In January 1981, outgoing President Jimmy Carter graciously acknowledged Ronald Reagan, the newly elected Republican president, who expressed gratitude for the support from Carter’s administration following a decisive electoral defeat. This moment reflects a time-honored American tradition where defeated presidential candidates share the inauguration stage with their successors, symbolizing a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. This custom will be continued by Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20, after an eight-year gap in this practice.
In the era of television, only one defeated candidate has chosen to forego this longstanding tradition. Former President Donald Trump departed for Florida following a controversial attempt to dispute his electoral loss, which was based on unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. As Harris looks on, Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated once more, standing on the west steps of the Capitol, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
Several notable instances highlight the significance of this custom. In 2001, after a lengthy legal battle over the state of Florida’s ballots concluded with a Supreme Court decision, Al Gore graciously conceded to George W. Bush. Despite the disappointment stemming from not winning the presidency, Gore, who was then serving as vice president, attended Bush’s inauguration. The two leaders shared a handshake and brief exchange before Gore joined in the applause for the inaugural anthem, underscoring his acceptance of the outcome while also demonstrating the continuity of governance.
Fast forward to 2017, Democrat Hillary Clinton openly acknowledged her disappointment over losing to Trump that electoral cycle. She reflected on Inauguration Day as a challenging experience but felt compelled by duty to attend, owing to her past role as first lady during her husband’s presidency from 1993 to 2001. Clinton mentioned that it was essential to “put on the best face possible” during such a critical event.
Most recently, in 2021, then-Vice President Mike Pence represented the outgoing administration at President Joe Biden’s inauguration while Trump chose to skip the event. Pence and his wife made it a point to meet with the Bidens privately beforehand to convey their congratulations, adhering to the tradition of goodwill between administrations. Despite the circumstances, mutual respect was shown from both parties during the transition period.
Going back in history, George H.W. Bush, who had previously served as vice president and was inaugurated as president in 1989, attended Bill Clinton’s swearing-in in 1993 after facing electoral defeat. This marked another instance of the peaceful transition of power, as Bush walked alongside Clinton during the ceremonial events.
Richard Nixon’s experience in 1961 when he lost the presidential race to John F. Kennedy is another vivid example. After a narrow defeat, Nixon approached Kennedy immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, conveying his good wishes. Ironically, he would eventually return to the Capitol eight years later as president himself.
In the early history of the presidency, Herbert Hoover attended Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inauguration in 1933 after losing the election. This was not Hoover’s final inauguration experience, as he lived long enough to witness several more presidential ceremonies.
Moreover, Grover Cleveland’s unique situation in 1897 highlights the practice’s significance. Having lost the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote, Cleveland demonstrated his commitment to the democratic process by holding an umbrella for Harrison during the inauguration. He would later reclaim the presidency in a non-consecutive term, marking a unique chapter in American history.
These incidents illustrate the profound importance of tradition and respect during the transfer of power in American politics, showcasing how each defeated candidate played a role in reinforcing the democratic principles that guide the nation.
