By Madeline Clancy
When Mr. Joseph Biden was inaugurated into office on January 20, many people were surprised by Former President Donald Trump not attending because it was by his choice to excuse himself from the ceremonies. As with many of the events and times we live through, there most always is an historical precedent.
The three other presidents to miss the inauguration of their successors were John Adams in 1801, John Quincy Adams in 1829, and Andrew Johnson in 1869. These former presidents did not attend for one of the following reasons: to avoid conflict or a mutual dislike between the leaders or as in Johnson’s case, he had been impeached as well.
Another lesser known fact is that the inauguration date was not always January 20. The first inauguration took place on April 13, 1789 and the following took place on March 4, 1793, which became the official date until 1937. Congress passed the twentieth amendment, making January 20 the date that a newly elected president would officially take office. In earlier elections, the time between the vote calculation and the inauguration was much longer because information traveled much slower and the government needed more time to tabulate the results and disseminate them to the citizens. Now a longer period of transition is not as necessary because information can be gathered and distributed much more quickly. Although, some still argue the current transitional period is still too long.
The swearing-in process of a president is an important historical event that has many traditions. In 1837, Marten Van Buren’s inauguration was the first time that an outgoing and incoming president rode together in a carriage on the way to the ceremony. The first inaugural to be photographed was of James Buchanan in 1857. The first president to take oath in the White House was Rutherford B Hayes in 1877. In 1993 at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, George H.W. Bush started a new tradition by leaving a letter to his successor.
The letter that President George H.W. Bush left for President Clinton said:
“Dear Bill, when I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too. I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described. There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you. Good luck—George.”
His letter is significant because it shows a peaceful transfer of power not only between presidents, but also between political parties. The tradition of writing a letter to the successor has continued ever since, and helps to ensure peace even if the presidents had different opinions and priorities.
Even in the most recent transfer of power, President Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration; however, he did still write a letter. President Biden described this note as a “very generous letter,” and has said that it was private so he will not release the contents of the letter until he talks to former President Trump.
While inaugurations have varied slightly over the years, they remain similar because every president is sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Every presidential inauguration in the United States consists of the oath of office and an inaugural address.
All presidents state the following:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
The formalities are often followed up by celebratory traditions, such as a luncheon, a parade, a ball, and sometimes a religious service.
So even in what might be considered unprecedented times, one can always find a precedent. And perhaps, it renews one’s faith as an American that the process will ultimately function successfully.