US Presidential Debate 2024: The Tradition of the Handshake, Its Significance, and Why Trump Broke the Norm This Time

The world went in astonishment when prior to the very first US presidential debate in Atlanta, Joe Biden and Donald Trump did not shake hands. This has been a long rooted tradition among all the competing candidates in the history of United States. What does this handshake signify, especially when the candidates are in tiff competition? Well, a handshake between competing candidates demonstrate their political maturity. At what moment, then the tradition has been broken in the United States?

Well, it is believed that Former US President Donald Trump has been the very first person in politics to have broken the tradition of a handshake in the year 2016. 
It can be clearly seen that both Trump and Biden do not share a bonhomie. Both the candidates have hit out at each other since the election in the year 2020.
During the debate, it was taken care that both of the candidates do not speak over each other. The national convention of both the parties will be seeing both Biden and Trump to be appointed as the presidential nominees. 

The tradition of handshake 

The tradition of a handshake is reported to have begun in the year 1978 when the Inaugural presidential debate started. This was actually a debate between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Since then, during every such debate, the two candidates shake hands to demonstrate their political maturity despite heated debates. 
The belief is that while the political differences between the two individuals is fine in a democracy. The essence of democracy lies in bonhomie and decency between the two nominees. It is believed that ultimately, the candidates seek to work towards the American interests. The handshake is seen as a symbolic gesture. It is respectful and civic. A handshake sets the complete tone of the evening of the debate.

The lack of the handshake this time sent a clear message to the voters and the world at large relating to the uncivil and heated nature of the race this year.

Not only such handshakes play an important role in politics, but also in other realms. For instance, even in the corporate world, executives shake hands at the beginning of a heated, contentious conversation in order to avoid starting things off on a wrong note. This shows sheer professionalism and professional respect of each other despite the heated contentions following up.

Many etiquette experts, such as Jo Hayes, are also of the view that the two candidates of the debate should have shook hands. They believe that a handshake is a universally accepted symbol of respect, quality, greeting and sound sportsmanship. It comes as a basic form of courtesy and good manners. These are the qualities that humanity is striving for these days amid heightened tensions and differences.