Should past presidents attend the inauguration?

2016-12-24T11:57:17-05:00

Some past presidents have suggested they may not attend. H.W. gave health as a reason, he is 92. But what about others. Carter RSVP'ed.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4062578/Bitter-Clintons-consider-staying-away-Trump-inauguration-George-W-Bush-hasn-t-RSVPed-Jimmy-Carter-attend.html

Bitter Clintons consider staying away from Trump inauguration

So far Jimmy Carter, age 92, is the onlyformer president who has said he will be there on January 20. Every living former president attended Barack Obama's 2008 inauguration.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 24 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-12-24T12:02:48-05:00

they can if they Like ... but they don't have to ... it's not a requirement... and they way The trumpster is trying to Un do what many of them Did ... they can show their distain by not attending...
Love shot with Al Gore looking in from the outside...

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Dec 24 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-12-24T12:16:58-05:00

It sounds like it's going to be a pretty awkward party.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 24 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-12-24T12:20:51-05:00

Think it's more, a gesture of support for party & individual. Certainly no requirement to attend if they have neither.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 24 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-12-24T12:22:05-05:00

well he pretty much stated or insinuated each of them was the "problem" the reason the US is in the shape and uncertain outlook we are in..

This was not a election of the 50's , 60's, or 70 & 80's even.. Where candidates disagreed on policy and position, but did not go after family, friends, attack the legacy and make personal cuts on their opponent.
That coupled with trump has called them all out as intentionally, doing illegal, unconstitutional, and or immoral actions it does not surprise me at all, they do not wish to attend the PE that no political group Dem, republican, other wanted

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 24 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-12-24T12:24:13-05:00

The ones who refuse may join Hollywood celebrities in the Hall of Shame

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Dec 24 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-12-24T12:25:14-05:00

As a courtesy, they normally do, don't they?

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Dec 24 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-12-24T12:30:25-05:00

If Obama didn't have to be there. I don't think he would attend. And it's a slap in the face if Bill goes. After complaining about angry White Men.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-12-24T12:33:52-05:00

Yes they should. It's about the office not the resident. Being grown up is difficult for some people.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Dec 24 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-12-24T12:38:24-05:00

Absolutely unless they are sick like HW or recovering from Cancer Like Carter because the Presidency is about respecting the office and the position not the Person in it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-12-24T12:41:52-05:00

Al Gore in the background photo crashing the picture, lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-12-24T13:10:32-05:00

I don't see how it matters, they should do whatever they want.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 24 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-12-24T13:15:16-05:00

H.W. will not attend? Heck, I wanted to see the outlandish socks he would wear!

Response by SPC Jeff Castle made Dec 24 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-12-24T13:50:48-05:00

It would be the professional thing to do. Besides, the 'POTUS' club is pretty exclusive- I know I would want to attend!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 2:39 PM

2016-12-24T14:39:44-05:00

I think that is up to them.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Dec 24 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-12-24T14:40:19-05:00

I've always liked and admired Bush 43. It'd be a real sad disappointment if he doesn't show. Nothing the Clinton's would do would be a surprise, as they have zero class. I'd prefer Bush rush above any personal differences. As someone else said , "it's about the office, not the person".

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-12-24T15:07:48-05:00

They can do whatever they want. Wanna go, then go. Don't, then they don't.

Response by PFC Carmen A Garcia made Dec 24 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-12-24T15:42:15-05:00

Everyone has a valid point. As a Democrat I personally am embarrassed by all the shenanigans that went on during the election and is still ongoing. I was brought up to respect our Flag and President. While I don't agree with President elect Trump, I will respect him as our President. The Clintons and other past Presidents should attend out of courtesy and respect. Yet I shudder to think what a circus it could turn out to be.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-12-24T16:27:02-05:00

As respect to the Office of the President and Commander in Chief I think they should, with exception to health restrictions like H.W. Bush has or similar circumstances.

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Dec 24 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-12-24T16:36:24-05:00

Oh yes ! All should be there including Al Gore. Come on in Al.

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Dec 24 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-12-24T16:37:49-05:00

Oh come on Papa Bush. You kin do it. You jumped outa a airplane.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Dec 24 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-12-24T16:54:28-05:00

BHO can stay home

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 24 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-12-24T17:13:46-05:00

The picture kills me, Al Gore is creeping out the window looking for manbearpig!!!!

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Dec 24 at 2016 5:20 PM

2016-12-24T17:20:59-05:00

Yes and I see that Al Gore feels a bit left out!!

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 24 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-12-24T17:30:03-05:00

Who really cares if they go?

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Dec 24 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-12-24T17:44:35-05:00

As long as it's not on the taxpayer dime!

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Dec 24 at 2016 6:59 PM

2016-12-24T18:59:57-05:00

Yes, it is a office very few will ever be in. But I feel that Obama is going to dog Trump the whole time.

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Dec 24 at 2016 7:05 PM

2016-12-24T19:05:57-05:00

Good looking group and specially that one starring thru the window.

