, North Carolina where we perform all aCross America. We are the sun show. Like america we come from all over. So really we are one united place. We are off to a great start and we have a lot of excitement ahead with more music, different performers from across the country, shoutouts to our new president and Vice President , and salutes to some more heroes theks door. You know, every big parade has dancers and drill teams, right . Well our next performers are a combination. A dancing drill team that has toured around the world. The killgor college rangerrettes are proud to represent texas and the red, white and blue. Snoalt. From texas lets get united, america. applause we are the native american women warriors. The nations first allfemale native american color guard. Our mission is to recognize Women Veterans that have served in our Americas Armed forces, especially those that like us of naltive descent. We are here today from across the country for this historic event. Congratulations, President Biden and Vice President harris. Now here you go again. You say you want your freedom. Well who i am i to keep down. Its only right. They used to play the way you feel it. But listen carefully. To the sound. Of theliliness like a heartbeat drives you mad. In the stillness of remembering. What you had it. And what you lost. And what you had had. And what you lost. We are the Fire Department of new york city, Emergency Medical Services pipes and drums. We are honored to be marching in the parade aCross America. applause e are the Devlin High School marching band from denver, colorado. It is the honor of our lives to celebrate our democracy and the inauguration of our country. Stand united, america. cheers and applause from philadelphia, the only to troop to represent all boy scouts from 2009 to 2013 inauguration of president obama and Vice President joe biden. So in keeping with our tradition of joining the parade when joe biden is being inaugurated, we wanted to be part of the day honoring him and Vice President harris. Right now we have a very special could lap raise coming from two different locations. Overlooking the black lives matter mural in hollywood is grammy nominee andrew dayn she is joined by an amazing 10 yeen old skater caitlin sawnders who performed her routine in black lives matter plaza in washington d. C. Living life on a merrygoround and you can find a fighter. Were going to walk it out. Were going to work it out walk it out. And ill rise up. Ill rise like the day. I will rise up. Ill rise una afraid. Ill rise up. And ill do it a thousand times again. And quieted and it feels like its getting harder. And i know you feel like dying. But i promise you, take the world. The way you do it to me. And ill rise up. High like the waves. I will rise. In spite of the age. Ill rise up and ill do it a thousand times again. All we need. All we snowed need. Hope. And for that we have each other. And nor that we have each other. We will raise we will rise. Well rise. I will rise up. I will rise gen. I will rise up. High like the waves. I will rise again and again and again. Rise again i will. Hi, were the cloggers from North Carolina. Congratulations. Whooo. We are the to presidt bidens home sta of delaware. The strength of our nation comes from the rich diversity of the culture of the American People. And we are so honored and proud to share this performance with you today. Congratulations, mr. President. And madame Vice President. We are hockey players from the new hampshire. Lead by the university of new hampshires mascot. And we are thrilled to be in the parade aCross America. And congratulations President Joe Biden. And congratulations to Vice President harris. My gosh, those were some amazing artists. Okay, our second hero next door is a fifth generation textan, a teacher, without truly lives our Cross America theme. To make her lessons come to life for her students she took a road trip aCross America to show them the very places where historic moments happened. Here is kathy clark. Mi a High School Teacher in austin, texas. And in july when i realized we would start the school remotely, i took the opportunity to take off and teach history from places where it happened. This morning im in jamestown. The students would tune in every day and just sort of see what my background was for that day. And it was a way for them really to see the history is so important, it still mat ares it is not just in the pages of aye text book. This is yorktown, would not have won the war would it not for the help of the french. Right back there they cut off the bridge. Cornwallis had to surrender. Boom, america born. Thank, france. I was able to teach lessons to my High School Kids about society, about how america is still changing. Were still in a process. Its been fun for the spotlight to be on teacher as close the country who are working so hard to really make education happen. And productive, even though were doing it during a pandemic. Were there for each other and we can be there for each other and i think that was pretty much the message. We are mariachi from las vegas proud to represent nevada in the parade aCross America. Although he cant perform together we prepared a special performance for you. singing in spanish and