President Joe Biden has assured a seamless transfer of leadership to President-elect Donald Trump, following a clear electoral defeat.
According to Fox News, after conceding the 2024 election, President Joe Biden promises a smooth and bipartisan transition of power.
Biden's public address from the Rose Garden on Thursday marked a formal acknowledgment of the election results. The address followed Vice President Kamala Harris's concession speech at Howard University, wherein she accepted the electoral outcome but voiced continued commitment to their campaign's ideals.
On Wednesday, Biden personally telephoned Trump to congratulate him on his victory. This came after Trump amassed at least 295 Electoral College votes and secured the majority of the popular vote, tallying over 72 million votes. Harris captured 226 Electoral College votes, with a minimum of 68 million votes from the electorate.
Despite ongoing ballot counting in several states, the outcome is decisive, ensuring Trump’s forthcoming presidency. The transition has been a focal point for both parties, emphasizing a peaceful handover mandated by the democratic process.
Earlier in the year, Biden faced a challenging campaign, starting with a withdrawal from the Democratic primary after a disappointing debate performance against Trump in June. Harris was then nominated as the Democratic candidate, launching a vigorous campaign against Trump, whom they labeled as a threat to democratic values during their rallies.
Biden praised Harris's efforts during his speech, highlighting her resilience and inspiring campaign, despite the electoral setback. “She has great character and a backbone like a ramrod,” Biden admired.
This election cycle was marked by harsh rhetoric from both camps, with Biden and Harris consistently criticizing Trump’s policies and warning against the consequences of his re-election.
During his address, Biden emphasized the need to respect the electoral outcome, irrespective of personal or party sentiments. “A country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made,” he stated, advocating for unity and mutual respect across political divides.
Biden reinforced the credibility of the electoral system, asserting, “It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted. Win or lose.” This affirmation comes during a time when electoral integrity is often under scrutiny and debate.
He reminded his audience and supporters that setbacks in democracy are common, but not definitive. “Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden declared, calling for perseverance and resilience in pursuing democratic ideals.
Harris, reflecting on her campaign's passion and principles, stated during her concession, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.” This sentiment was mirrored by Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’ campaign manager, who described the loss as deeply painful yet a catalyst for continued advocacy against Trump’s policy directions.
“This will take a long time to process. But the work of protecting America from the impacts of a Trump Presidency starts now,” Dillon wrote in a staff memo, signaling a proactive stance moving forward.