The peaceful transition of power is a keystone of democracy, often marked by gestures of goodwill among incoming and outgoing officials. In a surprising deviation from this tradition, former Vice President Kamala Harris declined to provide Vice President J.D. Vance and his family with the customary tour of the vice presidential residence prior to the presidential transition. This decision has resurfaced discussions about political civility and the importance of tradition in American politics.
Vice President Vance, now residing at the Naval Observatory with Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, spotlighted this break from protocol in a recent statement. According to Vance, the lack of a pre-inauguration tour was particularly disappointing for his youngest child, who was looking forward to a "proper welcome" into their new home. Despite being aware of the political tensions that could make such an encounter awkward, Vance had instructed his staff to extend a request for a tour, hoping to introduce his children to the residence they would soon call home. The request was specifically for his wife and children, yet according to Vance, they were "rebuffed" and he labeled Harris's reaction as "mean-spirited."
This snub has raised eyebrows given that historically, such tours have been standard practice. They serve not only as a symbol of continuity and respect between administrations but also as a practical introduction for the families who will be living in the public eye. For instance, former Vice President Dick Cheney welcomed Joe Biden and his family in 2009, and the Bidens reciprocated this gesture to Mike Pence and his family in 2016. The exception was when Mike Pence did not host Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff due to the contentious atmosphere following the 2020 election and the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vice presidential residence, a 9,000 square-foot property characterized by its Queen Anne architectural style, grand staircases, and distinctive artistic turrets, has been adapted to accommodate the Vance family, including their three young children. It is the first time since Al Gore's tenure in the 1990s that young children are living in the residence. Vance has introduced personal touches to the historic home, such as installing a golf simulator and setting up miniature desks for the children's schoolwork.
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many criticizing Harris's action as a departure from decorum and others expressing relief that the Vance children were spared exposure to what they perceived as negative influences. Despite the tour refusal, Vance has acknowledged that Harris left a courteous, albeit "boilerplate," note on his desk, which he described as "polite."
As the Vance family settles into their new role and home, they navigate the intersection of public and private life, highlighting the challenges of maintaining tradition in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
