Biden shows Trump how to lose patriotically

Four years ago, Trump used sporadic or otherwise unsubstantiated reports of voter fraud in an attempt to create the mirage of an election that had been stolen from him. Trump’s denial of his election defeat provided the worst example of his general incapacity to perceive the national interest and his personal interests in distinction.

To be sure, for most of 2024, even as it became brutally evident that he was mentally incapable of credibly running for reelection, Biden remained trapped by his ego-vested interest in retaining power. Still, he did eventually end his reelection campaign and, as with his quick and collegial recognition of Trump’s election victory, put the national interest first. The president did the same thing at the White House on Wednesday, prioritizing a smooth transition of power and the democratic rule of law before his deep personal acrimony with his successor.

Trump responded positively to this example on Wednesday, showing reciprocal grace to Biden as the two men met in the Oval Office. Biden congratulated the president-elect, and after a brief handshake, Trump observed that “politics is tough” before thanking Biden for his efforts to ensure a smooth transition. It should be noted that Biden’s criticisms of Trump and his supporters have often been excessive, such as with the president’s claim that Trump is a threat to America itself. As with that which he offered in his November 2016 meeting with then-President Barack Obama, Trump’s politeness toward Biden thus deserves credit.

Yet, Trump’s politeness on Wednesday was easy because the national interest and his personal intersect in its favor. He has won power with a big mandate, and Biden is heading out of office. At the margin, Trump looks more presidential by shaking hands and making nice with Biden. But this time last year, Trump’s personal interest and the national interest were in conflict. And back then, the personal interest won out to the nation’s detriment.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

There are few more important constitutional norms than a vanquished politician accepting that his opponent fairly won the day. Biden fairly won the day on Nov. 3, 2020, and Trump fairly won the day on Nov. 5, 2024. Both men deserve credit for serving the cause of national unity Wednesday.

Hopefully, however, Trump will remember Biden’s better example of how to lose patriotically if the next Republican presidential nominee is defeated in 2028.