I pray these rumors are false.
Yes, we all know Trump lost by more than 6,000,000 votes and 4%. Despite his legal vomiting and protests to the contrary, he knows it as well.
2/
We know that Trump is a malignant narcissist who cannot face defeat.
And we know that his presidency was never about serving nor leading the American people, but to enrich himself, his children, his cronies, and his sycophants.
3/
Trump is likely the sorest loser in the history of the presidency.
All this is true.
And.
Trump MUST attend the BidenHarris inauguration. Why?
4/
I. American democracy is a covenant of trust and respect. Our institutions are strong because we the people give them power. Trump’s absence would be a violation of that trust. Every Republican official MUST call upon Trump to attend.
5/
II. It matters to the world that we have a peaceful transfer of power. Our strength as a world leader would be harmed immensely should Trump not attend. Could the damage be repaired? Yes. But it would take years, if not a generation.
6/
III. It matters to how we see ourselves. In a democracy, people need the ritual of inauguration passed from one president to the next. Our democracy is fragile—especially after four years of the Trump presidency. It is his obligation as president to attend.
7/
IV. Finally-and this may be the only argument that actually sways Trump-because God knows he only cares about himself-it would irreparably damage HIS legacy if he fails to attend.
8/
V. And let me be clear: This is not about Trump’s feelings or Biden’s feelings or even my feelings. Feh. I’d be happy to never have to see nor hear from that monstrosity of a disaster again. This is about our commitment to the American democratic experiment.
9/END