to President Biden and Vice President harris, felicidade. Now lets watch Vice President harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff entering the north grounds of the white house making their ways toward the north portico to make their first entrance into the white house as Vice President and second gentleman of the the United States of america. Well, that was historic. A number of todays participates have been in more than two previous inaugural parades. In fact there is a participant today who has been in six. And his colleague has been in five. They are jack and tommy, two horses who have culver, academy. This years parade features several equistrian groups with a long history of performing for our nations president. Joining us for their fourth appearance at an inauguration is michigans multijurisdictional mounted Police Drill Team with their second appearance are members of the american side saddle association, and culver academies is making their 18th appearance. Now i learned a lot doing my inauguration research. For example i learned that Thomas Jefferson road his own horse to the capitol. Andrew jackson arrived at his ceremony on a horsedrawn carriage. While lincolns carriage was escorted by civilians on horseback. And once again horses and their riders are adding a imaginestry and grace to this quad ren yal event. With us next on our parade aCross America are some of the talented stars of the Ryan Martin Foundation which is part of the National Wheelchair basketball association. Theyre joined by elana deladorn from the wnbas mystics and fbas grant hill and chris paul. This has been a time where weve all had to koafer yom challenges. Where weve all had to adopt to what life throws at us. But our american spirit allows us to have hope. It allows us to brag much and joining us for the parade aCross America are the basketball stars the Ryan Martin Foundation. Im grant hill and thats quite a scene. And so is this, congratulations, mr. President and madame Vice President. Lets get united, america. Aloha. We are sharing with you about the inspiration, the beginning and the growth of the future, and for us they Work Together to bring forth all these new beginnings working together. We offer this oli chant to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Within im paula davis from the state of maryland representing all the families of our nations fallen heroes. The tragedy is a program for survivor. Our mission is to provide hope and healing. And just as they serve our nation, we are here to serve them. We are together, united in solidarity with military survivors kruing the biden family. I honor my brother, major andrew bye ares. I honor my battle buddies. I honor my husband. Our dad, major. I am captain isaac fields. We are United States marine corps silent drill practice toon. Plat on. Semper fi. We are here to represent puerto rico. speaking spanish . That means we aoure regardless of the language, we all believe that we are better when we unite together. Earlier in our parade my friend jon stewart got to spend a few minutes with an American Hero who brought joy and comfort to those who needed it this past year. So i loved watching his videos and if im lucky some day soon he will teach me how to dance. So lets spend some time with a truly amazing doctor. Hi, im jason campbell, a resident physician in portland, oregon. You might better know me as the tiktok doc. Right before the pandemic started i actually had met with a medical student and she noted while there is this app called tiktok. She said you lip sync and kind of dance and new songs and curate this joy, basically, if are you good at it. Next thing i know, 500,000 views, 750, one million and i thought huh, well, i think people liked it. And so it actually started with the idea to reach back to the community, to reach back to a young black boy and say hey, if you like to dance, if you like to do things outside the classroom, keep that going but you can also be a physician one day. If i can leave you with anything today, its going to be that we ne to be together apart. We need to be safe, we need to distance but we also need to still be together, now is not the time to be isolated. A time to reach out, a time to ask for help, a time to be the for others, to give help, to lend a hand. Im incredibly grateful to all of those who have done their part to bring joy and hope to their communities. I do my hair toss. Check my nails. Baby how you feeling. Feeling good as hell. Hair toss. Check my nails, baby how you feeling. Feeling good as hell. Renegade, regade, renegade. Go. Go. Go. Go, go. I hit the lottery. Proud to represent we are inspired by women like Kamala Harris. Were united. I coming to you from the indian reservation, these are the arapahoe and soshone dancers. Ness now there are some people who believe that crop circles are the work of mysterious aliens, not for me to say, but i do know that the crop designs wes about to showcase are the work of some extraordinary artists from right here on planet earth, in the past the circle project has created images of President Biden, Vice President harris, and the late congressman john lewis. So lets head to kansas, to take a look at what stan herd and team have created for us today. Drop