pardons – mackaycartoons

Tuesday January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 21, 2025

From Insurrection to Inauguration: The Irony of Power in the Capitol’s Rotunda

January 20, 2017

The inauguration of Donald Trump, held in the iconic Capitol Rotunda, stands as a striking tableau of irony—a space that once echoed with the discord of insurrection now transformed into a setting for a highly anticipated ceremony amid the chill of January. On a day when temperatures plummeted to a frigid -4 degrees Celsius, the venue shift from the Capitol steps to the indoor Rotunda was necessitated by the harsh weather conditions. Yet, the warmth of the sun outside belied the somber historical weight of the place, creating an unsettling juxtaposition between the celebration of power and the shadows of chaos that once engulfed this very hall.

This grand, domed chamber, revered for its architectural splendour and historical significance, was the scene of mayhem just four years prior, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a futile attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Now, it serves as the backdrop for a gathering of the nation’s elite—former presidents, tech CEOs, and Silicon Valley oligarchs—who occupy the front rows, while many governors and Republican officials, along with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, find themselves relegated to overflow rooms, watching from a distance.

News: Rotunda Ransacked by Pro-Trump Mob on Jan. 6 Will Be His Inauguration Backdrop

January 4, 2025

The contrast could not be starker: the political elite bask in the warmth of their privilege within the Rotunda, while everyday supporters, eager to witness the event in person, shuffle to Capital One Arena, hoping to catch a glimpse of the proceedings on screens. This spectacle raises questions about accessibility and representation in a democracy that prides itself on inclusivity.

As Trump takes the reins of power once again, there looms a palpable sense of fear among those who find themselves in his crosshairs. His administration has signalled a willingness to settle scores with perceived adversaries—judges, prosecutors, and officials who stood against him. The promise of “retribution” echoes ominously, sending ripples of anxiety through the ranks of those who once believed they could serve the public without fear of vindictive backlash. The Department of Justice, once seen as a bastion of impartiality, now risks becoming a political weapon wielded against those who dare to challenge the status quo.

In an effort to preemptively counter this atmosphere of fear, President Biden issued a series of pardons on his final day in office, targeting those who stood against the tide of insurrection. General Milley, Dr. Fauci, and members of the January 6 committee were granted clemency, a move designed to protect them from potential political prosecutions. Biden’s actions are a testament to the gravity of the situation, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a president using clemency to shield individuals from the vindictiveness of a successor.

News: Some Jan. 6 rioters are expected to be in Washington for the inauguration

Yet, the very necessity of such pardons underscores the precarious state of American democracy. They reflect a reality where public servants, who have dedicated their careers to upholding the rule of law, now require protection from the very forces they sought to counter. Comments from the public reveal a deep unease with the trajectory of the country, as many express concern that the rise of authoritarianism is not just a fear but a lived reality.

In this charged atmosphere, the irony of Trump’s inauguration venue—once a site of insurrection, now a gathering place for the political elite—serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic norms. As the nation watches from afar, the question remains: can the pillars of democracy withstand the pressures of retribution and fear, or will the legacy of this day serve as a harbinger of further division and discord? The answers lie not just in the actions of the incoming administration but in the collective resolve of the American people to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and justice in the face of adversity.

So, there it went, the inauguration of Donald Trump—a day that felt particularly significant, especially given the unusual context of a president returning after losing an election. It was a historic moment, and I found myself glued to my screens as the events unfolded.

The first headline that caught my attention was Biden’s decision to use his executive clemency power to protect individuals targeted by Trump, who has made no secret of his intentions for “retribution.” Some people were thankful for the pardons, while others felt uneasy, worried that accepting them might imply guilt. Just moments before the inauguration, Biden even pardoned much of his family as a precaution.

Then there was the leak about Trump’s speech, which thankfully wouldn’t focus much on tariffs. The mere mention of Canada in such high level speeches is usually an exciting thing, “wow, they mentioned maple syrup!” This go-around held breath it whether he’d say Canada. Fortunately, we escaped any mention this time around. This time around. Instead, Trump reserved his ire for Panama, threatening to take control of the Panama Canal—a curious and unexpected move.