Response by SFC Dante Alanis made Dec 24 at 2016 8:58 PM

2016-12-24T20:58:06-05:00

Health aside, they should all attend. Get over it and give the man a chance. Let's see what a "successful" businessman can do better. Are politicians afraid that Trump actually helps the middle class and we all realize they only serve to advance their self interest?

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Dec 24 at 2016 10:08 PM

2016-12-24T22:08:42-05:00

Some of our former presidents exhibit a lack of respect for the office they once held. Will be disdappointed in GW Bush (as a veteran ) if he does not attend.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 24 at 2016 10:24 PM

2016-12-24T22:24:06-05:00

Wow a totally photoshopped pic with them as they pretty much appeared in office. That aside, I'd hope the formers are Presidential enough to do their best to attend. I'd understand if HWB can't make the journey due to his deteriorating health. I'd love to see him skydive in like he did tandem style for his birthdays.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 24 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-12-24T23:45:19-05:00

I think they should, CW5 Andrew J. Foreman. However, should one or more of the former presidents choose not to, that's their prerogative. I don't think it will bother Donald Trump in the least should any or all elect not to attend.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2016 2:42 AM

2016-12-25T02:42:07-05:00

there's a lot of history from the former presidents and the case of President Bush Senior he was shot down in combat and Rescue by a submarine. Even if GW bush was a drunk first lieutenant he still was a patriot flying a fighter plane for the Texas Air National Guard. most presidents before President Clinton served in the military. I believe it would be insulting to ask why shouldn't they be there?

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 25 at 2016 7:37 AM

2016-12-25T07:37:27-05:00

That picture is funny every time. As to the question, they can do whatever they want.

Response by Larry Dirlam made Dec 25 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-12-25T19:42:40-05:00

YES TO ALL OF THE PRESIDENTS THAT LOVE AMERICA. FAKE, OBOMA, SOULD BE LEFT OUT.
HIS UNDERMINDING OF OUR CONSTITUTION REALLY PUTS HIM INTO THE TRAITOR LABLE .

Response by SPC David Whitney made Dec 27 at 2016 8:21 AM

2016-12-27T08:21:22-05:00

The question should be "Will Obama ever go away!"

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 27 at 2016 9:01 AM

2016-12-27T09:01:09-05:00

If you are a living President currently collecting a Presidential pension, then it is your duty to be there. The symbolic passing of the torch is part of the transfer of power no matter how much you differ in personal politics.

Also... I thought that hazy figure in the background was supposed to be the "ghost of Reagan" until I realized it was Gore crashing the photo. That is literally the funniest thing in the world.

Response by CWO4 Steven Strehle made Dec 27 at 2016 11:41 AM

2016-12-27T11:41:38-05:00

Yes, they should attend. Even if you do not care for the man, it is a sign of respect for the highest elected office in our country.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Dec 27 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-12-27T11:56:28-05:00

"If you cannot respect the man, at least respect the office."

Donald Trumps photograph will be in every office you enter for at least the next four years.

Get used to it because in one month you will be required to follow any lawful order which he gives you.
If you are an active duty member of the armed services and do not do so you have disobeyed a superior.
I have little possibly no patience for any other talk.
However, as US citizens, and fellow human beings I will of course defend your right to pass air over your vocal cords.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-12-27T12:02:55-05:00

This is an interesting topic. I feel they should be there. The Presidential Club, they should all support each other, knowing the difficulty the position holds. Choosing not to attend simply on oneself not agreeing with the polital party I feel is unprofessional.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-12-27T12:41:56-05:00

They should from a moral standpoint.... But they are also free to do as they please.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Dec 27 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-12-27T14:40:50-05:00

I would prefer the outgoing President NOT attend. However, one may make a valid case for the outgoing President QUIETLY attending the swearing in of a new President...followed by a quick and quiet departure from the scene. Either alternative establishes a clear ceremonial "change of command."

In the Military, the outgoing Commander may give a quick address to the troops once the guidon is passed (quickly followed by an address from the incoming commander), but does not hang around after the ceremony since his tenure has passed. We should expect no less dignity from those who hold the office of POTUS.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Dec 27 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-12-27T15:13:50-05:00

Should? Yes, a requirement? No.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Dec 27 at 2016 3:31 PM

2016-12-27T15:31:14-05:00

If they can, they should.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Dec 27 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-12-27T16:19:06-05:00

I think someone said they needed to rearrange their sock drawer...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-12-27T16:43:14-05:00

If it was protocol that previous presidents attend then yes they should. If not then they can do whatever they want. It's that simple.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Dec 27 at 2016 4:53 PM

2016-12-27T16:53:08-05:00

Of course they should, but it seems there are a lot of sore losers this time :-(

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-12-27T17:58:53-05:00

Bottom line is Yes. All living Past Presidents should attend if they are able to attend unless they can't because of personal reasons. I also think that as a former Commander In Chief and former President of a Free Nation of the World it would only make sense and show solidarity among all parties concerned.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 28 at 2016 11:02 AM

2016-12-28T11:02:53-05:00

If they have the ability to, yes.

