Our View: Trump's inauguration speech proves he still doesn't get it

America made history with yet another peaceful transfer of power.

Though marred by some violent protests, the inauguration of Donald Trump was part of a long tradition of passing power to a new president -- a president who is often the political opposite of the one leaving office.

Trump, who rose to the presidency by bucking tradition and defying conventional wisdom, took the oath of office with his former political opponent Hillary Clinton respectfully present in the audience.

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That was powerful symbolism of who we are as a nation. So was the graciousness of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama who demonstrated deep respect for the power that was changing hands.

The day was as much about the right of Americans to shape their government as it was about Trump.

Unfortunately, Trump didn’t get that.

Trump isn't even trying to represent all

Trump squandered the opportunity to show he wants to be president of all Americans.

With protesters around Washington and the country declaring "not our president," he aimed his inaugural speech almost exclusively at those who put him in office.

His words show he remains in campaign mode, which may represent an over-reaction to U.S. intelligence reports that show Russia interfered on his behalf before the election.

Trump’s inaugural speech was an opportunity to rise above a divisive campaign and his low approval ratings by reaching out to America's better angels.

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But he did not show an understanding that his audience has grown to include all Americans – those who voted for him and those who voted against him.

He had nothing conciliatory or uplifting to say to Americans who have serious concerns about whether he is equipped to handle this job.

As a president who lost the popular vote, Trump has a particular responsibility to show good will to all Americans.

Does he get how government works?

He did not. His words were about rallying the aggrieved. He reiterated the demonstrably false assertion that America needs to be made strong, wealthy, proud and safe “again.”

A politician can get away with that.

A president should know that America never stopped being great.

Trump’s angry indictment of Washington politicians and his promise to return power to the people shows a lack of understanding of how our system of government works. He won’t get much done without Congress, which is full of politicians.

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His words did more to alienate than ally himself with the GOP majority in Congress.

Trump’s words were about populism and isolationism.

But Trump has shown that words are not important to him. He has often backtracked, dissembled or denied his own statements.

His presidency will be judged by his actions. The nation and the world are watching.

Trump still has a chance to prove us wrong

Trump spoke about patriotism as though it can be defined by one man’s vision.

Perhaps he got a lesson from the inauguration.

The event is all about genuine patriotism. The courteousness and civility shown by the Obamas was part of that tableau of American exceptionalism. As was the presence of former presidents, political rivals and members of Congress from both political parties.

The inauguration bore witness to the respectful and reverent handoff of the presidency as a result of a vote of the people. That is the hallmark of our great country.

Trump did not rise to this occasion.

But America’s traditions also include what comes next: Trump has the chance to prove his doubters wrong.

Americans are watching.