On CNN this morning Smerconish made an aside comment that it was wrong for Democrats not to be

[babylonsister]

6. I think John Lewis skipped it...

as did 69 others!

https://www.rollcall.com/2017/01/17/here-are-the-democrats-skipping-trumps-inauguration/


Here Are the Democrats Skipping Trump’s Inauguration
Nearly 70 Democratic House members won’t attend Friday’s swearing-in
By Simone Pathé
Posted January 17, 2017 at 5:43am



Even before President-elect Donald Trump attacked Georgia Rep. John Lewis on Twitter over the weekend, a handful of Democratic lawmakers had planned to boycott Trump’s inauguration on Friday.

But by the end of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday night, that group had ballooned. As of Friday morning, nearly 70 Democrats in the House said they will not attend out of protest. Several other House Democrats are not attending for medical or other reasons. No Democratic senators have announced intentions to boycott.

In a taped interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Friday, Lewis said he would not be attending the inauguration because he believes Trump is not a “legitimate president.” That provoked an early-morning Twitter tirade from Trump in which he dismissed the civil rights icon as “all talk, talk, talk.”

The criticism of Lewis prompted other members of the House Democratic Caucus to announce that they would skip the inauguration, too, out of solidarity with Lewis. Massachusetts Rep. Katherine M. Clark, California Rep. Barbara Lee, Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Illinois Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez were among the first to announce they’d skip the inauguration, well before Lewis’ comments. They’re now being joined by Democrats from across the country, most of whom represent reliably blue districts.

Here’s a list of the Democrats who have announced they will not attend, with those who most recently announced closer to the top.

California Rep. Alan Lowenthal

Respect must be earned. Read my statement on not attending inauguration. https://t.co/Bf88ZFJGsd

— Rep. Alan Lowenthal (@RepLowenthal) January 18, 2017

Texas Rep. Filemon Vela made a last-minute decision not to attend, in part, because Trump did not include a Hispanic in his Cabinet.

Massachusetts Rep. Michael E. Capuano said Wednesday that instead of attending the inauguration, he would be holding an open-house meeting in his district.

While I have great respect for the Office of the President and I accept the results of the election, I will not attend the Inaugural

— Rep. Michael Capuano (@RepMikeCapuano) January 18, 2017

Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky:

I have decided to join the growing group of my colleagues who will boycott this Friday’s Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/5HZt70ZFm9

— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) January 18, 2017

New York Rep. Grace Meng:

I will not be attending the inauguration of @realDonaldTrump. My statement: https://t.co/vsMyae6fMy

— Grace Meng (@RepGraceMeng) January 18, 2017

Virginia Rep. A. Donald McEachin said Wednesday afternoon that his train ticket to D.C. for the inauguration will go unused. “I’m not sure what there is to celebrate,” he said.

After much thought and prayer, I will not attend the inauguration this Friday. https://t.co/IK5blOtoQ7

— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) January 18, 2017

Alabama Rep. Terri A. Sewell said Wednesday the “blatant disrespect” toward Lewis dissuaded her from attending. But she called for healing moving forward.

Prayerfully, I have decided not to attend the inauguration. I simply cannot accept the blatant disrespect of @repjohnlewis. #IStandWithJohn

— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 18, 2017

There’s a bridge in my district we all can gain inspiration! I invite Trump & Lewis to join me in Selma to cross that bridge as one nation!

— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 18, 2017

Virginia Rep. Gerald E. Connolly released a statement on Wednesday saying that he “cannot” attend Trump’s ceremony.

I will not attend Inauguration. My full statement:https://t.co/RMWFPWxCo7 pic.twitter.com/f3chbID9MA

— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) January 18, 2017

Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego posted messages on social media channels, calling for supporters to oppose “Trump’s bigotries — birther conspiracies, attacks on Gold Star parents & civil rights heroes.”

We must stand against Trump’s bigotries- birther conspiracies, attacks on Gold⭐️ parents & civil rights heroes. I won’t attend inauguration.

— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) January 17, 2017

New York Rep. Louise M. Slaughter will be skipping the inauguration, a spokesman told the (Rochester) Democrat and Chronicle, but the congresswoman will attend other events, including the post-inauguration luncheon.

Many of you have asked whether I will be attending the inauguration on Friday. I’m proud to #StandwithJohnLewis: https://t.co/nYVpW8k4im

— Louise Slaughter (@louiseslaughter) January 18, 2017

California Rep. Jerry McNerney told The (Stockton) Record on Monday he had a scheduling conflict that prevented him from attending, and that his absence wasn’t a protest. But on Tuesday night, he released a new statement saying, “The election of Mr. Trump lacks legitimacy.”

I will not be attending the inauguration of @realDonaldTrump. Read my statement here: https://t.co/7V2wYKxJ77

— Jerry McNerney (@RepMcNerney) January 17, 2017

Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson will remain in his district this weekend. An aide told The (Jackson) Clarion-Ledger that “Mr. Trump’s recent insensitive and foolish remarks about civil rights hero John Lewis were far beneath the dignity of the office of the president.”