your left and drag your right. Do it till you get it right. Were the flying lady tigers. Dedicated to serving our community and our nation. Proud to be celebrating america. Sound off. U. S air force. U. S. Air force. U. S. Air force. Z wfng ladies and gentlemen, my name is cj cassidy and i would like to welcome you all to toss the mic coming to you live from the parade aCross America where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This is brought to you by my musical heroes and dedicated to the every day heroes around our great nation. Lets come together. You ready . Im ready. You ready. Ready. You ready. Ready, cass. Lets sing. When you feel down and out. Sing a song it will make you dance. Its time to shout. I request feel the love. Sometimes its hard to care. Say what. Get the point. Quers going to sing. Were going to love. Sing a song. Sing a song. Were going to sing. Sing a song. Were going to love. Sing a song. Break it down. Sing a song a day you will find a better way. Yeah yeah yeah. Hey nile. Hey cass, whats up. Feels like were coming to the, right. Got it, brother. This right here is a celebration. A celebration of our democracy our resilience and our spirit. A celebration of the every day heros who make our nation great. Because teamwork makes a dream work. Now no matter where you are, no matter who you are. Were all one big family. I want to invite people from around the country to sing around, ready . Yeah, im ready, cass. Here we go, lets sing. We are family. I got all my sisters and me. Letsome together now. We are family. And sing it with me. Get up everybody and sing. A little louder now. We are family. Around the countryside. I got all my sisters and me. Lets kosm together snow. We are family. And sing it with me snoalt get up everybody and dance. Look so beautiful out there. Everyone can be together. And and weve flock. Just like birds of a feather. I dont tell no lie. Oh. Is all of the people. All the people now. Around this nation. I want to hear you sing. Just let me say for the record. Were getting love. Lets go lets go. We are family. Sing it to me. I got all my sisters with me. We are family. Oh i can hear you yal get up everybody and. Sing. Now i want to thank the washington chorus and church choir, in and so manies fore singing a wrongk maya, ktee and rock, and. My name is dj cassidy and this is pass the mic, from my maws kal heros to the every day heros across the country, to President Biden and Vice President harris, one love, share love, spread love. One more time. We are family. I gt all my sisters and me. Were having fun. We are family. Get everybody and sing. Okay so now lets head to charleston, South Carolina to shine the spotlight on another hero next door. She serves in the United States air force and in addition to her service in the military, she has been working long hours serving her neighbors neighbors in charn sewing masks to be used by front line workers, including a nurse whom she knows pretty well. Her mom. Her is Master Sergeant carrie ann thomas. I cant think of a time where i have called out for help or support that the people in the military have not been there. My mom is a hospice nurse. And ppe was strained across the country. I was set to deploy in the spring. So i was moree more worried about her than i was about me. I was going to use a sewing machine and learn how to make masks. I took to social media. A lot of people asked for my moms address and they started to send her masks from around the world. No one wants a pandemic but if you have to go through t you want to go through it with a strong community. On behalf of Joint Base Charleston here in the low country of South Carolina, were proud to serve and we like to welcome our new commander in chief. From spring spheeldfield, ohio, we are proud to represent ohio and pat raid aCross America. cheers and applause . Greetings from the islands of the United States. We congratulate president joseph r biden. And Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration. Sending our best wishes to the administration and our great nation. Founded on the principles of life, liberty, equality and justice for all. Okay, as soon as it is safe, that is where i am going on my next vacation. Our final hero ne door tribute is to an extraordinary woman from idaho. She and her friends are part of a Community Service musical comedy Performance Group called the red hot mamas. They range in age from 30 to over 80. They are stong, they bring joy through dance, they triumph over the challenges of life and theyve joined together to entertain their neighbors and all of us. My name is mickey stevens. And i am the originator and director of the Fabulous Group called the red hot mommas. We are a musical comedy Entertainment Group focusing on Community Service. We are dedicated to the exploitation of merriment and the enhancement of. The ridiculous. As for me, i have had a medically incurable form of nonhodgkins lymphoma called fol icu lar lymphoma. So i have been in and out of treatment for ten years. I just will not quit. So being challenged like that has made me more sensitive and i flat out want to bring joy. The most rewarding thing we did during this covid time is we performed outside assisted living shows, singing