It’s customary that after the Inauguration ceremony, the new president enjoys a congressional luncheon. However, like most of the tone of this historic presidential campaign, this congressional luncheon was a bit different than previous years. Classiest Moment
While it’s normal for the president to give a speech at the event, it’s rare that one of the people seated at a table is the person he defeated in the election.
As the wife of former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s presence at the luncheon was expected. When President Donald Trump took the podium, he immediately acknowledged the large elephant in the room.
Unlike his campaign rhetoric towards his opponent in the election, Trump exhibited grace and humility towards the Clintons. He began his speech:
“I was very honored — very, very honored when I heard President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton were coming today.”
This statement was met with a standing ovation, with Trump leading the clapping:
He rounded out his sentiment with a surprising nod to the couple:
“There’s nothing more I can say, because I have a lot of respect for those two people.”
Amid clashes between protesters, the acknowledgement by Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton’s refined acceptance, may be the ultimate example that both Republicans and Democrats can get along.