From lines of flag-waving Americans along the railroad tracks to a statue of Abraham Lincoln gazing down on a huge outdoor concert and hundreds of thousands filling the Mall for the inauguration, Barack Obama is projecting images designed to reinforce themes of his candidacy — and build his political strength in the Oval Office.
Along with a sense of historic moment and the possibility of renewed national unity, Obama’s aides have sought to convey above all one idea: His presidency is not the triumph of an individual politician but the embodiment of a huge, bottom-up social movement.
Whether the choreography achieves its goal and Obama succeeds with his ambitious policy agenda remain to be seen. But throughout the inauguration, his aides have tried to build his political strength by shaping the pictures that will linger in the minds of millions of Americans.
In effect, they have seen the occasion as an opportunity to encourage viewers’ sense of identification with the new president and his goals, and at the same time subtly warn potential opponents: Opposing Obama is to oppose a vast popular movement.
From the outset of his long-shot candidacy, Obama’s political team has shown a clear understanding of the value of crowds in generating excitement and defining Obama in the public mind.
Nowhere will that understanding be more apparent than when the 47-year-old president-elect becomes the first black man to raise his hand to take the oath of office as president on Tuesday. The vista before him may be as striking as the one on the platform.
Amid the stone and marble monuments of the National Mall, authorities expect the largest-ever gathering of the American people, a populist moment in a hallowed place that will be broadcast around the world. Two million people may be present.
The size of the inaugural crowd is not serendipitous. Almost as soon as Obama was elected, his aides announced that the entire Mall would be opened to the public for the inauguration. They arranged for Jumbotron TVs and encouraged supporters to converge on Washington.
An inauguration presents a rare moment to shape public perceptions of a new president at the outset of his administration. Three out of four Americans plan to watch the event, according to an ABC News poll released Monday.
But a mass showing at the inauguration also serves as a demonstration of support that sends a warning to those in Washington who would thwart Obama’s agenda.
And with an eye to the future, the Obama team, which effectively used big events as organizing tools during the campaign, has used the weekend to gather e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers from supporters for updates on events. The contact information can be used later for other purposes.
Likewise, the Obama team has stressed events that could nurture its grass-roots organization and stir participation among those not in Washington by incorporating locally driven satellite events.
Still, the inaugural events have focused on promoting hope for unity.
Obama marked the eve of his presidency with a series of bipartisan dinners, including one honoring his GOP rival, John McCain (R-Ariz.).
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In a nod to the environmental movement, planners promoted Obama’s inaugural as “the greenest inauguration.” In all these details, the scenes on the Mall echo signature Obama images of mass gatherings rare in American politics.
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Snap, and you’re there
See photos of the inauguration, the balls and the Chicago galas at chicagotribune.com