One of the most consequential days in American history occurred on March 4, 1797. George Washington, who had declined to run for a third term as President, voluntarily vacated his office. John Adams then took the Oath of Office and became the second President of the United States.
That day established a peaceful transfer of power that separated the United States from numerous countries around the world. The President was not a king and the United States wasn't a monarchy.
To this day, America relies on the occupant of the White House to accept the democratic process on which the country was founded and vacate the office on inauguration day to make way for the people's choice.
Now, President Donald Trump's recent comments during a White House press briefing has some thinking that peaceful transfer might be in danger.
After reports of an effort on the Trump campaign's part to pressure Republican-dominated swing state congresses to appoint electors loyal to Donald Trump, concerns grew that the Trump campaign would be relying on smearing the legitimacy of the election to secure another four years in power.
When asked if he'd commit to a peaceful transfer of power, Trump's answer left a lot to be desired.
Watch below.
Reporter: "Win, lose or draw in this election, will you commit here today for a peaceful transferal of power after the election?"
President Trump: "We're going to have to see what happens." pic.twitter.com/h5RF3dKPD1
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 23, 2020
The President responded:
"We're going to have to see what happens."
Americans across the country were alarmed that Trump wouldn't commit to the ritual that's kept American democracy running for centuries.
Now, presidential historian and Trump critic Michael Beschloss is highlighting the longevity of that ritual with photos and stories of past Presidents transferring their power.
The result shows just how storied the process is, and what we stand to lose if Trump doesn't honor it.
Defeated candidate Stephen Douglas held Abraham Lincoln's hat while the new President gave his inaugural address, March 4, 1861: pic.twitter.com/6eaycr8N1t
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 24, 2020
Hoover and FDR share lap robe on way to Roosevelt's inauguration, March 1933: #Getty pic.twitter.com/CLUoxTIXrf
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 24, 2020
The defeated Nixon congratulates President Kennedy, just sworn in, at his inauguration, January 20, 1961: #Harris pic.twitter.com/RgWnlMDQ1F
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 24, 2020
Defeated Jimmy Carter and President-elect Ronald Reagan on way to Reagan inaugural, January 1981: #NARA pic.twitter.com/1FNFGQuqVh
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 24, 2020
The defeated George H.W. Bush's letter to Bill Clinton on the day of their peaceful transfer of power, 1993: pic.twitter.com/BRXfubz9zt
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) September 24, 2020
The stories echoed with a level of decency that critics were certain Trump could never ascend to.
We once elected individuals who, at least in public, had the capacity to evidence humility and dignity before the people they represented.
We no longer live in such times... https://t.co/PkjQwsxopw
— Tao Teg (@taoteg) September 24, 2020
prediction: when Trump loses, he will spend the rest of his shameful, narcissistic days trying to unravel our democracy. https://t.co/qwEmcw7tKo
— Eli Attie (@EliAttie) September 24, 2020
Ok this tradition I think will end with @realDonaldTrump
He's an imbecile https://t.co/kLd9F5pllH
— kodiak149 (@kodiak149) September 24, 2020
When civility reigned. Not sure Trump would get in the car with Biden, if Trump loses. https://t.co/iub9jbL1D1
— Hussain Abdul-Hussain 🇺🇸 (@hahussain) September 24, 2020
Take note @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/cJJHt5Pxh5
— Michelle Philippi (@TheTweetsOfMP) September 24, 2020
Twitter users continue to emphasize the importance of this transfer.
Refusing to peacefully transition power to a leader elected by the people. Urging states to “get rid of" ballots and silence voters. These are the tactics of a fascist.
Democracy as we know it is on the line. https://t.co/1xBJJ5tTC3
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) September 24, 2020
As a little girl, I witnessed what happens when you do not have a peaceful transfer of power.
It leads to instability, violence, and sometimes war.
For the first time, I fear that could happen in this country, and it's gonna take all of us to prevent it.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) September 24, 2020
First charging mayors with sedition, then “anarchist jurisdiction" and now refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power. There is a theme here. And it is NOT AMERICAN.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) September 24, 2020
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The Washington Post