[snugs]

Your comments are priceless yes I had forgotten that gem that no one heard a gunshot.

Yes Kerry had more photo ops to go to. I think this is one of the reasons I admire the VP he is no photo op baby hugger. He does the political circuit but will not turn the things he values into political junkets he keeps his hunting pursuits private and the only photos you see of him with babies/young children are his grandchildren. Exception to this was the recent senate photos but as I have said previously IMHO he would these as special historic pictures for both the families and for the political record.

[silent_jonny]

Cheney is a solid man. I can't imagine a stronger VP to stand by W's side. I remember when Kerry and Edwards made those crass comments about Cheney's daughter being gay, trying to stir up the Christians to vote against Bush (like that was ever going to happen), both Cheney and his wife handled that with a tremendous amount of grace and didn't exploit it, which they could've so easily done.

[Wolfstar]

IMHO he would these as special historic pictures for both the families and for the political record.

You are more correct than you may know, Snugs. The actual swearing in takes place on the Senate floor according to Senate rules. The photos with the VP, the senators and their families are ceremonial only, and are intended as keepsakes for the senators. They send them to extended family, friends and constituents.

Our presidents serve the dual role of head of state (ceremonial head, like your Queen) and the equivalent of your Prime Minister (operational head). In the head of state role he -- and his 2nd in command, the VP -- perform a great many ceremonial duties. Some are pleasant, like when championship sports teams visit the WH. Others must be tedius as can be, such as when they have to stand around having their photos taken with long lines of people for ceremonial purposes.