Obama on Dems boycotting inauguration: ‘I’m going to be there’

President Obama on Wednesday refused to comment on the dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, noting only that he would be in attendance.

“With respect to the inauguration, I’m not going to comment on those issues,” Obama said during his final White House press conference. “All I know is I’m going to be there. So is Michelle.”

Nearly 60 Democratic lawmakers have said they will break tradition to boycott Trump’s inauguration this Friday, according to The Hill’s whip list.

{mosads}The lawmakers have cited concerns for their constitutions and Trump’s rhetoric, among other reasons, for not attending.

Trump’s Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton will attend the inauguration, along with former President Bill Clinton and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill.

Obama joked Wednesday that he looks forward to warmer weather this Inauguration Day.

“I’ve been checking the weather, and I’m hardened by the fact that it won’t be as cold as my first inauguration,” Obama said. “That was cold.”

Obama has long emphasized his goal of a peaceful transfer of power throughout the transition period and during his final press conference further detailed his conversations with Trump.

“They’re cordial, at times they’ve been fairly lengthy, and they’ve been substantive,” Obama said.

“I can’t tell you how convincing I’ve been — I think you’d have to ask him whether I’ve been convincing or not. I’ve offered my best advice and council on certain issues both foreign and domestic.”

He also said he told Trump to rely on his advisers and Cabinet members to help him throughout his presidency. 

“This is a job of such magnitude that you can’t do it by yourself,” Obama said. “You’re enormously reliant on your team.”

Many of the Democrats boycotting the inauguration made the decision after Trump targeted Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) over the weekend. Trump said the civil rights icon was “all talk” and “no action” after Lewis said Trump wasn’t a “legitimate president.”