John, the President’s success is America’s success.

"I am rooting hard for you."

 

— George H.W. Bush to Bill Clinton

In a bygone era of American politics before coups and QAnon, we had a rich tradition of honoring democracy and the peaceful transfer of power with nonpartisan hope, optimism, and decorum.

 

Sitting presidents, regardless of party and of their own electoral result, passed the baton to their successor by rallying support, offering encouragement, and leaving a piece of advice or two.

 

It was obvious to men like Barack Obama, George Bush Jr. and Sr., Bill Clinton, and dozens before them that partisanship was ultimately performative, and the urgency and importance of strong leadership in the White House superseded ground-floor politicking. 

 

For the country to be successful, the president must be successful, and vice versa.

 

How far we have fallen.

 

It was obvious from day one that the Trump presidency would lack convention or tradition. 

 

It was clear Trump felt no fidelity to democracy—that he could not sense the gravity of his office, or of his power, or of his place in history.

 

Needless to say, those observations held steady.

 

Today, Trump left office mired in disgrace. He never once congratulated his successor, let alone acknowledge the result of the election. 

 

The closest he came to conceding was reading a statement committing to a “peaceful” transfer of power long after the Capitol had been overrun by domestic terrorists. 

 

Today, Trump leaves with the majority of the country against him—against his brashness and narcissism, antipathy and racism. 

 

America is moving on from Trump.

 

Good riddance. 

 

Today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will set a new tone for our nation’s discourse. 

 

They’ll reassert a standard to be expected of public servants in this country.

 

They’ll stand up for American ideas and ideals, and repudiate those who espouse hatred and ignorance.

 

We may not agree on every policy outcome or key decision point.

 

That’s OK.

 

Respectful disagreement is the very thread through which democracy is woven.

 

But Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have a reverence and deference to our Constitution and democratic norms, in absentia through the Trump presidency. 

 

Mr. President and Madam Vice President, we’re rooting hard for you.

 

Your victories are our country’s victories.

 

Make us proud.

 

— Steve

PS: John, Donald Trump may have left Washington—but we aren't going anywhere. All those who sought to overturn our free and fair election in the Sedition Caucus, including Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, must pay a price for betraying our country and defying their oath. Can you pitch in $50 to help us keep up the fight?

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