The choice of venue for the inauguration was striking. Moving the event indoors to the Capitol Rotunda—just four years after it was stormed by Trump supporters—added a layer of irony. This beautiful space was once the backdrop for chaos, and now it was filled with wealthy figures, including tech billionaires, sitting front and centre, while many supporters had to watch from overflow rooms or the Capital One Arena. It really highlighted the disconnect between the political elite and everyday citizens.

As I watched Trump speak, I felt a mix of disbelief and discomfort. His antics—signing decrees and throwing sharpie markers to a cheering crowd—felt more like a show than a serious political event. There was little mention of pressing issues like rising food prices or the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which was disappointing. So much for ending the war on day one.

Having visited the Rotunda myself, I can say it’s an impressive place, but it can also feel a bit gaudy. The large painting of the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull hung overhead, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin looking askance as everything unfolded, reminding us of long ago U.S. history, and what their painted eyes witnessed 4 years ago. As former presidents like Clinton, Bush Jr., and Obama took their seats, I noticed the contrast between their dignity and Trump’s often outrageous behaviour. It was a grown-up moment, especially since many who have been insulted by Trump chose to attend, showing a level of respect that he often lacks.

Before Trump even began his speech, I started sketching a cartoon, focusing on the past presidents watching the event unfold. It was a reminder that the dignity of the institution might still help keep Trump in check.

This inauguration, held in a space once marred by chaos, serves as a strong symbol of our current political climate. As elites gather amid fears of retribution and with Biden’s pardons reflecting the fragile state of our democracy, it’s crucial to consider the growing influence of wealthy individuals in politics. It’s going to be a long difficult four years.

Enjoy the January 21, 2025 making-of animated editorial cartoon below PLUS a bonus YouTube video I made of Inaugural Speech highlights from history. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

January 21st 2025 editorial cartoon: https://youtu.be/1wdGi-ZrdUk

Key Moments from Inaugural Speeches of the Past: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8MHSlz8ove4

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday December 16, 2020

December 23, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 16, 2020

More Senate Republicans warily accept Trump’s loss after Electoral College vote.

Support for President Trump’s attempt to overturn his election loss began to collapse in the Senate on Monday after the Electoral College certified President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory, with many of the chamber’s top Republicans saying the time had come to recognize results that have been evident for weeks.

November 24, 2020

While they insisted that Mr. Trump could still challenge the results in court should he wish, the senators said the certification should be considered the effective conclusion of an election that has fiercely divided the country. And after weeks of silence as Mr. Trump and others in their party sought to overturn the results in increasingly extreme ways, they urged their colleagues to move on.

“I understand there are people who feel strongly about the outcome of this election, but in the end, at some point, you have to face the music,” Senator John Thune of South Dakota, Republicans’ No. 2, told reporters in the Capitol. “And I think once the Electoral College settles the issue today, it’s time for everybody to move on.”

Even Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who initially fanned Mr. Trump’s claims of fraud in key battleground states, said he now saw only “a very, very narrow path for the president” and had spoken with Mr. Biden and some of his likely cabinet nominees.

November 10, 2020

“I don’t see how it gets there from here, given what the Supreme Court did,” he added, referring to the justices’ decision on Friday to reject a long-shot suit by Texas seeking to overturn the results in a handful of states Mr. Biden won.

The comments amounted to a notable and swift sea change in a body that for weeks has essentially refused to acknowledge the inevitable, although the shift was far from unanimous.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, stayed conspicuously silent on Monday, declining to acknowledge Mr. Biden’s victory. He dedicated his only public remarks to stimulus negotiations and ignored a question about the Electoral College proceeding shouted by a reporter in the Capitol.

October 23, 2020

It was unclear on Monday if those who relented were a harbinger of a larger shift by elected Republicans to accept Mr. Trump’s defeat, or a sign of a growing rift within the party between those willing to accept reality and those — a loyal core in the Senate and the vast majority in the House — who appear ready to follow him wherever he leads.

Mr. McConnell’s allies said that he would honor the election outcome come January, but did not want to pick a fight with Mr. Trump now, for fear of damaging Republicans’ chances in a pair of January Senate runoff elections in Georgia that will decide control of the chamber.

He is also concerned, they said, that doing so could jeopardize a string of year-end legislative priorities that will require the president’s signature, including a catchall spending measure and the stimulus package to address the continuing toll of the pandemic. (New York Times)