A Witness to History

And a deep dive into the box of political momentos.

I’m in complete awe of the U.S. Capitol Police, Secret Service, the Sergeant at Arms, the Architect of the Capitol and every other agency that pivoted so quickly to bring the inaugural ceremonies indoors. Watching it all unfold had me digging through that box—the one I swear I’m going to organize one day—until I uncovered this gem: a picture from 2001 on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, with my friend Rick Wright (along with a ball ticket from 2005).

We sat through freezing rain, endless speeches and mounting anticipation, waiting for President George W. Bush to take the oath of office and deliver his inaugural address. That moment, too, came on the heels of great national tumult. Election night 2000 didn’t give us a clear winner. Instead, it sent us all to Florida for a contentious recount. Remember hanging chads, butterfly ballots, Palm Beach County and Secretary of State Katherine Harris? It was the first time since 1888 that a candidate who lost the popular vote won the presidency.

It feels like a lifetime ago since my friend and I sat there witnessing history. But moments like these remind me how history has a way of offering perspective. It helps us understand the challenges we face, grounding us in the resilience we’ve seen before.

In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel like the challenges we’re facing are unprecedented. But looking back at that day in 2001, I’m reminded of how our democracy has weathered countless storms. The peaceful transfer of power, even amid tension and division, is a cornerstone of our nation. It’s a tradition worth safeguarding and celebrating, no matter the circumstances or compromises required to make it happen.

As I think about how much has changed since that day, I also see the constants—our resilience, our commitment to the ideals that bind us together and the extraordinary people working behind the scenes to ensure these traditions endure. It gives me hope that no matter what comes next, we’ll continue to find ways to adapt, persevere and honor the values that define us as a nation.