SAN FRANCISCO, January 09, (THEWILL) – United States President-elect, Joe Biden, has said President Donald Trump’s decision to stay away from his inauguration was a “good thing”.
“It’s a good thing, him not showing up”, Biden said in Wilmington, Delaware. He said it is one of the few things he and Trump have ever agreed on.
Trump confirmed earlier suspicions that he would skip the inauguration Jan. 20, breaking a long-standing tradition that many see as a hallmark of the US’s peaceful transfer of power.
“To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th”, Trump said on Twitter.
The president-elect, however, said outgoing Vice President Mike Pence was welcome to attend the inauguration on January.
“I think it is important that as much as we can stick to what have been historical precedents of how and the circumstance in which an administration changes should be maintained and so if Mike, the vice president is welcome to, I would be honoured to have him there and to move forward in the transition”, Biden said.
Responding to a question, Biden said that he has not spoken to Pence.
He added that those who tried to overturn the November 3 election results should be ashamed of themselves.
Biden lamented Trump’s conduct and comments over the years, adding that the Republican had ridiculed America.
“He exceeded even my worst notions about him. He’s been an embarrassment to the country, embarrassed us around the world. He’s not worthy to hold that office”, he added.
Sidestepping the questions related to impeachment or removal from office in the remaining 11 days, Biden said that quickest way Trump could be removed is his inauguration on January 20.
“I have been saying for now well over a year he (Trump) is not fit to serve”, Biden said. “He is one of the most incompetent presidents in the history of the United States of America and so the idea that I think he shouldn’t be out of office yesterday is not the issue.
“The question is what happens with 12 days left to go or 11 days left to go and I think that what 81 million people stood up and said it is time for him to go and the United States Senate voted 93-6 to confirm that we should be sworn in. We were duly elected, so I think it is important we get on with the business of getting him out of office.
“The quickest way that that will happen is us being sworn in on the 20th. What action happens before or after that is a judgment for the Congress to make, but that is what I am looking forward to, him leaving office”, the president-elect said.
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