Response by Pat McCracken made Dec 28 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-12-28T11:54:15-05:00

I believe they should, barring any serious health conditions, such as H.W. Bush. It's a disgraceful gesture for them not to attend. I also believe it's their duty as a former leader of this country to support the the newly elected President. After all, they ARE still receiving a check from the United States government.

Response by COL Sam Russell made Dec 28 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-12-28T11:58:18-05:00

Gore was photo-shopped into the picture. He wasn't in the original.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Dec 28 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-12-28T14:31:08-05:00

Yes. By not attending the Presidents are thumbing their collective noses at the tens of millions of people who voted for DJT, all other Americans and our traditions. The Inauguration is for America and Americans. In the Army I served under officers I didn't particularly care for. I learned very early on you salute the rank, not the man.

Response by Col James Howe made Dec 28 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-12-28T16:07:24-05:00

yes...this about the constitutional process of a peaceful transition of power.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Dec 29 at 2016 5:23 AM

2016-12-29T05:23:30-05:00

I, for one, would not be supprrised if any of them wanted to separate themselves from The Farce!!!

Response by Iona Kranz made Dec 29 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-12-29T14:07:49-05:00

The Times They Are A-Changin aren't they? Used to be and given that all of them would be there but that's when people followed good manners and whether or not they had respect for the incoming president they showed up out of respect for the position of the presidency. BUT, that's not the case anymore. Instead of going on with his own personal life like other presidents from before President Obama took his place a residency in Washington DC and will stick around too be a needle dick or Thorn In the Flesh to every good and decent move to regain strength to our country. Because The Times They Are A-Changin scenario I say let them stay home if they don't want to go. I say tell them not to come they aren't invited if they have been needle dicks to the country.

Response by D. Cree Crawford made Dec 30 at 2016 7:59 AM

2016-12-30T07:59:37-05:00

With all the "chatter" going on. I would be concerned if former POTUS's did not attend. Especially Bush Family, Clinton, Obama!

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Dec 30 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-12-30T13:50:10-05:00

I think they should, out of respect for the office.

When I was active, I used to say that I was required to respect the rank of my superiors, but the person who wore that rank, had to earn my respect. There is a difference.

Response by TSgt Dan Decker made Dec 30 at 2016 6:00 PM

2016-12-30T18:00:53-05:00

Ban obummer. He would act like Kanye West and get on stage and talk about how much killary should have been elected instead of Trump! And he would talk about how he would have beaten Trump.

Response by CPL Howard Conover made Jan 10 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-01-10T12:57:18-05:00

Yes, while these idiot athletes may decline an invitation to the White House by the POTUS, the prior Chief Commanders should attend out of respect for the office.

Response by CPL Howard Conover made Jan 10 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-01-10T16:24:38-05:00

Yeah I just noticed Gore. What is he doing out there??

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Jan 10 at 2017 10:19 PM

2017-01-10T22:19:42-05:00

Absolutely! The former POTUS' are in a unique class of citizen in that they were given the honor and privilege to lead the greatest nation on the planet, and each of them have a special civic duty to support the in-coming president. Why? Simply because each of them knows the rigors of that office and what it takes out of a person to manage the business of growing the economy and defending the nation . This simple demonstration of solidarity as American leaders - not politicians, is necessary to aid in the drawing together of the people of the nation, not affiliated with a particular party or cause, but as Americans - inspiring the only truly free people in the world to greater things.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Jan 10 at 2017 11:51 PM

2017-01-10T23:51:27-05:00

They should attend, if at all possible. It's about the office, which should be respected. They should set aside their indifferences, and act in a civilized manner for a change.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jan 11 at 2017 4:46 AM

2017-01-11T04:46:13-05:00

If they want. It looks good if they do but honestly there is no requirement and if in their retirement they want to stay away from ceremony then who's to say they shouldn't be able to choose what they do for themselves? The only one I think should be required (and no, not because of the controversial nature of this one, I think it for any) is the outgoing President. Outside of that, they're adults, let them do what they want.

Response by Vincent Mills made Jan 11 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-01-11T21:28:15-05:00

...IT WOULD SHOW MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF ONE THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS POSITIONS IN THE WORLD... ALSO GREAT CHARACTER OF THE PAST PRESIDENTS....

Response by PO1 Sean Hurley made Jan 24 at 2017 2:15 PM

2017-01-24T14:15:34-05:00

It should be a requirement. Whether you like the new President or not, this is a democratic republic and he was elected fairly. Support the captain of the ship.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jan 27 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-01-27T16:52:24-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner Yes it demonstrates a unified government to the rest of the world and a peaceful transition of power.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 6:58 AM

2017-02-04T06:58:08-05:00

Is the out going commander present at the change of command ceremony?

Response by SGT Lyle Fleury made Feb 14 at 2017 7:02 AM

2017-02-14T07:02:51-05:00

Yes, out of respect for the office. L.Wilfred Fleury D.Th.

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 14 at 2017 7:07 AM

2017-02-14T07:07:37-05:00

Yes they should out of respect for the office.