George Bush, Former Republican President Will Attend Joe Biden's Inauguration

43rd US President George W. Bush (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Former President of the United States (US) from the Republican Party George W. Bush will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. On the other hand, the former US president from the Democratic Party, Jimmy Carter, reportedly will not even attend the inauguration.

According to Bush's chief of staff, Freddy Ford, quoted by CNN, Wednesday, January 6, Bush will attend with former first lady Laura Bush. The 43rd US President has been diligent in attending the inauguration of the US president. Previously he witnessed the inauguration of Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

"Mr and Mrs Bush will attend the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony of President Biden and Vice President Haris," Ford said in a statement. "I believe this will be the eighth inauguration they have the privilege of attending and witnessing the peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy that never grows old," he said.

Bush is one of the leading Republicans who congratulated Biden on Biden's victory after media outlets projected Biden to win the presidency in November. "Even though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden is a good man who has won his chance to lead and unite our country," Bush said.

"The president-elect reiterated that when he runs for Democrat, he will rule for all Americans. I offer him the same thing I convey to Presidents Trump and Obama: my prayers for his success, and my promise to help in any way. all I can, "Bush said.

Jimmy Carter is absent

The opposite news came from former US president from the Democratic Party Jimmy Carter, who reportedly will not be present at Biden's inauguration. Whereas previously Carter and his wife Rosalyn Carter were not absent at the inauguration of Obama and Trump.

The Associated Press first reported that Jimmy Carter would not be attending. Carter, who is 96 years old, is America's oldest living president. In addition to his advanced age, Carter survived brain and liver cancer and was hospitalized in 2019. In addition, his elderly person is more susceptible to COVID-19 than younger people.

"The President and Mrs. Carter will not travel to Washington for the inauguration but send their best wishes to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and look forward to a successful administration," said Deanna Congileo, a Carter Center spokeswoman.

Biden's inauguration on January 20 will be largely virtual. Apart from that there is a virtual parade in lieu of a big bustling event. The inauguration committee has also asked Americans not to travel to Washington DC to attend the ceremony.