However, all three former presidents and their spouses, except Michelle Obama, will attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony.
Couldn't pass up the more prestigious event that's going to be watched by the entire world.
In comparison, passing up a work lunch with a bunch of congresspeople that probably won't even be televized doesn't sound like taking much of a stand against the fascist takeover..
They still think it's Presidential to follow pomp and circumstance to preserve the appearance of national normalcy as the nation burns on multiple fronts.
Just as in their Presidencies, they want to be known for promoting social quiet, despite their Presidencies all defending and furthering economic violence in the name of all their wealthy friends who "donated to" their respective parties over the years.
The inaugural lunch, a tradition since 1897, typically includes speeches and toasts for the new administration.
Anyone have a sense of how rare it is for living ex presidents to dodge it? Feels pretty rare but I don't know.
Former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton also received an invitation to the inaugural luncheon but will not attend, according to a third source familiar with the matter.
I kinda feel like she missed an opportunity there.
Trump didn't attend Biden's inauguration, why should Biden feel he has to attend Trump's? (I know this is about the lunch, but still). Obama and the Clintons should take a pass too. They think they have to go to somehow prove something like they're not petty or that the country isn't really falling apart or whatever, but all they're proving is that they're A-OK with the rise of fascism in the US. God I wish they'd show some spine just this once.
The ruling class will face no harm, they're all in the same club. They might tut tut and waggle their fingers but then they'll retire to their gated communities.
I do wonder if there's something up with Michelle Obama. The inaugural stuff is one thing, but I find it odd that she skipped Jimmy Carter's inauguration.