It literally doesn't matter who gets picked for the benediction - MANY someone's are going to be upset.
Remember Rick Warren - I was upset because I think he is a charlatan, the right was upset because they thought Warren was giving up his principles to participate - AND his benediction was .... I can't even think of a polite enough way to put it.
MY ideal - hell, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Neil deGrasse Tyson
Here is why:
But I know that is unlikely to happen - though it REALLY SHOULD
I imagine that I could think of others if I really put my mind to it. I agreed in another diary in a comment with the idea of Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United - though I think the idea of him giving the benediction is kind of antithetical to the principles behind AU.
To quote that great philosopher Bart Simpson with his "Plato", Homer J Simpson:
Bart: You make me sick, Homer. You're the one that told me I could do anything if I just put my mind to it.
Homer: Well now that you're a little bit older I can tell you that's a crock. No matter how good you are at something, there's always about a million people better than you.
Bart: Gotcha. Can't win, don't try.
As never before, and at a level that is unimaginable, Relgion - more than ANYTHING is divisive in this country.
If there is this Intrinsic NEED for something during the benediction - maybe a Moment of Silence for each of us to reflect in our own way on what lays before us during these next four years.
A symbol that reflects the individuality and respect for each person's philosophical and ideological underpinnings. Yes, it will still not make everyone happy and will undoubtedly offend some - but, well ... Personally - I think it is a great idea - No matter what Your personal philosophical system is.