I'm old enough that I remember clearly the catchy ketchup jingle from the mid-late 70s, incorporating the Carly Simon song, "Anticipation." Setting aside the irony of its being a plug for Heinz Ketchup (and the connection, through marriage, to former Senator and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry), the tune instantly evokes images of people anxiously awaiting the emergence of ketchup from the bottle to dress up their burger and/or fries. 

If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm feeling a certain kinship to that little girl with her wire-rimmed glasses in the classic commercial below.

I'm also old enough that I've been alive for — and aware of — 13 previous Inauguration Days. (I was only four months old for Inauguration Day 1969, so I'm not counting that one.) As a kid of politically engaged parents, I always took some degree of interest in the proceedings, even if the person being sworn in wasn't my preference. 

But I don't believe I've ever looked quite so forward to an inauguration as I am to the one set for this coming Monday — and this is coming from someone who hasn't always been aboard the Trump Train. (I've detailed the evolution of my views on Trump previously, so won't belabor them here.) 

A huge part of that is relief at seeing Joe Biden exiting stage left and his presidency coming to an end — not that dissimilar to the huge sigh of relief (and commensurate enthusiasm bounce) from Democrat Party loyalists when he announced in July that he would no longer be seeking a second term. I expected not to appreciate his presidency — I didn't expect it to be nearly so bad as it's been. 

But an even larger part of that anticipation I'm feeling is recognizing that Trump 2.0 is a different creature than the one who took office eight years ago. Yes, older and wiser — and, I would argue, more philosophical and appreciative of the opportunity he's been given — but also with a seemingly clearer vision as to what he wants to accomplish and how — and through whom — he plans to do so. I'm genuinely pleased with the vast majority of his Cabinet picks, particularly as we've watched them begin to weather their confirmation hearings this week. 

Pam Bondi Deftly Handles Day One of Her Confirmation Hearing

Trump's Foreign Policy Priorities Come Into Sharp Focus at Marco Rubio's Confirmation Hearing

In some respects, it's probably easier to write about being the out-party — critical of the party in power and the negative impact an overtly progressive agenda is having and will have on our nation. That may also hold true for those who are elected — it's hard to govern, at least well. But Republicans — and, frankly, the American people — have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow through on the iconic Trump slogan: Make America Great Again. 

I'm eagerly looking forward to being able to write about what will hopefully be positive steps — great strides, even — for our country.

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