and dancing and hootin and hollering. One lady yelled you are just what we needed around here. Come on back. Come on back. Shine on, no matter what, no matter how. All right, im the lead singer from the new radical, a band member over 20 years ago before asecond single was even released so when we heard you get what you get was a family anthem we pledged to show that when we get together an play our little song both in memory and in honor of our new president s patriot son beau and also being able to bring our country together. Joe, kamala, this ones for you. Wake up kids. We got the dreamers disease. Age 14 snroat we got you down on your knees. Show a lot. Were busy still playing please. You cant light. You feel your dreams are dying you got the music in you. Dont let go. You got the music in you. Dont give up. You got a reason to live. Cant forget. We only get what we give. Give it to me now. Ran a miracle mile. Then we do it in sty. When the night is falling. You cannot find a prayer. You got the music in you. Dont let go. You got the music in you. Dont give up. Hes got a reason to live. Cant forget. You only get what we give. Dont let go. I feel the music in you. You only get what you give. Youre going to get what you as we all know, the summer olympics that were scheduled in 2020 were moved to later this year due to the pandemic, so like many of us, those olympic athletes saw their dreams deferred. But they are resilient, and they are continuing to train, because their dreams will not be denied. Joining us are three of our olympic stars, two summer olympians, track star Allison Felix and swimmer katie ledecky, 2018 went olympics medal winner nathan chin. This is an every four year i vent, an event that connects and units americans. No matter who you are or where youre from we are honored to be here today as athletes who are resilient and strong just like the nation of people we represent. Lets unite america. We are the 81st redness division from south carona. We are the south Shore Drill Team and performing arts from illinois, an Entertainment Group with a focus on education. Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it can you feel it can you fel it can you feel it can you feel it can you feel it oh, man. It is hard to pick my favorite moment from this virtual parade aCross America, but there next segment has got to be at the top to have the list, we call it our dance aCross America. Over 1600 people from across the country of all ages, ethnicities and cultures submitted videos of themselves dancingshwing the unbridled enusiasm and freedom of the american spirit, it perfectly represents the coming together of the americanpeople on this historic day, created by the legendary director and choreographer kenny ortega and featuring dancers from 30 states and two u. S. Territories, here is dance aCross America. Calling ought around the world are you ready for a brandnew week summers here and the time is right for dancing in the st streets dancing in chicago down in new orleans in new york city all we need is music sweet music there albe music everywhere therll beng, records playing dancing in the street oh, it doesnt matter what you wear just as long as you are there so come on every guy grab are girl everywhere around the world theyll be dancing theyre dancing in street its just annvitation across the nation a chance for folks to meet therell be laughing, singing, music swinging dancing in the street philadelphia p baltimore and d. C. Now cant forget the motor city all we need is music, sweet music therell be music everywhere therell be swinging, swaying and records playing e street oh, it doesnt matter what you wear just as long as you are there so come on, every guy grab a girl everywhere around the world dancing theyre dancing in the street this is an invitation across the nation a chance for folks to meet therell be laughing, singing and music swinging, dancing in the street. Wo every day, theyre danci the stre ingnet get in time with dancing in the street across the ocean blue, me and you as weve seen throughout todays celebration in communities large and small, the american spirit il itgls our people. A hopeful reminder as we commit ourselves to our goal of an America United. Later tonight, our America United celebration will continue, so make sure to watch what promises to be another historic moment in a day full of them. On behalf of President Biden, Vice President harris, the president ial inaugural committee, todays performers and participants, thank you for being part of this countrys 59th inaugural parade, the parade aCross America. These are your stories, about what its like to grow up and grow older right now. Each of us are affected in our ownifferent ways, and i just find that interesting. Im 94, and i lived through a lot. Follow a teenager anxious to get her life back on track. I need friends. The main thing that im doing is trying to stay ahead of the game. An 80yearold seizing hemoment. What do i have to lose . And stories filmed by people like you, from age 13 to02 on generation nation a pbs american portrait story. This program was made pos by e. By a grant from. And by contributions to your pbs station by viewers like you. Thank you. Pbss american portrait. Is a National