Nathan Deal: Election’s over, Trump won, time for peaceful transition

Gov. Nathan Deal. BOB ANDRES@BANDRES@AJC.COM

Gov. Nathan Deal. BOB ANDRES@BANDRES@AJC.COM

Gov. Nathan Deal is trying to stay as far away from the Donald Trump-John Lewis political fight as possible.

Lewis, an Atlanta Democrat, said he'd skip Trump's inaugural this week because he didn't see him as a "legitimate president"

Trump responded by tweeting: "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk — no action or results. Sad!"

Deal doesn’t plan to attend the inaugural either, but he cited financial reasons.

When asked about the Trump-Lewis spat Tuesday after addressing House and Senate budget writers, Deal said, “I have no interest in getting involved in that.

“I understand that Congressman Lewis has a point of view,” he added “But one of the points of view I have is that no matter who wins or loses, our process provides that once that is established, we are not like other countries, we are not going to have revolutions, we are not going to have those who are going to say ‘we are going to throw the elections out, we are going to storm the streets.’

“That has always been the unique experience, that the United States has a peaceful transition of power and I support that and I will continue to support that. I really believe Congressman Lewis does as well.

He added, of the political war of words, “Let’s hope we don’t have to listen to it or be involved in it any more.”

Read more about how Georgians are celebrating – or mourning – Trump's inauguration by clicking here.