'You Can’t Love Your Country Only When You Win': Biden Assures Of Peaceful Transfer Of Power In 1st Speech After Trump Win
Joe Biden said he spoke with Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his victory and assured him of a peaceful and orderly transition, adding "That’s what the American people deserve."
President Joe Biden, in his first speech following the US Election results, said the American people deserve a "peaceful and orderly" transition following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory on Wednesday.
Biden said he spoke with Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his victory and assured him of a peaceful and orderly transition, adding "That’s what the American people deserve."
“For over 200 years, America has carried out the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world. That’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact. Where the people, the people vote and choose their own leaders, and they do it peacefully. And we’re in a democracy. The will of the people always prevails," Biden said in the first public remarks after the election results from the White House Rose Garden.
Join me as I address the nation to discuss the election results and the transition. https://t.co/9LQhawXbxX
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 7, 2024
The outgoing President lauded Vice President Kamala Harris for her “true character” in remarks following her election loss. Biden added that the entire team of the Vice President should be proud of the campaign.
ALSO READ | Many Reasons Why Kamala Harris Lost US Presidential Race, But 3 Factors Stand Out Loud And Clear
“She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much, her character. She has a backbone like a ramrod and she has great character, true character,” Biden said.
Speaking of the electoral loss for the Democrats, he said that though he understands that he would have different feelings about the result, it is important to "accept the choice the country made."
"You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I think you can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature," Biden said.
The US President also emphasised on the integrity of the American electoral system, saying, “It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent — and it can be trusted, win or lose." Biden's acceptance of the election results following the election loss of Vice President Kamala Harris was in contrast to Trump's 2020 election loss. Donald Trump had repeatedly questioned the electoral system in the country after his election loss claiming voter fraud and launching a series of legal challenges in swing states.
Speaking of the loss, he said, "Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable."
"I know people are still hurting, but things are changing rapidly. Together, we've changed America for the better. Now we have 74 days to finish our term. Let's make every day count. That's the responsibility we have to the American people,” he said.
"Noting that setbacks are unavoidable, he said that giving up is unforgivable. We all get knocked down. But the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up. Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up,” he said.
“That's the story of America for over 240 years and counting. It's a story for all of us, not just some of us, he said, adding that the American experiment endures. We're going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. Above all, we need to keep the faith,” Biden added.
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