Spokane Republicans celebrate Donald Trump’s inauguration

Spokane County Republicans gathered Friday to watch President Donald Trump’s inaugural address said they thought the speech was hopeful and confident – emotions they said have been lacking during the previous administration.

“I thought it was inspiring. I saw confidence in the American people to get back everything we lost – confidence in ourselves,” said Karmalee LeSieur, one of about 30 people who watched the event at party headquarters.

Stephanie Cates, chairwoman of the Spokane County Republicans, called the address “unifying,” noting that Trump’s first statement was a commitment to return the power of government back to citizens.

“That’s what our country was founded on,” Cates said. “All the power is invested in the people. The government is there to secure and maintain our rights.”

As cameras focused on the face of Barack Obama during Trump’s inauguration, some at the gathering laughed.

Daniel Meckel, wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, saw significance in the contrast.

“If we hadn’t had Obama there, with his political strategy, we wouldn’t be upset enough today to have voted Trump and Republicans back into office,” said Meckel, a retired National Guardsman.