Toward a Peaceful Transition of Power and a Responsible Trump Presidency

Back in 2009, when Barack Obama took over at the end of George W. Bush’s term, I blogged:

Regardless of your politics, today is a day to celebrate the remarkable peaceful transitions to power that occur in this country with each presidential transition. It is something we should not take for granted.

It is a thought I’ve returned to frequently this election season, as Donald Trump made profoundly irresponsible comments about potentially not accepting the election results if he lost, and about how the election was “rigged” and voter fraud rampant.  I assume he abandons these talking points now that he has won (with the ridiculous idea that was only rigged if he lost).

And now, as Donald Trump stands poised to take over at the end of Obama’s term, it looks like we will again have a peaceful transition of power, with Hillary Clinton having conceded and the Obama administration beginning transition planning with the Trump team. This is something to be grateful for.

I have been deeply concerned about Trump’s professed lack of respect for the rule of law and American institutions. I sincerely hope that he will surround himself with wise advisors who can counsel him to make careful and judicious choices, and to bolster American democracy and American institutions like a free press. I cannot say I am optimistic. But I will try to remain hopeful, and to wish him success as President, for the sake of the American people.

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