Storytelling project. Where everyone in america is invited. To share their stories. To understand different perspectives. To really give a complete and total picture of who we are. In a way media has never connected us before. And all you need to do is fill in the blank. My American Dream is. I was raised to believe. A days work is. At this point in my life. At this point in my life. At this point in my life. Im 13. Im 14 years old. Im 16 years old. Im 17 years old i am looking for new ways to grow and expand. Im 21 years old. At the young age of 22. A lot of things are very uncertain. And so far, im just keeping an optimistic outlook on life. Im in my mid30s. I feel a lot of pressure. At age 47. Im defined by uncertainty. Im now 50. Im 54 years old. I feel like everythings been leading me here. I will be 63 years old. I am 65 years old. Im comfortable in my own skin. Im now 70 years old. Im 75. I feel that i am approaching my apex. I just turned 80. Im 87 years old. I have learned each day is so precious. Im 90 years old. I am so thankful for the friends ive had and being with my family. Those were all good and happy times. At this point in my life, i am 15 years old. I am a sophomore in high school. And i just really want to go back to school. [ razor motor whirring ] oh, thats okay. [ both laugh ] there you go. Oh, my god. W cut. Thank you. Wow. Turn around. Let me see. Oh, whoa. Wow i didnt notice. I like it. About just the range of what schooling looks like for people and parents. Eaynterting cause im having those exact conversations but with the kids. Right. My computer. Heres my workbook. And then, the pandemic hit. Okay. And i just i didnt do as well. I didnt make good grades. Which bowl do you want . Which color . At home, i had to watch my little siste so i missed about half of my classes. Tickle these arms not doing well in school and struggling with school. cause, like, its my job right now. Im 15. Im in high school. Its my job to be good at school. Which is g,oing to be starting soon. How you feeling about a space over there to work . Yeah. So, we were talking about rearranging my room, so that half of my room would be set up for my room purposes and half of my room would be set up for school purposes. You can also potentially rely on us. Right, but yall work. It feels so scary. [ sighs ] its like i dont know whats going to happen, and i dont know what its going to be like. Yeah, okay. At this point in my life, im still confused. But i think thats normal for a 13yearold girl thats still growing. Imbout to turn 17. I havent been able to see my friends for months. Im feeling very isolated. Its really super easy to get overwhelmed. But i believe that we can overcome it because we still have our lives to live. Have matured just in this year alone. I am more aware and driven than ive ever been before. Im more confident and stronger, i guess, as a person. Im just trying to figure out who i am and who i want to be. And what is waiting for me and its a little unsettling, because im 16, but im not ignorant. I know whats going on. Its just i didnt know how much was going on. And its a little scary. Eleanor roosevelt has a quote that says, beautiful young people are an accident of nature. Beautiful old people are works of art. Happy birthda yim a phothaognkrapher, and im ouabout. To turn 80. [ cork pops ] whoo even at 80, you see, youre still sucking on bones. [ laughing ] weve lived through many years of experiences, perspective, learning from mistakes weve made. And thats a beautiful thing about getting old. This ones called embrace. Thats what ive wanted to capture in my photos. Step to your left just a little so you get in the center. Yeah. I started photographing at age 32 or 33. When i grew up, it was expected that you get married and have children. I had one foot in the photo world and one foot in mothering, and i. That was the way it was. Ever since i started photographing, i have wanted to be published in a major publication, such as the New York Times, the washington post, publications that reach millions of people. Im starting to climb out from under my rock and giving myself the push. Also, turning 80 in a couple weeks, its like, what difference doest make . What do i have to lose . Right. Right. So, we have that to look forward to, with manrey s. Pprntu whose returns . Mine. Well, heres to your returns. And yours. Yes. [ chuckles ] and getting your stuff in. Yes. To the New York Times. Right. As a middleaged woman, i feel like, right now, that im up in the air, as far as my life. Usually, most middleaged people are their homes are paid for. Their life is on track. With me, im 51 years old. Im unemployed. And im just trying to stay ahead of the game. [ chuckles ] okay. Im going to get ready to finish prepping the rest of this dinner while my daughter makes jokes. El. Kay[ laughs ] to get ready to finish prepping i love being a parent. I love answering questions, giving them advice, giving them encouragement, telling them my little pearls of wisdom that i learned. And i always say, i love being your mom and thank you so much for coming out of my birth canal. [ laughs ] my son, hes autistic. You see my you see my critic. You happy about me cooking . Yeah. You happy about me cooking . My son also has