The Real Reason Biden Wants Trump At His Inauguration

We can only imagine that President-elect Joe Biden has a list of guests that he'd love to see at his January 20 inauguration which includes family, close friends, and associates. But he says he's also hoping that his political rival, outgoing President Donald Trump shows up at the event, too.

Biden told CNN's Jake Tapper on Thursday night that from a personal standpoint, he feels that there is no need for outgoing President Donald Trump to be at his inauguration. But Trump's presence is important for the country, and for the world, because it would show that at the end of the chaos, there is a "peaceful transfer of power with the competing parties standing there, shaking hands, and moving on."

"What I worry about, more than the impact on domestic politics, is the image we're presenting to the rest of the world. They [the rest of the world] follow us not just because of example of our power, but by the power of our example. Look at where we are in the world," Biden said. "Look how we're viewed. They're wondering 'my lord these things happen in tin-horn dictatorships, this is not the United States. In that sense, the protocol of the transfer of power, I think, is important. But it is totally his decision, and it's — it has no personal consequence to me. But I do think it is for the country," he concluded.

While Biden may have his fair share of supporters on social media, many users appear to disagree with him over this issue. Many don't think that a Trump presence at the Biden inauguration is a necessity, with one user saying bluntly, "I prefer he not go too. He'll just cause a scene." Another tweeted, "Yeah, he has to say that and it's the right thing to say. But I don't think any of us want Trump there, Biden included. Biden's going to be a president, not the ringmaster of a circus. He doesn't want or need clowns." One even said that Trump's actions had made him an unwelcome part of the inauguration, tweeting, "I agree. Trump has forfeited his right to participate in time honored American tradition and ceremony. He is not welcome." 

Nearly a month has passed since Biden was declared winner of the November 3 elections, and Trump has yet to concede (via Detroit Free Press). Whether or not he'll make an appearance at the January 20 ceremony remains to be seen.