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin said in a statement Tuesday, “These are not normal times and I cannot pretend as if they are.” His decision not to attend is a change. On Sunday, he told Bethesda Magazine it was his “constitutional duty to be there.”

New Jersey Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. said in a Tuesday evening statement that he “will not celebrate [Trump’s] swearing-in to an office that he has proven unfit to hold.”

I will not celebrate @realDonaldTrump‘s swearing-in to an office that he has proven unfit to hold. pic.twitter.com/mD1iA9KpMJ

— Donald Payne Jr. (@RepDonaldPayne) January 17, 2017

Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett:

I will not be attending the inauguration this Friday. Read my statement here. pic.twitter.com/4gt6AA4u16

— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 17, 2017

Florida Rep. Alcee L. Hastings:

I will be boycotting the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. See my full statement here: https://t.co/p9F5dqoDl4

— Alcee L. Hastings (@RepHastingsFL) January 17, 2017

California Rep. Juan Vargas:

I will not be attending the Inauguration. Instead, I will be praying for our country and for our community with the people of my district.

— Rep. Juan Vargas (@RepJuanVargas) January 17, 2017

Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley’s spokeswoman said Tuesday the congressman “fully supports the peaceful transfer of power but has chosen to spend the district workweek with those who have elected him,” according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski’s spokesman said the congressman “prefers working in his district and spending time with his wife to watching the inauguration ceremony and attending parties in Washington.”

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Doyle:

I’m going to #StandWithJohnLewis. I won’t attend the Inauguration on Friday.

— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) January 17, 2017

California Rep. Tony Cárdenas said on Tuesday that he won’t attend the inauguration. Instead, from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, he and his wife will participate in an hour of meditation. “While Donald Trump is being sworn in, I think a good use of my time is to promote positivity,” he said in a Wednesday statement.

I will not be attending the inauguration.
Full Statement here: https://t.co/bIpoUL0Boa pic.twitter.com/4kzbZFo5V4

— Rep. Tony Cárdenas (@RepCardenas) January 17, 2017

North Carolina Rep. Alma Adams:

Today I released the following statement about the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/gJsFkO55Me

— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) January 17, 2017

Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying he wouldn’t attend the inauguration but would be in Washington, D.C., on Friday to greet constituents. “I respect their choice to attend,” he said.

I will not attend this year’s inauguration ceremony. Here’s why: https://t.co/APvdTrSsMV

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) January 17, 2017

North Carolina Rep. G. K. Butterfield:

After prayerful consideration, I cannot in good conscious attend the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump. (1/3)

— G. K. Butterfield (@GKButterfield) January 17, 2017

Texas Rep. Al Green said in a statement that he would not “attend the inauguration because conscience says it is the right thing to do.”

Congressman Al Green’s Statement on the 2017 Presidential Inauguration: https://t.co/QTww2wasHT

— Congressman Al Green (@RepAlGreen) January 17, 2017

New Hampshire Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is the rare Democrat from a district that Trump won to announce she won’t attend:

Instead of going to the Inauguration, I’ll go to religious services to pray for all of our leaders and people, then will serve my district.

— Carol Shea-Porter (@TeamSheaPorter) January 17, 2017

Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan F. Boyle:

Pennsylvania Rep. Robert A. Brady told ABC6 Monday night, “I want to support John Lewis, he’s a personal friend of mine.”

Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth:

I believe the office of the President deserves our respect, and that respect must begin with the President-elect himself. My statement: pic.twitter.com/l8eitaourD

— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) January 17, 2017

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer:

I just told hundreds of my constituents that I will not be attending the Inauguration Ceremony this coming Friday. Here is what I said: pic.twitter.com/YLJz5OWjXe

— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 16, 2017

New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler:

The rhetoric + actions of @realDonaldTrump have been so far beyond the pale, I cannot in good conscience participate in this inauguration.

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) January 16, 2017

Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree:

At MLK Day dinner in Portland, I announced that I would not attend Trump’s inauguration. Here’s why: https://t.co/4P35Mi8rf4#mepolitics

— Chellie Pingree (@chelliepingree) January 17, 2017

Maryland Rep. Anthony G. Brown:

Skipping Inauguration.@RepJohnLewis a civil rights hero. Enormous responsibility to be POTUS.I respect the office, can’t tolerate disrespect

— Anthony G. Brown (@AnthonyBrownMD4) January 16, 2017

Michigan Rep. John Conyers Jr.said on Monday he wouldn’t attend because of “divisive and inflammatory statements made by the president-elect.”

California Rep. Raul Ruiz told The Desert Sun on Monday that Trump has not shown respect for the office of the presidency.

Florida Rep. Darren Soto said he was “deeply disappointed” by Trump’s attacks on Lewis.

California Rep. Judy Chu:

After much thought, I have decided to #StandWithJohnLewis and not attend the inauguration.

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) January 15, 2017

Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan:

After reading classified Russian hacking doc & @realDonaldTrump offensive tweets to @repjohnlewis I will not be attending the Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/wrEeGfqjrZ

— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) January 15, 2017

California Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard:

BREAKING: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) will not attend inauguration, her office tells me in an statement. @RepRoybalAllard pic.twitter.com/eWdOq9t3UX

— Wilfred Chan (@wilfredchan) January 16, 2017

Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison:

I will not celebrate a man who preaches a politics of division and hate. I won’t be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration.

