msnbc’s Lawrence O’Donnell, who reported from the West Front Lawn of the Capitol, explains why this inauguration ceremony was so New York-centric. Although O’Donnell witnessed a wide spectrum of people that represents “the country we live in,” said that New York Senator Chuck Schumer represented his home state well as Chairman of the Congressional Inaugural Committee.
“Chuck Schumer had the Staten Island Choir here, had musicians from Brooklyn. And the reason for that is he occupies what is normally the least powerful chairmanship in the Senate – the Rules committee…which controls the inauguration. This is Chuck Schumer’s inauguration.”
Clare Kim