The transfer of power following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election was an event of significance, with Kamala Harris, the previous Vice President and loser of the election, being a part of the procedure. Mike Pence, former Vice President and once Republican Governor of Indiana, commented about the event. The essence of his remark suggested the calm handover reflected our democracy’s strength.
He emphasized that representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties in Congress have ratified Trump’s claim to the presidency. This certification was done without objections or any intense resistance, showing stark contrast with Biden’s notorious 2020 certification, which will forever be etched in history due to the Capitol riot. In an attempt to draw attention away from her presidential bid defeat, Harris played a formal role in Trump’s election victory.
It’s an unusual circumstance that seems rare in history. The last instance when a vice-presidential candidate presided over the election certification of a rival dates back to when Al Gore acknowledged George W. Bush’s victory in 2000. This phenomenon reappeared when Harris, having lost her own presidential campaign, had to validate Trump’s decisive win.
Pence, suppressing his disbelief at watching Harris preside over Trump’s inauguration, expressed modest congratulations to Trump and his Vice President, J.D. Vance. His remarks, filled with thinly veiled sarcasm, wished the pair luck in correcting the nation’s course after the disastrous term of Biden and Harris.
In highlighting the contrast, a reminiscent observation of Jan. 6th, 2021, when chaos erupted in Capitol Hill seems inevitable. On that terrorizing day, a faction marched upon the Capitol mid-certification of Biden’s controversial 2020 election victory. The destructive crowd aimed to prevent Biden’s certification due to widespread suspicions about the credibility of the election results.
Comparison of the 2024 and 2021 election results certification procedures unveils stark differences. In 2021, amidst wide-spread allegations of election fraud, the certification took an unusual 12 hours. When this long-drawn process started at 1 p.m., when Arizona started objecting to the election results minutes into the ceremony, chaos ensued.
An hour in, an emboldened crowd stormed the building, resulting in the evacuation of the lawmakers. Order was restored at 8 p.m., and the session only resumed at 9 p.m. However, more objections came from Republican lawmakers, reflecting the collective dissatisfaction with dubious election outcomes. Half-past midnight, with most citizens asleep, Biden’s victory was quietly certified at 3 a.m.
The contrast with Trump’s election certification could not be starker. Trump’s certification kicked off at an identical time but concluded efficiently within 30 minutes, demonstrating a stark contrast in public faith and voting system integrity between the two occasions.
During Trump’s 2025 campaign, he voiced his trust in J.D. Vance to be his Vice President. This was hardly surprising given Pence’s falling out with Trump. It’s a well-known fact that loyalty is rewarded; however, Pence, who was the VP from 2017 to 2021, seemingly abandoned that principle towards the end of his tenure.
Pence and Trump’s divergence was a turning point, prompted by Pence’s loyalty to the constitution, leading to his refusal to stray from his duty. Pence’s decision to certify Joe ‘Sleepy’ Biden as the winner of the controversial 2020 election post-Trump’s defeat struck a profound discord between the pair, with many Republicans questioning the motives.
Pence’s refusal to endorse Trump for the following president raised eyebrows across the nation. His claim of ‘profound differences’ was met with disdain, as it shed light on Pence’s lack of commitment to the Republican party and its previously united front. This shift in alliances is sourly noted by the party faithfuls and has left a divisive mark on the otherwise united fight against the Democrats.
It’s hard to ignore the sharp difference between the certification instances of 2020 and 2024. The peaceful transition of power following the contested 2021 election is now viewed as the problematic period it was, and the charges of election fraud have intensified in light of this contrast.
Moreover, it indicates a disparity in how the Democrats and Republicans handle defeat – the former stirring up controversies and stoking tensions, while the latter exercises grace. A crucial takeaway from these episodes of political drama has exposed the deep disconnect between the Democratic promises and their actions.
In conclusion, the peaceful transition of power in 2024 exhibits the strength of American democracy, despite the previous administration’s questionable practices. Meanwhile, the questionable loyalty and misplaced priorities of some politicians like Pence have led to sharp introspection within the party lines. As we move forward, it is clear that individual intent and party allegiances will significantly influence the future of American politics.