The logs were stacked high and flames filled the Oval Office fireplace as President Joe Biden sat next to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday. Biden smiled and extended his hand in welcome. It was a meeting Biden hoped could bring down the temperature in American politics but the halting introductions betrayed the awkwardness of the moment.

President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden meet inside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Wednesday as part of what Biden called a peaceful transition of power. Trump also spent time meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.