President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden gather in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Doug Mills/The New York Times).
By MAUREEN DOWD
It was a remarkably intimate moment in the Oval Office on Wednesday morning, with the crackling fire, the warm handshake, and the former presidents — including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and FDR — watching over the proceedings with a benign expression.
So why did it evoke such discomfort?
Observing Donald Trump act gracious is unsettling since his kindness seems reserved for moments of victory, which isn’t the best message for America’s youth. In defeat, he resorts to undermining democracy.
Trump can be charming or aggressive, depending on your willingness to submit. He assured a seamless transition but was harsher to President Joe Biden during the campaign than I’ve ever witnessed from any presidential candidate: Trump mocked Biden’s appearance at the beach, remarked on his aging, and criticized his mental lapses during their debate, labeling him as “mentally impaired.”
However, Biden is a traditionalist and respected the institution. Regrettably, it was equally uncomfortable to observe Biden, as he was facing a creation of his own. Had Biden not secured the presidency in a heavy-handed manner, had he not decided to run for a second term, the Democrats could have formed a more robust, centrist ticket with governors from swing states. Trump’s triumphant procession down Pennsylvania Avenue may never have occurred.
From his self-centric viewpoint, Biden interprets the situation differently. Trump informed The New York Post afterward that after the “slog” of the campaign, the two rivals genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. It’s difficult not to think that a spark of satisfaction must have crossed Biden’s mind as he greeted Trump, reaffirming his belief that he was the sole individual capable of defeating Trump.
This ceremonial tableau was absent during their last transition, when Biden took over from Trump. This was partly due to COVID, but also because Trump was engaged in obstructing the transition and frantically concocting schemes to steal the election.
At that time, in mid-November 2020, President-elect Biden cautioned that Trump’s refusal to permit an orderly transition would tarnish his legacy as “one of the most irresponsible presidents in American history,” adding that “it sends a dreadful message about our identity as a nation.”
Trump’s presidency revealed a great deal about our national character, and the nearly two-hour meeting in the Oval Office, contrasted with announcements of Trump’s eccentric Cabinet selections, illustrated an essential reality in Washington: Democrats generally strive to play fair, while Republicans aim to win; Democrats occasionally prioritize being right over achieving victory.
Similar to President Barack Obama in his transition with Trump in 2016, Biden had to remain courteous while reflecting on the potential loss of his achievements at the hands of someone he holds in utter disdain.
Perhaps the most revealing signal came from Melania Trump, who chose not to attend at all. Highlighting this breach of civility, Jill Biden presented a handwritten note to the president-elect intended for his wife.
Melania’s absence signified: The Trumps attempted, in their way, to adhere to tradition last time. But this time, they are set to do whatever they please. They intend to manage the country like one of Trump’s businesses. Tradition will be overtaken by Trumpism. And
