I'm a pushover for the hoopla and patriotism inherent in our unique American transition of power. I love every inaugural, because it's filled with good old American symbols.

The transition from Bush to Clinton was no exception. The Clintons visiting the Bushes, exchanging pleasantries and pats on the back. Republicans and Democrats cordially greeting each other on the platform, the swearing-in of the president and vice president, the hugs and kisses for family - even a hug for Gore from Clinton.In fact, this president is a universal hugger. He hugged the poet and everyone else in sight, and he did it in a big bear embrace. On the other hand, Bush shook hands with his Cabinet, occasionally offering a restrained hug to a woman but never to a man. The contrast in the cultures of the two men was evident.

Clinton gave the best speech of his political life and the shortest - 14 minutes. It was a conglomeration of ideas and phrases borrowed from other eras and inaugurals, and it was delivered too rapidly. But his often troubled voice was strong and clear, befitting his "new beginning."

His most memorable line, I thought, was "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

He used several phrases reminiscent of John F. Kennedy, his political hero. Kennedy said, "So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof." Clinton said, "Let us begin anew with energy and hope, with faith and discipline."

Kennedy said, "the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans," and "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Clinton said, "I challenge a new generation of young Americans to a season of service."

Kennedy said, "Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms . . . but as a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle." Clinton said, "From this joyful mountaintop of celebration we hear a call to service in the valley. We have heard the trumpets, we have changed the guard."

Eloquence seemed to come naturally for Kennedy, while Clinton is still searching for his own voice. The scripture he quoted, "Be not weary in well-doing," was reminiscent of Lincoln's second inaugural.

Clinton also invited a poet to write a poem for the inaugural for the first time since Kennedy invited Robert Frost. Clinton's choice, Maya Angelou, a black woman and native of Arkansas, read her poem with verve. Kennedy's choice, the 85-year old Frost, wrote "The Gift Outright" for the ceremony, but the strong glare from the sun was too much for his eyes. So Frost substituted a poem he knew by heart.

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The inclusive style of the week, culminating in close to 2,000 members of the general public meeting Clinton and Gore in the White House the day after, was reminiscent of Andrew Jackson's "People's Day." Jackson scorned a fancy carriage and rode his horse down Pennsylvania Avenue, while the Clintons walked hand-in-hand.

In Jackson's day, so many people stormed into the White House that they caused a disaster - smashing exquisite cut glass and rare chinaware underfoot and climbing with their muddy boots on polished tables to get a glimpse of "Andy, our President."

It was only when heavily spiked orange punch was poured into tubs and carried out onto the lawn that the unruly crowd finally left the White House. This year, the people visiting Clinton were selected by lottery, and they were much more restrained. It's not quite the same, but the symbolism is just as powerful.

Dennis Lythgoe's column is published on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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