"My fellow citizens," Mark began, "I am humbled by this moment, this unique moment in American history. This is our 60th Presidential inauguration, and I am overwhelmed by the honor of being selected by the American people as the 46th President of the United States.
"The weight of our challenges is immense and at times, seemingly unbearable. Economic anxiety. Racial division. Gun violence. Health care costs. An unequal criminal justice system. Attacks on religious minorities and members of the LGBTQ community. And above all, the existential threat to everyone in this country and in this world--the threat posed by the climate crisis, a threat that hit home so painfully last August, when Hurricane Terri took the lives of so many in Florida and Georgia.
"These are grave challenges--but these challenges can be overcome. We are stronger than our challenges, stronger than the adversity facing our great country. We can overcome these challenges together.
"Look at the challenges we have faced before. The challenge of building an independent nation. The challenge of bringing down the structures of slavery. The challenge of ensuring equality for women. The challenge of making sure that all citizens had the right to marry the person they love regardless of their sexual orientation. The challenge of making sure that every day, we truly become a more perfect union.
"When Americans come together, we can conquer any challenge. We've proven it before--and during the next four years, we will prove it again."
The crowd cheered, and Mark paused before resuming.
"As I noted before, this is a unique moment in American history--and in world history, as well. In just a few hours, I will board Air Force One and fly to Sydney, Australia, to marry a beautiful young woman who happens to be the mother of my son. Kylie Maree Connolly will, in my humble opinion, make an outstanding First Lady. We met under improbable circumstances, and we never could have imagined that the intersection of our lives would end up having such a historical impact. Our union is proof that our world is indeed becoming more connected.
"This will be a daunting challenge, being both a new President and a new husband. I'm not sure which job will be harder." The crowd laughed. "I ask you for your support as I embark upon this new chapter in my life--and for your help as our country and our world embark upon a new chapter as well. We have a chance to improve this world for our children and their children--and this moment can't wait.
"Thank you so very much for giving me this opportunity to lead. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America."
---
"It is Tuesday evening, January 21 here in the Eastern United States, which means it's Wednesday morning, January 22, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. I'm Mindy Loeb, and welcome to a very special edition of The Breakdown. We are simulcasting, along with the Channel Six network in Australia, the wedding of the newly sworn-in President of the United States, Mark Robinson, and his partner Kylie Maree Connolly, who became the focus of international attention last year when Channel Six revealed that in April of 2019, Kylie gave birth to a child fathered by President Robinson. Joining us now outside of St. Mark's Church in Darling Point are Hamish Jordan and Vanessa Moore of Channel Six, who infamously broke the story about Kylie and President Robinson's relationship. Hamish and Vanessa, how are you doing?"
"Good evening, Mindy," said Vanessa. "It's a very warm and beautiful day here, as we await the arrival of the bride and groom. There's a lot of national pride here, as you might imagine, as Kylie Connolly will become the first Australian-born First Lady in the States. However, there are actually a few protesters just outside of St. Mark's. Let's see if we can speak to some of them..."
Vanessa walked over to a middle-aged man and his son; the man was holding a sign reading "Robinson Hates Energy," and the son was holding a sign saying "Mark the Coal-Killer."
"Good morning," Vanessa asked, as the man leered at her cleavage and her tight blue dress. "What is your name?"
"My name is Tony Gallagher, and this is my son Gerry."
"Are you from Sydney?"
"No. We came from Rockhampton to make it clear we're against this. We think Kylie's making a big mistake."
