Should past presidents attend the inauguration?

Yes.. and sadly the "Office" has be sullied by those who would disgrace THE Office.

They should respect but to many of the commenters (haters) don't respect the presidents elected by clear majorities so why would I care about your hate. filled comments.

SFC Shirley Whitfield - just for the sake of conversation - not arguing with you - the vast majority of Americans don't ever vote. That's a problem no matter how you look at it. HRC did win the popular vote but only from the votes of one state. That's the best reason for the EC I've ever heard of otherwise the rest of the nation would be captive to what 1-3 states want. However, since enough people did vote, and following the trends of the voting over the last 8 years - it's fair to say there is the "will of the people". But the winners of every election claim "the will of the people" often without fully understanding what the people are saying. This election, I think the people are saying they are full of both parties. Trump was the only outlier to vote for if you didn't want a career politician who has been part of "the problem". Certainly interesting conversation that only time will tell as you suggest in 2018 and 2020.

SFC Shirley Whitfield - I hope so. It's expected as a world leader and all... but adulting is hard for lots of people. especially politicians!

There are Hollywood celebrities and D.C. Celebrities. Much the same I think.

Politics is show biz for ugly people... :-)

LTC John Wilson - Now that's very funny! you win.

Its not Hollywood anymore, its hellwood.

Obama traded 5 top terrorists for a deserter. He set Iran up to be a nuclear power in the near future. He withdrew to soon from Iraq and Afghanistan, Bashar Hafez al-Assad spit on his line in the sand, he supports disrespecting police. Obama brought disrespect on America and the office of the President.

Does anyone remember when the Clinton people, as they were leaving office, took all the W's off the keyboard of government computers? This was because Pres. George W. Bush was coming into office. I think that was this stupidest and worst change over...and the most expensive for taxpayers. They thought it would prevent work getting down in the first week. (How do you say sabotage?)

SP5 Christine Conley - Prank? That's something you might expect from someone in junior high, not grown adults in an outgoing Presidential administration. Those keyboards all had to be replaced. Plus there was the looting of the White House and Air Force One, taking silverware, art, etc., stuff that belongs to the nation. It was disgusting. Not fun, not funny, just disgusting.

Yet...even Carter has RSVP'd. HW is excused. As I have stated elsewhere, I would prefer to see obama [sic] impeached than the presidency demeaned. Former Presidents should know that! Besides, demeaning the presidency, diminishes themselves.