In new tux, Obama seeks proper tone

But with increasing numbers of people out of work and American soldiers enmeshed in two wars, inaugural planners face the task of keeping the tone respectful while still celebrating Obama’s achievement.

“There’s no question that people are in tough times,” said Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama’s inaugural committee. “But we hope that this will be an event in which we celebrate our common values and shared aspirations.” She added, “What we are looking to achieve is a tone that is hopeful.”

Obama formed his inauguration committee only recently, and it has yet to establish a schedule for the day or reveal what events it may be planning after the noon swearing-in ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol.

Much of the day is pro forma, but presidents like to tailor the details on everything from selecting the marching bands to which inaugural balls will be designated as official. And all will be dissected for meaning.

Among the options to have this year’s events reflect the mood of the nation, Democratic officials said, are having Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph R Biden Jr take part in some form of community service in Washington. If they did so, they would most likely call upon people around the country to do the same in their own towns, which could help mitigate any criticism of inaugural celebrations.

The Obama team has been fairly consistent in its staging of events and could use as its model the election night rally in Grant Park in Chicago — a celebratory but serious gathering, striking in its simplicity, at which Obama tried to raise hopes but not expectations.

It could also borrow ideas from inaugurals past, like Bill Clinton’s procession to Washington from Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello in 1993, which Clinton used to convey a connection with Jefferson’s populism.

The swearing-in of the first black president will be a historic occasion, and Washington is expecting the largest attendance ever for an inaugural, way beyond the record of 1.2 million who reportedly showed up for Lyndon Johnson in 1965. For the first time, the full length of the Mall will be opened to accommodate the crowd.

Most inaugurals showcase musical acts, and several major artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, will.i.am, Beyoncé and Alicia Keyes, have been mentioned for possible concerts.

Some observers say that in terms of staging, less is more. Aaron Sorkin, creator of The West Wing, said that the events should speak for themselves. “There should be an absolute minimum of stagecraft,” Sorkin said. “The setting itself is pretty theatrical.”

Some old Washington hands agree that even if events are not elaborate, the atmosphere should be festive.

“We need it,” said Letitia Baldrige, White House social secretary to Jacqueline Kennedy and longtime arbiter of taste in Washington. “It’s a great historical moment.”

But the recession and war make it more difficult for Obama to celebrate without appearing insensitive or indulgent.