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) January 16, 2017

Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans:

I #StandWithJohnLewis. I will not be attending the inauguration. Russian hacking must be investigated and I do not support the repeal of ACA

— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) January 16, 2017

New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat:

I will NOT be attending the inauguration for @realDonaldTrump!

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) January 15, 2017

Ohio Rep. Marcia L. Fudge:

As I told @JoyAnnReid, I will not be attending #Inauguration. I will be at home in Cleveland. #IStandWithJohnLewis

— Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) January 15, 2017

Arizona Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva:

VIDEO: Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., discusses why he is not attending President Elect Donald #Trump‘s inauguration next week. pic.twitter.com/PXvDVshjpH

— azcentral (@azcentral) January 15, 2017

Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal:

I will not be attending Trump’s inauguration. I will be with the people of my district. #OurFirstStand pic.twitter.com/TmCodl5w9t

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 15, 2017

Washington Rep. Adam Smith said he will be in his district since the House isn’t in session the week of inauguration.

New York Rep. Yvette D. Clarke:

I will NOT attend the inauguration of @realDonaldTrump. When you insult @repjohnlewis, you insult America.

— Yvette D. Clarke (@RepYvetteClarke) January 14, 2017

California Rep. Mark Takano:

“All talk, no action.”

I stand with @repjohnlewis and I will not be attending the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/z8Q0wA9OPK

— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) January 14, 2017

New York Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez:

.@repjohnlewis is a national hero and I stand with him! I also am not attending inauguration given the tone of @realDonaldTrump‘s campaign

— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) January 14, 2017

Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen:

Announced @ Mason Temple, #MLK final speech, that I won’t attend #inauguration out of respect for @repjohnlewis & for unpresidential remarks

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) January 16, 2017

Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson:

Congresswoman @RepWilson tells me she will not attend @realDonaldTrump inauguration because of a wedding that day. @wsvn

— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) January 16, 2017

A spokesman for California Rep. Karen Bass told The Washington Post the lawmaker is not attending after she asked in a Twitter poll on Sunday whether she should.

After receiving an overwhelming response on the twitter poll, I’ve decided not to attend the inauguration of President-elect Trump. pic.twitter.com/ig4kFn0GGH

— Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) January 17, 2017

California Rep. Maxine Waters:

I never ever contemplated attending the inauguration or any activities associated w/ @realDonaldTrump. I wouldn’t waste my time.

— Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) January 15, 2017

New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman:

I do not intend to attend the inauguration of PE @realDonaldTrump. Instead, join me for an Interfaith Prayer Vigil. pic.twitter.com/c5aJYEQOUW

— Bonnie WatsonColeman (@RepBonnie) January 15, 2017

California Rep. Ted Lieu:

Mr. Lieu’s statement on why he won’t be attending the Inauguration of @realDonaldTrump READ HERE: https://t.co/tx94zqE4rp

— Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) January 14, 2017

California Rep. Grace F. Napolitano is not attending, per the Los Angeles Times’ list. (At least 12 Golden State Democrats are skipping inauguration.)

Georgia Rep. John Lewis.

California Rep. Zoe Lofgren told the Los Angeles Times she is not “in the mood to celebrate” Trump taking the oath of office.

Oregon Rep. Peter A. DeFazio told Oregon Public Broadcasting he typically abstains from “pomp and circumstance events in Washington,” so his decision not to attend isn’t extraordinary.

California Rep. Mark DeSaulnier:

It is with a heavy heart and deep personal conviction that I have decided not to attend the #TrumpInauguration on January 20, 2017.

— Mark DeSaulnier (@RepDeSaulnier) January 14, 2017

Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he’ll be in his district speaking to students.

Oregon Rep. Kurt Schrader told Oregon Public Broadcasting on Friday that Trump “hasn’t proved himself to me at all yet, so I respectfully decline to freeze my ass out there in the cold for this particular ceremony.”

New York Rep. José E. Serrano:

I will not attend the #inauguration2017 next week- cannot celebrate the inauguration of a man who has no regard for my constituents. #Bronx pic.twitter.com/Uz3NTgXl35

— Jose E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) January 12, 2017

California Rep. Barbara Lee:

Inauguration should be a celebration. But we have nothing to celebrate on Jan 20. Instead of attending, I will be organizing. pic.twitter.com/P4whhl91ll

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 12, 2017

Illinois Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez announced his decision on Jan. 10 on the House floor.

Why I will not be at Trump inauguration & will march w/ women on 1/21: https://t.co/lsEwbL6o08 video: https://t.co/UEUiOjF873 #twill #p2 pic.twitter.com/rwo5nddxpn

— Luis V. Gutierrez (@RepGutierrez) January 10, 2017

California Rep. Jared Huffman:

Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced on Jan. 7 that he would not attend:

Massachusetts Rep. Katherine M. Clark announced her decision to skip the inauguration on Jan. 5:

My statement on the upcoming inauguration: pic.twitter.com/dQXE0ztvTf

— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) January 5, 2017