What happened last time when Trump became President? Did everyone offer their congratulations? Of course - it is a formalism. My guess, though, is that they were not prepared for the onslaught of personal insults combined with the mess that he was about to unleash.
There is an entry in Wikipedia for his congratulations: International reactions to the 2016 United States presidential election HERE. What Trudeau offered in 2016, below, is very similar to what he offered Biden this weekend.
"I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory in the United States. Our shared values are strong. Our common purpose is to build countries where everyone has a fair chance to succeed, and where the government works first, foremost and always for the people it governs. The Canadian government will continue its hard work toward these ends, and we offer our hand in partnership with our neighbours as friends and allies as they move forward."
This time he added:
"We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world."
Others showed relief:
"Welcome back America !" tweeted Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris.
A city official in Berlin said, "After the birth of my son, the election of Joe Biden is by far the best news of this year."
I am sure there are some very funny comments and congratulations to come our way over this next week. This will be part of the having fun again social movement.
Our picture is yesterday's view of our beautiful weeping willow tree on the lagoon at Charles Daley Park.
