Presidential inaugurations show the world America’s orderly, peaceful transfer of power, which is the hallmark of America’s system of government. 

Because the United States was born after a bloody revolution, the presidential inauguration ceremony is a tangible, visible picture of a government based on representation, not royalty. Americans said goodbye to "God save the king" in 1776 to embrace "We the people of the United States." 

Ronald Reagan, 1981: "In the eyes of many in the world, this every-four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle."

To signal they can’t perform the responsibilities of president alone, presidents often show reverence for God in their inaugural addresses. For his oath of office, George Washington underscored his commitment by placing his left hand on a Bible opened to Genesis 49-50, which featured a transition of power after the death of Jacob. Washington held up his right hand and recited the oath. After he finished, he kissed the Bible and bowed.

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George Washington, 1789: "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States."

Franklin Roosevelt, 1933: "In this dedication of a nation we humbly ask the blessing of God."

The presidential inauguration is the literal coming together of the government’s three branches. The president takes an oath from the Supreme Court’s chief justice on the steps of the Capitol, which houses Congress. 

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In one moment, the three branches of government – executive, judicial and legislative – are on display, united under the U.S. Constitution. Often presidents issue a call to unity, to put the "united" back into the United States after a contentious campaign.

Abraham Lincoln, 1861: "We are not enemies, but friends... The mystic chords of memory... will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched... by the better angels of our nature."

John F. Kennedy, 1961: "We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom."

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Presidents usually use their inaugural address to remind Americans of the nation’s past, particularly the nation’s founding and the most recent past that led to their inauguration. 

Bill Clinton, 1993: "When George Washington first took the oath I have just sworn to uphold, news traveled slowly across the land by horseback and across the ocean by boat. Now, the sights and sounds of this ceremony are broadcast instantaneously to billions around the world."

George W. Bush, 2005: "From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and Earth."

An incoming president uses his inaugural address to point Americans to the future. Unlike the raucous nature of a campaign event, the president will paint a big picture using broad strokes to explain the policies he plans to implement. He uses memorable, poetic rhetoric to inspire Americans and give them hope for the days ahead under his administration.

John F. Kennedy, 1961: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

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The draft is three weeks away now. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have pieced together an off-season that is earning widespread praise across the league. The question is whether they can stick the landing with their 1st round pick in the draft. Current projections have the top three picks likely being a mix of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter. After that, it gets tricky. People in Chicago want to know where running back Ashton Jeanty will end once the dust settles.

Widespread belief has been that the Las Vegas Raiders are the heavy favorites to take him at 6th overall, with New Orleans at #9 also being a possibility. It makes sense. Las Vegas’ best option right now is a 33-year-old Raheem Mostert. New Orleans knows Alvin Kamara turns 30 in July. Both teams need to think about the future at that position. Both have head coaches who like to run the ball. One thing is clear. A source told SM that those around the league believe one thing is certain.

“He likely won’t get passed Chicago if he falls that far.”

Ashton Jeanty is a strong probability for the Bears.

Whispers from Halas Hall indicate they love the Boise State star. It isn’t hard to see why. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record in 2024, nearly winning the Heisman in the process. The guy carried his team to the college football playoffs. He’s built like a brick house with power, speed, contact balance, and vision. There aren’t any truly glaring weaknesses in his game. He’s earned comparisons to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshawn Lynch. The Bears haven’t had a back of that caliber since Matt Forte.

Try to imagine what this offense could look like with Ashton Jeanty, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Cole Kmet all as options for quarterback Caleb Williams. Throw all of it into Johnson’s offense, and you can understand why some people around the league aren’t wild about the idea. They are quietly hoping Jeanty goes somewhere else. One thing is certain. If he gets past the Raiders, the noise will get loud in a hurry. It would mark the first time in 20 years the Bears have taken a running back in the 1st round.