On the Radar
Washington, D.C. March 4, 1801. 4:00 a.m. John Adams, the second president of the United States, escapes The District under the cloak of darkness. He could not bear to watch the inauguration ceremony of his friend-turned-rival, Thomas Jefferson. Adams was hurt. He was humiliated. He was bitter and broken. But in his departure, he established what would become a hallmark of the budding nation’s democracy: the peaceful transfer of political power.Â
For over 200 years, the defeated presidential candidate has gracefully accepted their loss and conceded the election, clearing the path for a smooth transition of power from the outgoing administration to the president-elect.
President Trump, however, has repeatedly passed on committing to a peaceful transfer of power or making it contingent on not counting certain ballots.
Late last month, Trump said, “we’re going to have to see what happens” and reiterated his complaints about mail-in voting, urging the electorate to “get rid of the ballots.” Â
Are you worried about a peaceful transfer of power after this election?
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