Their hero’s motorcade was just pulling up to the other side of the Capitol, but there was a clear surge of anticipation and electricity among Donald Trump’s supporters when rival Hillary Clinton first appeared on the giant television screens.
“There she is!” and “Look at her!” could be heard in the crowds thronging the Capitol grounds at the foot of the inauguration podium, but there were no boos or catcalls as Mrs. Clinton’s face appeared on the screen.
The failed Democratic nominee was there in her role as former first lady, and was accompanied by her husband, former President Clinton. The video feed shown to the crowds caught Mrs. Clinton a couple of times, looking wistful or sharing a quiet word with her husband.
But one of Mrs. Clinton’s most memorable campaign gaffes came back to haunt her when the inaugural announcer introduced her as “the Honorable Hillary Clinton” as she emerged from the Capitol and made her way to her seat.
Someone in the crowd drew a big laugh by remarking, “Did he say ’honorable’ or ’deplorable’?”
• David R. Sands can be reached at dsands@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.