From Chaos to Calm: The Glow-Up of America’s Electoral Certification Process
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

From Chaos to Calm: The Glow-Up of America’s Electoral Certification Process

Well, folks, it finally happened. Congress certified Donald Trump’s 2024 win, and the vibe could not have been more different from the absolute circus we witnessed four years ago during the January 6th riots. If 2021’s certification was a reality TV meltdown, today’s event was more like a soothing episode of Bob Ross painting happy little trees. Let’s break it down, shall we?

2021: Chaos, Mayhem, and Shattered Windows

Ah, January 6, 2021. A day that will live in infamy—and also in countless memes. Remember the guy in the Viking horns? Or the dude casually stealing Nancy Pelosi’s podium like it was a door prize at a PTA meeting? It was a hot mess of epic proportions. Rioters stormed the Capitol, lawmakers ran for their lives, and democracy itself felt like it was on life support.

And then there was Mike Pence—poor Mike Pence—doing his best “disappointed dad” face as he tried to preside over the certification. It was like watching someone try to referee a dodgeball game where all the players are armed with fireworks.

Fast forward to today, and let me tell you: it’s like we’re living in an alternate universe.

2024: Calm, Cool, and Certified

Today’s certification? Smooth as butter on a stack of pancakes. No riots, no chaos, no guy dressed as a Game of Thrones extra wandering around the Senate chamber. Kamala Harris stepped in as Vice President and handled her duties with grace and professionalism—exactly how it should have gone down four years ago. She didn’t have to dodge angry mobs or barricade herself in an office with a stapler as her only weapon. Progress!

The vibe in Congress today was so chill that you half-expected someone to break out a yoga mat and start doing downward dog right there in the rotunda. Democracy is alive and well, people!

Trump’s Transition Tantrum: A Tale of Two Administrations

Now, let’s talk about transitions because, oh boy, do we have some tea to spill. Back in 2021, Trump made Biden’s transition about as smooth as trying to parallel park a school bus on an icy hill. He locked Biden out of the White House (who does that?!), refused to do the traditional meet-and-greet with the incoming First Family, and spent most of his time tweeting in all caps about how the election was stolen. It was like watching a toddler throw a tantrum because someone else got the last piece of cake.

Fast forward to today, and guess what? Biden and Harris are handling the transition like actual adults. No drama, no door-slamming, no passive-aggressive post-it notes left on the Resolute Desk. They’re doing their jobs and making sure everything is ready for Trump to take over again—even though he’s out here claiming they’re being “difficult.” Sir, difficult? You literally ghosted your successor in 2021 like it was a bad Tinder date.

Other Glowing Differences

Let’s not forget some other key contrasts between these two January certifications:

  • Security: In 2021, the National Guard had to camp out in the Capitol building like they were reenacting Night at the Museum. This time? Security was tight but unobtrusive—more Secret Service chic, less post-apocalyptic movie set.
  • Speeches: Today’s speeches were respectful and professional. No one interrupted the proceedings to shout conspiracy theories or demand recounts. It was almost… boring? And honestly, after 2021, boring is exactly what we needed.
  • The Afterparty: In 2021, the “afterparty” involved arrests, FBI investigations, and a lot of people Googling “can you get fired for storming the Capitol?” In 2024? Everyone just went home like normal people. Revolutionary!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: two January certifications, worlds apart. If 2021 was the chaotic ex who shows up at your door at 3 a.m. screaming about “unfinished business,” then 2024 is the friend who texts you after a party to make sure you got home safe. The glow-up is real, y’all.

Here’s hoping that this new era of calm and professionalism sticks around—because after everything we’ve been through, we’ve earned it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find some memes about today’s certification. Democracy may be serious business, but there’s always room for a little humor along the way!

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