A Biden visit to the White House
President Donald Trump has already had Covid-19 and President-elect Joe Biden has received a vaccine, so both men should feel comfortable with the concept of an unmasked and hearty handshake. Whether they feel comfortable sharing one with each other is another question. But it’s hard to think of a better therapy right now to enhance the public health of America’s political discourse.
Some readers may think that recent history makes such an event impossible. But as Washington miracles go, this political therapeutic should be much easier to achieve than getting the FDA to make the quick decisions it rendered in 2020.
Mr. Trump has recognized that regardless of his beliefs about what happened in last year’s elections, Joe Biden will be our new President on Jan. 20. Mr. Trump could now render a public service by going beyond a grudging acknowledgment of reality and offering a warm White House welcome to his successor.
The people have voted. States have certified the results. The courts have turned aside legal challenges to the election results. This is no time for an airing of grievances or perceived grievances. A respectful meeting could do some good.
Four years ago, Matt Flegenheimer of the New York Times reported from Washington:
One by one, the Democratic lawmakers stepped to the microphone on Friday, holding on to their letters and an impossible dream: denying the presidency to Donald J. Trump, two weeks before his inauguration.
And one by one, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. — presiding over a joint session of Congress to validate the Electoral College results in Mr. Trump’s victory — turned back their challenges with a stoic message, pounding his gavel without hesitation.
“It is over,” Mr. Biden said at one point, as Republicans rose to their feet to cheer.
After weeks of fitful grumblings about the long-shot maneuvers that might obstruct Mr. Trump’s path to the White House, the proceedings on Friday appeared to close the book.
Fortunately four years ago such attempts to deny the results of the election were not followed by an event like Wednesday’s disgraceful assault on the Capitol by protesters who should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Perhaps the appalling event will finally persuade politicians of all stripes to condemn violent protests and assaults on federal property, whether or not they agree with the underlying cause.
Biden should definitely meet with President Pence in the White House. The sooner, the better.
Posted by: NW 332 | Thursday, January 07, 2021 at 09:16 PM