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Biden Reflects on January 6 as Congress Prepares for Certification

President Joe Biden has expressed concern over what he characterizes as a persistent campaign to minimize the significance of the January 6, 2021, events when a crowd of Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to obstruct the certification of the 2020 election results. Biden’s remarks aim to contrast that tumultuous day with the orderly transition of power he anticipates for the upcoming presidential inauguration.

In an article published in The Washington Post, Biden recalled the chaotic events of January 6, stating, “violent insurrectionists attacked the Capitol.” He emphasized, “We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault” and expressed optimism that such an egregious attack will not recur.

As Congress convenes on Monday, meetings will take place amidst snowy conditions in Washington to formally certify the results of the November election, with Trump’s victory being presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris. This time, however, the anticipation is for a peaceful and orderly process, devoid of violence or disruptions, highlighting a return to the American tradition of power transfer.

This outlook remains unchanged despite Trump’s continued claims challenging the legitimacy of his electoral defeat in 2020, including his recent allusions to extending his tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit, and hinting at pardons for many involved in the Capitol riots.

In his opinion piece, Biden remarked on the certification process, “After what we all witnessed on Jan. 6, 2021, we know we can never again take it for granted.” He pointedly refrained from naming Trump, noting instead that there is an “unrelenting effort” to distort the narrative surrounding that day.

Biden asserted the importance of not allowing the truth to be obscured, highlighting the collective experience as evidence that the nation must grapple with its past. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transfer, stating, “I have invited the incoming president to the White House on the morning of Jan. 20, and I will be present for his inauguration.” This highlights a significant contrast to the previous transition when Trump notably boycotted Biden’s inauguration.

“But on this day, we cannot forget,” Biden reinforced, advocating for a yearly remembrance of the events on January 6, framing it as a test of democracy’s resilience. He argued that democracy is fragile and should not be taken for granted.

Following his written reflections, Biden reiterated to reporters at the White House the importance of accurately documenting the events of January 6, declaring that they “should not be rewritten” or forgotten. He emphasized his dedication to a peaceful transition, marking it as a necessary return to norms.

Throughout 2024, Biden has consistently warned voters about the risks posed by Trump to American democracy. Recently, he recognized the efforts of Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, leaders of the congressional investigation into the Capitol events, by awarding them the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Echoing the tone of his published piece, Biden continued to affirm the importance of a stable and normal transfer of power, stating, “I’ve reached out to make sure the smooth transition,” stressing the importance of returning to foundational democratic processes.

When asked about his assessment of Trump as a potential threat to democracy, Biden remarked, “I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy. I’m hopeful we’re beyond that now.”

Source
abcnews.go.com