The white Queen Anne-style mansion that has housed America’s vice presidents since the 1970s has long stood as a symbol of peaceful transitions in American democracy. Indeed, its halls have witnessed countless moments of bipartisan courtesy as outgoing leaders welcomed their successors, regardless of party affiliation.

That tradition, dating back decades, has served as a reminder that some institutions should transcend political divisions. Even in times of fierce partisan disagreement, the Naval Observatory residence has remained a place where American political civility endured.

Such traditions, however, appear to be changing.

Harris Disrespects Vance

Vice President Kamala Harris has declined to extend an invitation to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and his family for a formal tour or sit-down at the Naval Observatory residence. Multiple Democratic and Republican sources have confirmed this. The decision marks a striking departure from historical precedent and raises questions about the erosion of long-held Washington customs.

So much for putting children first.

The situation became particularly revealing of priorities when Usha Vance, concerned about preparing the residence for the couple’s three young children – all under the age of eight – reached out through intermediaries seeking basic information about childproofing the historic home. Her inquiry was initially rebuffed by a Harris political appointee.

Only after Navy officials stepped in did the Vance family receive any information about the residence they will occupy starting January 20, 2025. These officials provided an overview of the house’s layout and basic logistical details. They handled what traditionally would have been a courtesy extended by the current occupant.

A Disturbing Contrast

The contrast with recent history is stark. In December 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill hosted Mike and Karen Pence at the residence shortly after the election, maintaining a tradition of gracious transitions.

“We’re just very grateful for the hospitality today of the vice president and second lady,” Pence said at the time.

Remember those days of basic political courtesy? Apparently, they’re so 2016.

Harris’s team has attempted to justify the decision by pointing to her own transition experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the Capitol riot. However, sources close to then-Vice President Pence dispute this narrative, indicating that Harris was quietly offered an opportunity to visit the residence in the final days of the Trump administration.

The only direct communication between the current and incoming families has been a brief 40-minute phone call between Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Usha Vance last week. This was a minimal courtesy that underscores the broader breakdown in traditional protocol.

Impact On The Vance Children

Perhaps most telling is the impact on the Vance children, who will be the youngest residents of the Naval Observatory in recent memory. Basic questions about childproofing and family accommodations – matters that typically transcend political differences – were met with institutional resistance rather than traditional cooperation.

“When you’re talking about young children and family safety, these aren’t partisan issues,” a source close to the transition noted, speaking on condition of anonymity. “These are basic human considerations that used to be respected regardless of political affiliation.”

The situation highlights a troubling pattern in modern political transitions, where traditional courtesies increasingly fall victim to partisan tensions. Harris’s team cites her own challenging transition as precedent. However, critics argue this reasoning only perpetuates a cycle of declining institutional courtesy.

One can’t help but wonder: If the situations were reversed, would the media reaction be different?

As January 20 approaches, the Naval Observatory residence stands ready for its newest occupants, even if its current residents have chosen to break with tradition. The question remains whether this departure from historical norms represents a temporary aberration or a more permanent shift in how America’s political institutions handle transitions of power.

What’s clear is that the white Queen Anne-style mansion, which has witnessed so many peaceful transitions, will now bear witness to another first. Sadly, it’s perhaps not the kind that strengthens our democratic traditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Harris breaks the longstanding, bipartisan tradition of VP residence tours, contrasting with Biden’s 2016 courtesy.
• Basic safety requests for Vance’s young children were initially rejected by Harris staff.
• Navy officials forced to step in after Harris team rebuffs traditional transition courtesies.
• Pattern emerges of selective adherence to traditions based on political affiliations.

Sources: CBS News, The Washington Examiner