hyperactivity disorder. I was afraid that if he had a episode where he was hyper and he was running, and, like, what if the cops see him acting this way . D soan, thafank goodness that wd the medication that will help him very much. So, we have to pay for our Health Insurance and all of that. Before the pandemic, i was working two jobs. I lost my jobs in march, and it was quite a blow. If you was a young person, it would be okay. Everything is a possibility. Youre willing to try new things. Youre not worrying about the risk involved or what you might lose. And youre not going gray. So now im living off of unemployment. Somethings going to have to be sacrificed. Roa a scary road. T poi in lif. As a 19yearold, going on 20yearold. I am 22 years old. I can feel the growing responsibilities and expectations. I want to explore new places, make new friends. And explore Different Things so that i can be more independent. When you hit your 20s, youre expected to figure out so much so fast. And the coronavirus is making that so fficult. I find myself speaking to you from my childhood bedroom. Im not where i thought id be after spending a lot of money on college. I have found myself needing to be resilient ds him nohit going to let ithis situation stop me. Im really just trying to be grateful for what i have and hopeful for this generation and people my age to make a change. My generation and myself are in a position of power where we can share information and really generate the change that we want. So, at this point in my life, its tough, to at r. Thishe point in my lif, im restless, but im ready. Its totally fine. Its fine. If the phone falls, its not my fault. No, its definitely my fault. Um. Im going back to school in a few weeks. I know you are. I told you it was going to fall. Ill just hold it. I told you. I told you. Its fine oh, my god. Its fine. Good freaking news i dont have to watch vivian while i do school this year. Thats already been decided that im not going to have to do that. But where is she going to go . Theyre going to do the mommy wakes up at 5 00 a. M. And starts working. Its going to be great. Hopefully. Maybe itll be great. Whatever. Were being optimistic. All right. Yes. And we need to get that shelf, and well just, like, move it over here. So, whats the goal here . [ laughs ] i like it a lot. Got that bookshelf entirely set up right there by my bed, but i actually really like it, cause i also move the other bookshelf next to it so its, like, totally sectioned off now, and i cant see my bed at all or my desk and, like, work area at all. So its all really nice, and. I dont know. Today was a good day. Schools soon. Exactly one week, which is really scary. But its okay. Ill figure it out, i guess. You want to telus a little bit about what you want to get out of todays critique . You know, how do i get it in the New York Times . How do i get it in time and newsweek . Your work is so good that i have no doubt that it will get published. So, the procedure is that i email them, and you have addresses and all that, so i could get it from you. Yeah. Why dont you write your email up. Do you use google docs . No. Do you know how to put your photographs into a pdf document . I just find it goes beyond the normal, so thank you, judy. Yay somethings going to click. I am going to get this work published. Welcome to this warmup workout. The goal is get you all warmed up for your lowerbody workout. Make atrayu his breakfast cause i know hes going to go cuckoo for coco pops. [ chuckles ] here you go. Dont forget to take oh. Yeah, put that in your mouth. Take that medicine, boy. When i lost my job in march, we could continue to receive our Health Insurance, but we would have to pay for it. God lord, i dont even know how much i even have in my account. Im scared to put it down. Do i have it to pay . Okay. Let me see. So, i have 400, and i have to pay 132. 64 for the medical. So, i really dont want to, but i need the medical. If i dont have that coverage, what am i going to do . What if something happens . It feels like if you have insurance,ike, itll its the thing between life or death. I dont even want to click pay. Pay. Yes, a success for you. [ sighs ] so, i did it, and i paid my insurance and i just feel like im holding on to some of my pride. At this point in my life. Being in the middle of my 30s. Early, late 30s. Im not just worrying about myself anymore. I am navigating being a firstme mom. Im tired all the time. Ive made some commitments that are beyond myself. This is on track to be my most difficult and rewarding year. So now, here i am. Gonna be turning 40. My workload has seemingly increased, but my demands at home have increased, too. Im teaching online. Im homeschooling our five kids. Not the time to be silly right now. Most of my days can be spent just putting out fires. 