Mr Biden, meanwhile, sat with his hands on his knees, a stance Mr Stanton said was designed to show he was still in control – at least for now.
“Whether he’s done that consciously or unconsciously, he’s still trying to assert his authority as an existing president,” he said.
Both men managed to make the meeting look natural – despite the awkwardness of their situation.
There is no escaping that, despite the pleasantries, Mr Trump believes Mr Biden has been squatting in his home for the last four years.
For Mr Biden, Mr Trump is an arsonist returning to the scene of the crime.
His jovial demeanour, however, may suggest that he is well aware that it is no longer his problem.
Back in 2016, when Barack Obama held his own transition meeting with Mr Trump, the pair spoke on camera for three minutes.
Mr Obama’s set up was much colder and more stark – no dancing flames or warm smiles here.
The 2016 setup saw an empty and cold fire place. The then-president wore a black suit, as if for a funeral. Between the two men sat a bowl of apples rather than the bouquet – that sat off to the side, next to Trump.
This time, the press spray lasted barely 40 seconds with reporters ushered out of the warm room almost immediately after Mr Trump and Mr Biden had finished speaking.