MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Ray Smock has only missed three U.S. presidential inaugurations since 1969.
The former historian of the U.S. House of Representatives, who now serves as director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education at Shepherd, said he will not be in Washington Friday, but is looking for a positive message of unity from the new president.
“I’m looking for a healing tone, I’m looking for him to give an olive branch to those who voted against him, I’m looking for him to give an olive branch to the press which he has vilified,” Smock told Hans Fogle on Panhandle Live on MetroNews affiliate WEPM in Martinsburg.
Smock said the “a healing, positive message of his [Trump’s] vision for America” can cause even Trump’s critics to meet him halfway.
Huge crowds and tens of thousands of protestors are expected to turn out for the Inauguration, which Smock said it is healthy and all part of the peaceful transition of power.
“This is a day for letting off steam; it’s a day for coming together, for healing and for protesting, as long as everything can be kept peaceful,” he said.
It’s also a big day for parties and ceremonies around Washington, although Smock said there is really only one essential part of the process, according to the Constitution.
“They swear to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States. That’s the Constitutional part, the rest is all a big show,” he said. “I say that not to suggest that there’s something wrong with the big show. I think the big show is important.”
Trump will be the first person ever elected to the presidency with no government or military experience.
“The tone he sets will be a very, very important speech. Not all of these speeches are important,” Smock said.