12hour shift. It pays the bills, and it takes care of my home, but i am not living to the fullest. At this point in my life. Im 48 years old. Im feeling overwhelmed. Taking care of my parents, who are in their 70s. Its just been quite a lot. At this point in my life. Im now 52, almost 53. Im just trying to keep things as normal as i can. And thoughts about if i have done enough and if im being successful and if i can do this. And i start going, oh, my goodness. I got this, this, this, this, this i need to accomplish now. Inside of me, i feel like im as young as no, i dont feel as young, but i feel vital still. I feel like i have a lot to add to the world, but i dont understand the internet. Never have. I understand enough. I can do my emails, and i can do my photographs. Im a digital photographer now. But i feel so stupid and so old when i dont understand the main means of communication. I didnt grow up with a cellphone in my hand. Its like im learning it, and that makes me embarrassed. And when im talking to younger people, i just feel like running away, because. Im not stup. Im an intelligent, knowledgeable woman. Its its part of getting old, and its part of learning to live with what you have, but its frustrating, and, um. Ill get there. Um. I realized something the other day. This is the longest ive been not going to school since i was like 2. Its been like six months since ive hugged any of my friends. Its hard. I dont ow. Ink about thgs. [ sighs ] but isnt my whole generation lonely and depressed . In order to not feel alone, i need people my age, and i dont have them. All right. Thats it, i guess. Being unemployed at 51 is pretty scary. I had a nightmare last night. I was in the building, and it was full of tigers and they were tearing up everybody and ripping them to shreds and everything. Andthilthgersngt me and my kids out of this e hungry tigers, getting us and ripping us apart. I said, im gonna just have to fight the tiger. And my body, mentally and physically, was prepared to do that, and then i woke up. Personified in a dream. s that were really in a tiger y,itteor like, where everybodys hungry. These bills and everything is coming up against us, and will our family be safe . Will we survive this house full of tigers at this point in my life. Entering my fif, sixth decade. Oh, my god. Im 60 1 2 years old. I dont even have anybody that im responsible for but me. Who and what gets my time, energy, aneffort is for me to reevaluate and say, hey, is it worth it . Its more about taking time to smell the roses. And let my overly burdened sulders and now, im at in my lie m[, spestaks sp anisnth ] excited to be here and looking forward to what the day brings. So, at the age of 67, going on 68. Im thriving. Im pushing 77 years young. I feel like i have several more chapters to go. Its been an amazing ride. Lets see what happens next. [ sniffles, breathes deeply ] its like, i dont know, 3 00, 4 00 a. M. I had a nightmare, and i failed all my classes, and everyone hated me, and i had no idea what was going on, and, yeah. [ sniffles ] its like this looming thing that everything has been leading up to, and. I just dont know if i can do it, you know . I just woke up, but i have to get up and go shower and stuff. Good morning. Good morning. First class, theres something wrong. We love this. Good. It was not as bad as i expected. I dont have a clue. It kind of helped me feel less lonely because, like, at least i was sort of talking to people and interacting, you know . I guess ill miss like actual interaction, but it did help some. And i think this year is gonna be okay. Think its, like, actually gonna be okay. Time to get up. Protesting time. The difference between my younger self and my older self now is that i like the older self. I like the older me. I can do what i want. But also, too, it gives you a strength mom, i love you so much, and im proud for what youre doing. Ready for the protest. Mwah. With the pandemic, with the unemployment, we were getting an extra 600. We wont have that. And thats all want to say is that i need the 600. We need our 600. We need it now. We worked f it. We pay for it. Give us our 600. And thats another reason why im the oldlady protester. Because this is my opportunity to do something that i didnt do its a fine day for a protest. Its nine days after i sent the letters to the edito, and ive heard from three. And all three of them were not interested. Rawl under my rock and hide. But i dont want to do that anymore. This i had the highest. I want to make it high and then print. So, i came in to check my emails today. I did get a very nice email from the de young. Thats a museum here in san francisco. I submitted two pieces, and i got one in and its this one thats part ng pictures of older people. Its a validation. A bigger validation. Im just so thrilled. I feel like i have a lot more years to go. I hope so. I am trying to love people and help people to love one another. At this point of my life. Im 93. [ speaks italian ] there was one more thing i want to see be everyone coming together, being peaceful, and just enjoying the good life. A may you have a wonderful, Beautiful Life like ive had. You should be part. Of pbs you shauseyo a pt amemero and americans need to listen to each other. Nd y can join by going to pbs. Org americanportrait. This program was made possible by. By a grant from. And by contributions to your pbs station by viewers like you. Anu. Vo youre watching pbs. Narrator funding for presentation of thisrogram is provided by. The freeman foundation. By judy and peter blumkovler foundation. Pursuing solutions for americas neglected needs. Viewers like yo, thank you. Woman and now, bbc world news