US election: President Joe Biden calls for unity after ‘ramrod’ Vice President Kamala Harris loses election
Outgoing US President Joe Biden has addressed the nation from the White House, acknowledging the country chose “the other” and that “we accept the choice the country makes.”
Mr Biden sprung out of the white house on Thursday morning wearing his classic aviator glasses to applause from staff who know their time in the White with the Democrats is coming to an end.
“For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” he said.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Where people vote and choose their own leader and they do it peacefully.”
Addressing the loss, Mr Biden said: “Setbacks are unavoidable, but 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. That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting.”
“The American experience endures. We are going to be okay. But we need to stay engaged, we need to keep going and above all, we need to keep the faith.”
The president confirmed he has spoken with President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him,
“I assured him that I’d direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve,” he said.
Mr Biden confirmed he had spoken with Ms Harris after her election loss, taking the opportunity to speak highly of her character and “ramrod” backbone.
“She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learnt early on to respect so much, her character,” he said.
“She has a backbone like a ram road. She has a great character, true character. She gave her whole heart and effort. She and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran.
The president implored Americans to come together after the election and “bring down the temperature”.
“The struggle for the soul of America, since our very founding, has always been an ongoing debate and (is) still vital today.
“I know for some people it’s time for victory. For others a time of loss,” he said.
“Campaigns are contestants. Competing visits. The country chooses one or the other and we accept the choice the country makes.
“I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbour only when you agree.
“Something to hope, (that) we can do no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature.
Mr Biden also used the opportunity to shut down ongoing concerns about the “integrity of the American electoral system”, something Mr Trump raised issue with after the 2020 Democrat win.
“It is honest, fair and it is transparent,” he said.
“It can be trusted. Win or lose.”
Mr Biden said there will be a “peaceful transfer of power” on January 20th, before thanking his staff and highlighting his “historic” presidency.
“Don’t forget all that we accomplished. It’s been a historic presidency,” Mr Biden said.
“Not because I am president but because of what we have done.
“Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people. The vast majority will be felt over the next 10 years. We have legislation we passed that’s just only now just kicking in.”
Adding “it takes time”.
Mr Biden said the trillions his administration invested in infrastructure will change the lives of “rural” and “difficult” communities.
The President said his team has “changed the lives of Americans for the better” and that the economy was the strongest in the world, acknowledging that “people are still hurting, but things are changing rapidly”.
Mr Biden now has just 74 days left of his “lame duck” presidency but plans on making “every day count”.
As he walked away, Mr Biden blew a kiss into the crowd before walking back into the White House.
